About Isabel Kelly
My Story
Hi, my name is Isabel Kelly, and I am delighted to share my story with you through my book, IS-Abel. This memoir is a deeply personal account of my journey growing up in Northern Ireland’s care system – a journey filled with challenges, obstacles, and uncertainty, but also one marked by resilience, survival, and hope.
IS-Abel tells the story of how I navigated life within the care system, facing difficulties that could have defined me, yet finding the strength to overcome them. It is a story about the power of hope, the importance of perseverance, and the human capacity to rise above adversity. Through sharing my experiences, I hope to illuminate the realities of the care system, reflect on my journey of personal growth, and inspire others who may be facing their own struggles.
ShadowScript Publications
Extract From My Book
Just before my fortieth birthday, I went searching for my biological mother. I knew she had lived on and off at Purdysburn Hospital in Belfast most of her life because of her poor mental health, so I tried there first. I explained my situation to an employee and was put through gruelling questions to identify who I was.
My mother was found. Two days later, with bags of presents, I nervously drove to a nursing home in Belfast along with my Aunt Kathleen to meet my mother. I was excited but anxious about meeting her. Greeted by the matron in charge at the nursing home where my mother was now living, I showed her a photograph of my mother.
To my horror, the woman I was about to meet was not my mother. She was someone else’s mother. But not mine. How could the hospital get it so wrong? Where was my mother? I was desperate to find answers.
So, let’s go back to the very beginning-1971.
Awards
Best Author Award 2024
Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas aspernatur aut odit aut fugit
World's #1 Best-selling Book 2014
Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas aspernatur aut odit aut fugit
NYT Best-selling Author 2013
Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas aspernatur aut odit aut fugit
"For anyone who has ever searched for belonging."
Isabel Kelly (Author)
Follow @kathryn
Leo nulla cras augue eros, diam vivamus et lectus volutpat at facilisi tortor porta.
Need a Speaker for Your Upcoming Event?
Isabel Kelly is available for talks and speaking engagements, sharing her powerful journey through the care system and beyond. Her story offers insight, inspiration, and lived experience that resonates with audiences across education, social work, care, and community settings.
