My Name Is Why (Omnibus)

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BBC Radio 4 Extra

My Name Is Why by Lemn Sissay (Omnibus)

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Factual: Life Stories

My Name Is Why

BBC Radio 4 Extra - My Name Is Why by Lemn Sissay (Omnibus)

Lemn Sissay reads from his memoir about growing up in care, and the power of creativity.

Lemn Sissay reads from his memoir about growing up in the care system in the 70s and 80s, and the redemptive power of poetry.

This is Lemn Sissay's courageous account of a childhood spent in a foster family - followed by six years in the institutional care system in the 1970s and 80s. 

Interwoven with documents from his social work file, Lemn uncovers answers to questions that he has been asking since he left care aged 17. Truths are uncovered that reveal Lemn's story to be one of triumph over adversity.

Beginning with his early days in foster care - Lemn Sissay reads from his powerful memoir - with the redemptive power of poetry. 

Omnibus of five parts abridged by Julian Wilkinson.

Read by: 

Lemn Sissay
Shaun Mason
Susan Jameson
Nahel Tzegai
Sean Baker
Katherine Press

Lemn is an award-winning writer, the author of five poetry collections, and was the official poet for the 2012 Olympics. He was awarded an MBE for services to literature and has worked tirelessly is supporting children in care.

Producer: Elizabeth Allard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2019.

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