Synopsis
‘A triumph. Frankly is the most insightful and stylishly open memoir by a politician since Barack Obama’s Dreams From My Father’
Andrew O’Hagan
'Nicola Sturgeon tells her remarkable story with great skill and unflinching honesty'
Alan Johnson
The enduring popularity of Nicola Sturgeon, the first female and longest-serving First Minister of Scotland, was a rare constant in an era marked by Brexit, Covid and five different UK prime ministers. Previously, as ‘Yes Minister’ and Deputy Leader of the SNP, she helped to bring Scotland to the brink of independence, overseeing the Yes campaign in the independence referendum of 2014.
In this deeply personal memoir, Sturgeon recounts her journey from working-class Ayrshire to the steps of Bute House. Revealing the person behind the politician, she explores the schism between her private and public personas: one painfully shy and self-critical, the other a consummate public performer. And yet, she pulls no punches, candidly recounting her interactions with figures including Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, and Alex Salmond – her mentor and, ultimately, her staunch adversary.
Full of the verve and wit that made Sturgeon one of the most high-profile politicians in the UK, this is a unique blend of personal insight and captivating vignettes. Infused throughout with a love of Scotland and its people, it discusses Sturgeon’s mistakes, her battles, and her triumphs with candid honesty. Frankly is the compelling story of no ordinary politician.
Details
14 August 2025
9781035040216Reviews
Nicola Sturgeon is the council house kid who became one of Europe's most successful politicians. Here she tells her remarkable story with great skill and unflinching honesty.Alan Johnson, bestselling author of This Boy and former British Home Secretary
A triumph. Truly searching, truly frank, an excavation not only of what has been crucial in Sturgeon’s life and in our political times but in what I would call the interior life of our generation. Frankly is the most insightful and stylishly open memoir by a politician since Barack Obama’s Dreams From My Father.Andrew O'Hagan, bestselling author of Mayflies and Caledonian Road
How often has a working-class girl from Ayrshire risen to the highest office in Scotland and become a world leader who stood firmly for the dignity of her nation? Once, so far. Nicola is the first. She not only accompanied us through pivotal, decisive moments in British history, in many cases, she was their proponent. In compelling, clear-eyed, and self-critical prose, Frankly gives us a riveting, deeply human portrait of a woman coming into her power and reflecting on her battles, triumphs and defeats. Sturgeon’s voice is an essential account of our time and the collective fate of our nation. I was both enlightened and enthralled.Douglas Stuart, bestselling author of Shuggie Bain
Few women throughout history have occupied higher political office than Nicola Sturgeon. Once described as the most dangerous woman in Britain, this candid and unpretentious memoir is a riveting account from one of Scotland’s most distinguished daughters. A woman of remarkable substance, integrity and resilience. A must read by any standards.Shirley Manson, lead singer of Garbage
