Eight Weeks: Looking Back, Moving Forwards, Defying the Odds

by Lola Young

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WESTMINSTER BOOK AWARDS

'I am in awe of the woman who grew from the child in this book ... The pure character necessary to grow through this dark entangled forest of childhood is the stuff of legends. Bravissima' LEMN SISSAY, author of My Name is Why

Eight Weeks is a deeply moving and inspiring memoir that tells the remarkable life story of Baroness Young of Hornsey, from her childhood in foster care, to becoming one of the first Black women in the House of Lords.

Lola Young has been an actress, an academic, an activist and campaigner for social justice, and a crossbench peer. But from the age of eight weeks to eighteen years, she was moved between foster care placements and children's homes in North London. It would take many decades before she was able to begin the search for answers to the long-standing questions that would help her make sense of her childhood.

In Eight Weeks, through her care records, fragments of memory, and her imagination where parts of her story are missing, Lola assembles the pieces of her past into a portrait of a childhood in a system that often made her feel invisible and unwanted. Alongside glimpses into her life as a peer, activist, and campaigner it tells the powerful story of her determination to defy the odds.

Eight Weeks is a spirited, eye-opening and beautifully written account of being a child in care and a Black child in a white family and is a vital part of contemporary Black British history.

'A remarkable account of rejection, resilience and resolve' MICHELLE GAYLE
'Beautiful and harrowing, deeply unsettling and profoundly life-affirming' JOHN AKOMFRAH
'Superb, moving' HELENA KENNEDY LT KC
'An inspiring story from an inspirational storyteller' GARY YOUNGE

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2024

About the author

Margaret Omolola Young, Baroness Young of Hornsey, OBE is a British actress, author, crossbench peer, and Chancellor of the University of Nottingham.

Abridged from Wikipedia

Reviews

[Francesca Pashby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into the British foster care system of the 1950s and 60s ... Lola Young obviously went on to achieve great things, despite her inauspicious start in life. Her experiences of racism were shocking too ... I would hope that people are much more enlightened in the 21st century, but perhaps this is wishful thinking from my privileged position?

I think she did love her elderly white foster mother, Daisy, and there was never any clear explanation as to why her birth parents effectively 'dumped' her, but I hope the author found some sense of closure or peace by sharing her experiences in this book.

[Thea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book.

[Michael Moseley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. Lola Young is 7 years my senior, we shared an upbringing and education in Islington and Camdem. In terms of place experience we shared so much, but in terms of family experience we could not be further apart. I am a white male brought up by two loving parents, but somethings we did share. The failure of the education system for one and lack of childhood self worth for another, which gave me a connection. How the world has changed from the London of the 1960s and 70s. The barbaric impact of a care system that did not seem the care. The ingrained racism that was just part of life then. I have not idea the impact of being given up by your parents must have but I felt some of the pain in reading about Lola`s journey. I whole heartily recommend this read.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, a powerful memoir written about Young's experience as a Black woman growing up in foster care in the 60s and 70s in a post-industrial, diversifying Britain. A story about connecting with family, racism, depression, ambition, motivation, and hope despite difficult circumstances.

Very informative as the reader is brought along on the author's journey as she reads through the professional notes from her time in care. Parallel insight from her position in the House of Lords is also fascinating.

[Jonny Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful book, hugely important for our times. It is both tender and gritty. Young's own story is told compellingly, alongside a narrative that challenges oppression, encourages learning and amplifies the voices of care leavers.

It is definitely worth reading.

[Ella Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and vulnerable. I can’t believe how many Nigerian children were left in the UK so their parents could fulfil their ‘dreams’. My heart breaks for her, but it really shows no matter where you come from in life every choice and decision is yours and your life is your choice.

[Amelia Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️