Desert Island Discs Lemn Sissay on his foster family
Oct 8, 2025
Lemn Sissay shares his journey of navigating foster care, revealing how his teenage behavior was misunderstood by his foster family. He reflects on the emotional impact of their eventual separation and the search for his identity. The discussion delves into forgiveness, faith, and how he came to view his foster parents' decisions over time. With poignant insights and personal stories, Lemn's narrative emphasizes the complexities of family dynamics and the quest for belonging.
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Eviction At The Edge Of Adolescence
- At 12, Lemn Sissay was placed into children's homes after clashes with his foster family over normal adolescent behaviour.
- The family explicitly told him they would never write or contact him again when they removed him from the home.
Files Reveal Vilification By Foster Family
- Reviewing his files after 25 years revealed the foster parents framed him as a threat and blamed him for problems in the family.
- They described him with metaphors like 'Trojan horse' and 'the devil', showing vilification rather than understanding.
Choosing Forgiveness After Trauma
- Lemn Sissay says he reserves the right to be emotional about his experience yet chooses to forgive his foster parents and family.
- He frames forgiveness through a renewed belief in a God greater than his understanding, which enables him to let go.