'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
