All the Times You Were Not There with Emma Fowle

In conversation with Andy Kind, Emma Fowle reflects on her memoir All the Times You Were Not There. Growing up in 1980s East London, life was governed by an unspoken code: you could throw a punch to make a point, stolen goods made financial sense, and a few too many beers were par for the course — but you never abandoned your family.

That was Emma’s father’s greatest mistake.

A champion powerlifter with a dangerous appetite for risk, he dragged his family into a world of steroids, cocaine, illegal raves, debt collecting, fraud, and infidelity. Then, one day, he simply walked out, leaving behind a trail of chaos and questions that would take decades to untangle.

Through her Christian faith, Emma learnt to reframe her past — not as a story of failure, but of survival, forgiveness, and hope. With unflinching honesty and tender insight, she reflects on growing up searching for love in the ruins and finding redemption where it is least expected. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A, followed by a book signing.

This session will be held in the Church Hall. Bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.