RECIPIENT OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD '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
