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I Had It In Me is the memoir of Leonie Orton, youngest sister of
the controversial playwright, Joe Orton. Leonie tells her own story
of growing up on a Leicester council estate in the 1940s and 1950s
as her brother rose to become a remarkable writer. For the first time
she recounts how the family coped with his brutal murder and lost diaries.
She also describes her fight to educate herself, nurture her own family
and eventually take over the management of her brother’s legacy. In short,
how she became the successful woman she is today.

The memoir includes previously unseen family photographs, a chapter
on Joe's missing diaries, reference notes and a detailed index.


A wonderful memoir, intensely moving and hilariously funny.
Like her brother, Joe, Leonie Orton uses dark comedy with
devastating effect to pinpoint the stark truths about
families, love, sex and death. I couldn't put it down.

Jake Arnott

A remarkable memoir.
Nick Hern

A terrific story. Gets under your skin.
John Lahr

This wonderful memoir not only offers personal insights into
playwright Joe Orton's early years in post-war Leicester but
also a moving and inspirational account of adversity overcome.

Emma Parker, University of Leicester

Available as Kindle E-BOOK £5.49