Manifesto: A radically honest and inspirational memoir from the Booker Prize winning author of Girl, Woman, Other

Description

The powerful, urgent memoir and manifesto on never giving up from Booker prize-winning trailblazer, Bernardine Evaristo. Bernardine Evaristo's 2019 Booker win - the first by a Black woman - was a revolutionary moment both for British culture and for her. After three decades as a trailblazing writer, teacher and activist, she moved from the margins to centre stage, taking her place in the spotlight at last. Her journey was a long one, but she made it, and she made history. Manifesto is Bernardine Evaristo's intimate and inspirational, no-holds-barred account of how she did it, refusing to let any barriers stand in her way. She charts her creative rebellion against the mainstream and her life-long commitment to the imaginative exploration of 'untold' stories. And drawing deeply on her own experiences, she offers a vital contribution to current conversations around social issues such as race, class, feminism, sexuality and aging. This is a unique book about staying true to yourself and to your vision. It's about how to be unstoppable - in your craft, your work, your life. It is Bernardine Evaristo's manifesto for never giving up.

Bernardine Evaristo, MBE, is the award-winning author of eight books of fiction and verse fiction that explore aspects of the African diaspora. Her novel Girl, Woman, Other made her the first black woman to win the Booker Prize in 2019, as well winning the Fiction Book of the Year Award at the British Book Awards in 2020, where she also won Author of the Year, and the Indie Book Award. She also became the first woman of colour and black British writer to reach No.1 in the UK paperback fiction chart in 2020. Her writing spans reviews, essays, drama and radio, and she has edited and guest-edited national publications, including The Sunday Time's Style magazine. Her other awards and honours include an MBE in 2009. Bernardine is Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University, London, and Vice Chair of the Royal Society of Literature. She lives in London with her husband. www.bevaristo.com

This honest, engaging memoir shares such gems . . . the perfect read for anyone who dreams big * The Times & The Sunday Times, Book of the Year * Raw and emotive . . . a powerful account of how Evaristo got to the top of her game - it's moving, but there's also much humour and joy * Independent * Manifesto combines the personal with the practical to powerful effect * The Guardian * Bernardine Evaristo is one of those writers who should be read by everyone, everywhere -- Elif Shafak, author of the bestselling The Island of Missing Trees A bold memoir. Prepare to be inspired * Psychologies * A meditation on personal transformation, cultural inequalities, activism, belonging, love and friendships - and above all, the power of creativity * New Statesman * Bernardine Evaristo is one of Britain's best writers, an iconic and unique voice, filled with warmth, subtlety and humanity. Exceptional -- Nikesh Shukla, author of Brown Baby and The Good Immigrant How I wish when I was 18, that someone - if not necessarily my school - had also thrust Manifesto into my hands * Evening Standard * Shimmers with unfailing self-belief and a strong vein of humility * The Spectator * This humorous and eye-opening memoir is fascinating . . . and beautifully told * Sunday Telegraph, Five Books That Will Make You See the World Differently * The autobiographical parts of the book serve as vivid lessons about the power of change, growth and self-confidence * The Daily Telegraph * The most striking feature of this moving and enjoyable book is her fearless openness. When the publishing world looked closed to her she prised it open with her daring fiction * The Sunday Times * Bernardine Evaristo is the most daring, imaginative and innovative of writers -- Inua Ellams Manifesto serves as not only a beautifully written, measured companion piece to the fictionalised lives of Girl, Woman, Other, but as a testament to Evaristo's own trailblazing commitment to creativity, education and activism * Buzzfeed *