An interesting read that is more of a life story of how the author got to where she is today. Growing up in the same kind of era it is interesting to see how times have changed and how the old prejudices are now challenged. It certainly opened my eyes to many of the challenges that were and still are faced in society today. In some ways I wish we had explored more about the obstacles that were put in the way and how these were overcome and the resilience that was needed through out to do this but over all a thoroughly thought provoking book and some idea of how far we have come but how far we still to go.

This compact memoir by Evaristo will probably not be of interest to readers who have not read any of her earlier books. Those who have will probably find the memoir rewarding and insightful. The prose somewhat lacks the vitality of 'Girl, Woman, Other' (which has become one of my favourite books) but Evaristo's writing style remains engaging. There are witty one-liners that had me chortling on my long train journey, and plenty of memories that clearly helped to inform Evaristo's Booker-winning masterpiece.

As a writer, I found Evaristo's musings on her writing process very reassuring - she freely admits to having to go through heaps of re-writes before she's satisfied with her work, and she emphasises the importance of respecting and listening to editorial advice. I was also fascinated to learn about her 'affirmation' habit - as a pretty pessimistic person, this is something I might just give a try.

So - if you have read any of Evaristo's books, read this one next!

(With thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review)

I thought this book would be more about themes and ideas than Evaristo's own personal life.
This book reads more like a memoir than a 'series of essays' that is promised in the blurb. This isn't a problem, and I still enjoyed reading, but just surprising as I wasn't expecting it to be like that.

I didn't know Bernardine Evasristo had a background in theatre before reading, and I particularly enjoyed the chapters where she tells us of her experiences in the theatre world.

I wish the book had been more political or more radical in some of its themes. I feel like Evaristo hints at things, and changes she would like society to make in terms of racism and gender stereotyping, LGBTQ rights etc but she doesn't take this any further. I think hearing the title of 'manifesto' i expected to be more political.

Overall I did enjoy reading, and I definitely learnt a lot more about Evaristo's own life by reading - but it wasn't the radical book I was expecting.

The wonderful and brilliant Bernardine Evaristo recalls her upbringing in a large family in South London in the Sixties, the impact of being a mixed-race child in an overwhelmingly white environment, and how she got to here from there.

Unflinchingly honest, yet touching and delightful