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Manifesto

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Manifesto

By: Bernardine Evaristo
Narrated by: Bernardine Evaristo
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

RECIPIENT OF THE WOMEN’S PRIZE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD

The powerful, urgent manifesto on never giving up from Booker prize-winning trailblazer, Bernardine Evaristo

Bernardine Evaristo's 2019 Booker win - the first by a Black woman - was a revolutionary moment both for British culture and for her. After three decades as a trailblazing writer, teacher and activist, she moved from the margins to centre stage, taking her place in the spotlight at last. Her journey was a long one, but she made it, and she made history.

MANIFESTO is Bernardine Evaristo's intimate and inspirational, no-holds-barred account of how she did it, refusing to let any barriers stand in her way. She charts her creative rebellion against the mainstream and her life-long commitment to the imaginative exploration of 'untold' stories. And drawing deeply on her own experiences, she offers a vital contribution to current conversations around social issues such as race, class, feminism, sexuality and aging.

This is a unique book about staying true to yourself and to your vision. It's about how to be unstoppable - in your craft, your work, your life. It is Bernardine Evaristo's manifesto for never giving up.

'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

'Bernardine Evaristo is the most daring, imaginative and innovative of writers' Inua Ellams

© Bernadine Evaristo 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

 Art & Literature Authors Women Inspiring

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Critic reviews

"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)

"Bernardine Evaristo is the most daring, imaginative and innovative of writers." (Inua Ellams)
All stars
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I think I mislead myself with the title , but I’m so grateful it did.
This autobiographical story told by the author herself , reminds us we are never the finished article and to reflect, forgive and invest in ourselves is our choice rather than “throwing stones from the outside of the fort”!

I grew to looking forward to hearing her wisdom

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Manifesto is a story unlike any I have read before. I’ve not read any of Bernardino’s previous work. Not even Girl, Woman, Other. It will be read now.

As a writer (in progress) I took a lot from Manifesto. Bernardine’s story and insights are truly inspirational. I admire her tenacity and wish I could conjure up some of my own. A lot of what she said resonated with me and it was comforting to know that a writer of her calibre has struggled to find their voice too.

There are so many themes through this book. Many shared experiences resonated my own thoughts and feelings. Life shapes who we are and I think Bernardine and I have a lot in common. I’d love to chat with her more.

I listened to this book (narrated by Bernardino herself) while commuting to work and she has been formidable company this past week. I suppose that’s why I feel we would get on. She was telling me her story, sharing her thoughts and fears while I drove (and dodged the cars much bigger than mine that were determined to have my lane). It was such pleasant company and I’m saddened that it ended today.

I also have to share how much I enjoyed the prose. Bernardine’s word choice, her sentence structure and writing style is unique and enjoyable. I was a deeply engaged listener.

I highly recommend this book if you’re curious about a Booker Prize winning author, a writer’s journey or just Bernardine herself.

Insightful, informative and inspirational

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This is the kind of autobiographucal work that really benefits from being read by the author. Bernardine has a clear and poised voice that expresses much of the personal qualities she emphasises throughout: it's positive, determined and strong. She won the Booker Prize at the age of 60 - to have kept your creative vision alive for so long takes more than chutzpah and she has much to say to anyone who let's life get to them.

Couldn't stop listening!

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I didn't know what to expect from this book as i'd never heard of Bernardine Evaristo and was unusually drawn to purchasing this audiobook via an (accurate algorithm) online ad.

I'll address this review to Bernardine 😁

This manifesto has blessed my life. Thank you. You gave a detailed insight of your experiences growing up and I felt the evolution and discovery along the way. You were unselfish in your advice and I am full of admiration of the doors you have opened and paths you have created with your will and determination. I was at a crossroads stuck when I encountered this audiobook, and listening to it felt like a was sitting at your feet as you littered me with the wisdom of your experiences. Thank you for sharing your life, I have a better sense of direction now ❤️

Inspirational

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I couldn’t stop listening. Such an inspiring story and very relatable for people from diverse backgrounds.

Captivating and inspiring

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Learned a lot and also found some parts inspiring. Overall, a good book. I recommend i!

Informative and inspiring

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I loved this book. Absolutely amazing and Bernardine reading it just makes it even better!

Amazing

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As a 62 year old,black male to hear a , a no Retreat no Surrender Mentality ,is refreshing.

Salvation

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Being a first generation migrant parent from west Africa this book although not a parenting book is helping me in my parenting journey to understanding the British culture from this perspective. Also an anecdote to my personal life itself. So thank You so much Bernardine

Speaks to me on every level.

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Very entertaining, honest and fair. Even better that Bernardine read it herself. Really enjoyed it.

Very insightful

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