BOOK BRIEF

My Name is Leon

Kit de Waal
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My Name is Leon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

Book Brief

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Kit de Waal

My Name is Leon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

British Literature

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Birmingham, England • 1980s

Theme
Family
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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Super Short Summary

My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal follows a young boy, Leon, in 1980s Britain who is separated from his family due to foster care circumstances. The novel explores Leon's experiences with social services, his determination to reunite with his brother, and his journey of self-discovery amid societal changes.

Emotional

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Heartwarming

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.1

17,214 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal is praised for its poignant exploration of racial identity and foster care through the heartwarming journey of a young boy in 1980s Britain. The novel’s emotional depth and vivid characterization resonate with readers, though some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it offers a compelling and empathetic portrayal of a child's resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read My Name is Leon?

Readers who enjoy emotionally rich narratives about resilience, identity, and family will appreciate My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal. Similar in tone to The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, it appeals to fans of heartfelt stories about overcoming adversity and the bonds that shape us.

4.1

17,214 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

British Literature

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Birmingham, England • 1980s

Theme
Family
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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