My Name Is Why

By: Lemn Sissay

Narrated by: Lemn Sissay, Richard Burnip, Zoe Mills

At the age of 17, after a childhood in an fostered family followed by six years in care homes, Norman Greenwood was given his birth certificate. He learned that his real name was not Norman. It was Lemn Sissay. He was British and Ethiopian. And he learned that his mother had been pleading for his safe return to her since his birth.

Here Sissay recounts his life story. It is a story of neglect and determination. Misfortune and hope. Cruelty and triumph.

Sissay reflects on a childhood in care, self-expression and Britishness, and in doing so explores the institutional care system, race, family and the meaning of home. Written with all the lyricism and power you would expect from one of the nation's best-loved poets, this moving, frank and timely memoir is the result of a life spent asking questions, and a celebration of the redemptive power of creativity.

©2019 Lemn Sissay (P)2019 Canongate Books Ltd

So sorry when this book was finished

We listened to Lemn Sissay read his book and it was mesmerizing.

I can only say that he is a very resilient person and a great talent. I am looking forward to Reading more books and poetry written by Lemn

astonishing story

it was an amazing experience to hear in detailed information. I always wondered the individual experiences. Thank you for sharing

Perseverance . Courageous.

so courageous and dedicated to write his own journey. Not giving up easily. Brave.

Touching Story

I liked the way this book was voiced by the author. His story is one of discovery of himself. Born to an unwed mother and placed into the care of the authority, his lifelong search to learn his true identity is heartbreaking and complex.

Beautiful

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I believe I will look back at this book in 10 years as a personal turning point in my life. Thank you so much.