Ootlin

With punchy prose and a harrowing story of staggering resilience and fortitude, Fagan’s memoir should be required reading – Claire FullerA phenomenal memoir. I am in awe. It takes exceptional strength to survive the events described in this book and courage, skill and magic to write a life story, especially when this type of story is often marginalised – Amy LiptrotA clear-eyed, unsentimental account of the author’s childhood being shuffled between foster homes. Her resilience is remarkable. It’s a book that really made me want to reach through the pages and help – Douglas StuartAn astonishing piece of work. I tore through it, and it through me. I will never, ever forget it – Niall GriffithsOotlin is a 21st century classic from one of our most exceptional writers – Adelle StripeHeartbreaking, magnificent, and incredibly important … [Jenni Fagan] is one of the best – Ever DundasA terrifying descent into a childhood of an un-looked-after child, growing up and expected to make sense of a senseless system – Denise MinaHere, there suffering becomes chords and strains, refrains and melodies, and we feel the chills that come with being touched by the poetry of pain. But we owe it to Jenni, and the many she will invigorate with her story, not to look away. The push and pull of the prose perfectly mimics the life conveyed in the pages, bringing us close enough to understand why she must turn away. Jenni is composed in her candour, though this is a memoir that goes beyond honesty, and to attempt to describe the soul of this book is to diminish its power – Derek OwusuBeautiful, deep, dangerous, transfixing … it will burn a home in your heart, it has in mine. Read every word of every page. Turn them carefully. Jenni Fagan is made of fire and spirit. From start to finish I could not put it down. Close the door. Sit down now. Read Ootlin. Read – Lemn SissayThis is essential reading, life changing, I couldn’t stop reading once I started. All day and all night. The world had to stop whilst I stayed with little Ootlin. The poetic nature with which Jenni has written about her childhood is mind blowing. Unbelievably brave. Beautiful , earth shattering and unforgettable. A truly rare talent – Samantha Morton

Jenni Fagan was born in Scotland. Jenni was selected as one of Granta’s Best Young British Novelists after the publication of her debut novel, The Panopticon, which was shortlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize and the James Tait Black Prize. The Sunlight Pilgrims, her second novel, was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Encore Award and the Saltire Fiction Book of the Year Award and saw her win Scottish Author of the Year at the Herald Culture Awards. Luckenbooth was shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize 2021. Jenni Fagan is a Doctor of Philosophy, she lives in Edinburgh with her son.