Paperback. Black cover with white title and portrait.

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Dame Stephanie Shirley is one of Britain’s leading philanthropists and has donated most of her life to helping good causes, especially those close to her heart. This fascinating memoir charts Dame Stephanie’s life from her time as a child in Germany and arrival in England as an unaccompanied Kindertransport refugee through to her retirement and dedication to charity. It is an amazing read which will take you through the entire range of emotions – from happiness at the success of her original company Freelance Programmers through to the ultimate sadness of losing her only child.

Review Rarely does a story contain not only a disarming honesty but also such profound insight and wisdom. The latter two qualities, in Dame Shirley’s case, having been gained through phenomenal personal hardship and challenges. There is no trace of self pity in this story. Ultimately Dame Shirley has – through her own life journey – learned to live her life – to the enormous benefit of so many people whose lives she has touched – according to one of the fundamental ancient Buddhist principles of ‘letting go of attachment’. Her childhood, her tireless years building her business, coupled with countless setbacks, and her devotion to her son Giles, all make for very compelling reading. To have not thrown in the towel at any point is truly incredible. I couldn’t put this book down – it is beautifully written. As a mother of an autistic child (who sadly was not fortunate enough to benefit from the truly wonderful school of Priors Court), I would like to add a personal ‘thank you’ for all that Dame Shirley has done to improve the lives of autistic people and to further the understanding of this very complex condition.

NOTE: This is an original  book from the library gathered by the famous Cambridge Don, computer scientist, food and wine connoisseur, Jack Arnold LANG. Note: Jack founded the Michelin Guide ‘Midsummer House’- Cambridge’s paramount restaurant. This dining experience is hidden amongst the grassy pastures and grazing cattle of Midsummer Common and perched on the banks of the River Cam. 

In 2008, Jack was one of the co-founders of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, alongside other members of the Department, and acted as the Foundation’s Chair. The project’s original goals were modest: to build and distribute low-cost computers for prospective applicants to our Computer Science degree. Initially the project was a “success disaster”, as Jack would say, as demand far outstripped the low-scale manufacturing plans. Ultimately the Raspberry Pi became the UK’s most successful computer with more than 60 million sold to date. Jack was drawn to the educational possibilities of the Raspberry Pi, its potential uses in emerging economies and the way it could support self-directed learning.