21st July 2015
Hannah Lowe, a writer, teacher and former Barking & Dagenham College student is set to have her most recent book, a memoir entitled ?Long Time No See?, serialised on BBC Radio 4?s Book of the Week programme this month.
Hannah, who was born in Ilford, studied at the College’s School for Performing Arts & Technical Theatre in the 90s. It is studying at the College that Hannah credits as helping to foster her love of literature.
Speaking of her time at the College, Hannah said:
“The encouragement I had from my tutors encouraged a critical approach to reading, and a new engagement with politics through literature. Barking & Dagenham College was liberating, with students from all backgrounds studying a wide range of subjects. My college experience set me on the path to my career as a teacher and writer.”
In fact, so influential was her time at the College, that it even features in her new book! Since College Hannah has gone on to publish books of poetry, which have been short-listed for a number of prestigious prizes and she was also named as one of the 20 Next Generation Poets in 2014 by the Poetry Book Society.
This month Hannah’s newest publication, the memoir ‘Long Time No See’ is released in paperback form. The book has received such great reviews that Radio 4 decided to feature it on its Book of the Week programme. For one week, starting on 27th July, the book will be read by Hannah and Colin Salmon each day on the show.
The memoir is based around Hannah’s father Chick, a Chinese-Jamaican immigrant, who worked long hours to support his family. However, Chick was also a legendary gambler, often vanishing at night to play cards or dice, returning hours later to be with his daughter. The heartfelt story tells of the world Chick and Hannah lived in, and Hannah’s own coming of age in Britain.
Hannah adds:
“I’m thrilled as you can imagine to have my book serialised by the BBC. It’s a great honour.”
