My Name is Why

After the successful and moving reading of The Report, Lemn Sissay returns to the Royal Court with a special one off event reading excerpts from his new book, My Name is Why: A Memoir. 

At the age of 17, after a childhood in a 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. 

Lemn Sissay’s memoir 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.

Infused with all the lyricism and power you would expect from one of the nation’s best-loved poets, this moving, frank and timely event is the result of a life spent asking questions, and a celebration of the redemptive power of creativity.

The evening is a celebration of the publication of My Name is Why: A Memoir by Lemn Sissay.
Published by Canongate Books.

Chaired by Miranda Sawyer
Produced by Sarah Sansom