My Name Is Why: Lemn Sissay

At the age of 17, after a childhood in a foster 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. This is Lemn's story, a story of neglect and determination, misfortune and hope, cruelty and triumph.
Sissay reflects on a childhood in care 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 world'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. Introduced by Nandini Nair.