My Name Is Leon
Now a Major BBC Two Film
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4.5 • 81 Ratings
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- £3.99
Publisher Description
A TIMES and INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
WINNER OF THE IRISH NOVEL PRIZE
Soon to be a major BBC film starring Sir Lenny Henry, Malachi Kirby, Monica Dolan, Olivia Williams and Christopher Eccleston.
It's 1981, a year of riots and royal weddings. The Dukes of Hazzard is on TV. Curly Wurlys are in the shops. And trying to find a place in it all is nine-year-old Leon. He and his little brother Jake have gone to live with Maureen. They've lost one home, but have they found another?
Maureen feeds and looks after them. She has wild red hair and mutters swearwords under her breath when she thinks they can't hear. She claims everything will be okay. But will they ever see their mother again? Who are the couple who secretly visit Jake? Between the street violence and the street parties, Leon must find a way to reunite his family . . .
'Startlingly funny. Balances the gritty with the feel good' Observer
'Vivid and endearing - a very powerful book' Emma Healey, bestselling author of Elizabeth is Missing
'Authentic and beautiful, urgent and honest, this novel makes room in your heart' Chris Cleave, bestselling author of The Other Hand
SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD & THE DESMOND ELLIOT PRIZE
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Prepare to fall in love with Leon, an almost nine-year-old boy with a big heart and a not-so-easy life. After Leon’s baby brother, Jake, is born, their mother sinks into a depression and her sons are removed from her care. A story about the travails of a boy in the foster care system—and his quest to reunite with his younger sibling—sounds like a downer. But My Name Is Leon is both heartbreaking and joyous. First-time author Kit de Waal does such a wonderful job showing us the world through her biscuit-loving hero’s eager eyes.
Customer Reviews
Leon found a special place in my heart
I enjoyed this book so much. I found it easy to read and in parts amusing yet it highlighted the social and racial problems at that time
My Favourite Book
The best book I have read in a long time. I found myself caring deeply about Leon and what happens to him. The book is written brilliantly from a child’s perspective of the world. From the very first page I found the the book impossible to put down. I highly recommend this incredible story.
Intensely moving & beautifully written
It’s been a long time since I’ve read something which has stayed with me in the same way Leon has. The connection I felt to Leon as a character was instant and profound. Thought provoking and moving, without being depressing. A must read!