By Megan Thomas
Bernardine Evaristo’s memoir is a wonderful insight into her life and work, especially for those who write themselves. Taking us through each of her novels, the process involved (which was sometimes throwing whole manuscripts away and starting again) and also the emotional stamina required for a career dedicated to the arts, Evaristo is so inspirational.
She discusses in fascinating detail the bizarre experience of being “put on the map” after decades of writing reasonably successful novels, following her joint Booker prize win for Girl, Woman, Other alongside Margaret Atwood. She also shares stories from her childhood and her hunger to know who she is and where she fits into the world. Ultimately, Manifesto is a window into a life in the creative arts and the determination it takes to succeed.
I haven’t read any of Evaristo’s fiction novels other than Girl, Woman, Other. Have you? I think the autobiographical Lara is up next for me.
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