Manifesto
A radically honest and inspirational memoir from the Booker Prize winning author of Girl, Woman, Other
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4.2 • 13 Ratings
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- £5.99
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- £5.99
Publisher Description
'This honest, engaging memoir shares such gems . . . the perfect read for anyone who dreams big' The Times and Sunday Times, Books of the Year
The powerful, urgent memoir and manifesto on never giving up from Booker prize-winning trailblazer, Bernardine Evaristo
In 2019, Bernardine Evaristo became the first black woman to win the Booker Prize since its inception fifty years earlier - a revolutionary landmark for Britain. Her journey was a long one, but she made it, and she made history.
Manifesto is her intimate and fearless account of how she did it. From a childhood steeped in racism from neighbours, priests and even some white members of her own family, to discovering the arts through her local youth theatre; from stuffing her belongings into bin bags, always on the move between temporary homes, to exploring many romantic partners both toxic and loving, male and female, and eventually finding her soulmate; from setting up Britain's first theatre company for Black women in the eighties to growing into the trailblazing writer, theatre-maker, teacher, mentor and activist we see today - Bernardine charts her rebellion against the mainstream and her life-long commitment to community and creativity. And, through the prism of her extraordinary experiences, she offers vital insights into the nature of race, class, feminism, sexuality and ageing in modern Britain.
Bernardine Evaristo's life story is a manifesto for courage, integrity, optimism, resourcefulness and tenacity. It's a manifesto for anyone who has ever stood on the margins, and anyone who wants to make their mark on history. It's a manifesto for being unstoppable.
'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
'Bernardine Evaristo is one of those writers who should be read by everyone, everywhere' Elif Shafak
'Bernardine Evaristo is one of Britain's best writers, an iconic and unique voice, filled with warmth, subtlety and humanity. Exceptional' Nikesh Shukla
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Bernardine Evaristo’s Inside Story: “My memoir is written as I speak, in my own voice, whereas when I write fiction, I am channelling the voices of my characters, creating a narrative arc for them and working hard to make them sound credible and fascinating. With fiction, I aim to capture and convince the truth of my characters’ experiences, whereas with memoir, I am writing my own truth and I feel no need to convince anyone of it. Fiction and memoir are very different genres and in writing Manifesto, I realised how much easier it is just to write about myself.
It was still a process of self-discovery. I came to understand at a deeper level just how my own family history had helped shaped the writer I became. It’s one thing living your life, but it’s another thing writing it down and seeing it projected back at you. For example, my parents were political activists who fought for the rights of others and I would have absorbed this by osmosis growing up. I also look at the ups and downs of my relationships and I was shocked to see how I was involved with people who weren’t good for me, something I wouldn’t tolerate today. I think my lessons took a long time to be learned, and while I like to think of myself as a strong person, and I was, there were times when I gave my power away. As I was writing the book I would often sit back and marvel at why I did certain things in my life, or why I persisted in, say, writing a novel for years when it obviously wasn’t working and I would then bin it. I came to the conclusion that I had to accept that this was simply my process and not to judge it. My biggest stumbling block was how confessional I would go with the memoir, until I decided to go for it. If you’re going to write about your life then I think there should be some revelations, some exposure and vulnerability, although I didn’t tell all. There has to be some withholding for self-preservation and for other people involved.
[My advice to my teenage self would be] to know that everything she does, everything she is, and everywhere she goes will enrich both her life and her creativity, even if it might not feel like it at the time. Enjoy life, believe in yourself, take risks, pursue your ambition and work harder than you think possible.”
Customer Reviews
Unique
I really liked to read about the unusual cultural mix and background of this author. Often ironic, never shy to speak her mind and brave, this is not only the story of a writer but of her long journey to success. Her unusual mix of family roots made her well adjusted to any situation and very wise even in the most adverse circumstances. Often people with complex backgrounds turn very eclectic. She is the proof that perseverance can make you achieve almost anything. I enjoyed her frank account of her journey and the hilarious and very personal description.