BBC Book of the Week author set to inspire our English students

The author of this week’s BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week will be inspiring students on the University of Leicester’s English course, from September.

Professor Kit De Waal, who is set to become the Writer in Residence in English at the University in the new academic year, has just published her acclaimed childhood memoir, Without Warning and Only Sometimes. 

The memoir is this week’s BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. 

This recognition comes after the BBC televised a dramatisation of her coming-of-age novel, My Name is Leon, earlier this year. It tells the story of a young mixed-race boy's quest to reunite his family after he and his white baby brother are taken into the care system and separated. Watch My Name is Leon on the BBC iPlayer.

The award-winning novelist and screenwriter will offer English students masterclasses and workshops on the art of writing, screenwriting (from page to screen), and autobiography when she takes up her role in the School of Arts next month.

Speaking ahead of A-level results day, Kit had a message for those considering applying to study English at Leicester. She said: “I hope I’m an inspiration to anyone who feels they may not belong, may not have what it takes, may not fit in. You do, and at the University of Leicester, I hope we can show you how.”

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