Frankly

by Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir will chart how she went from being a shy child from a working-class family in Ayrshire to the steps of Bute House as Scotland’s first female and longest serving First Minister.It will detail her interactions with a range of notable figures, giving her unique in-the-room perspective on the most eventful and tumultuous era in modern Scottish and British politics. She will cover all the important events and debates of her time, including the establishment of the Scottish Parliament, the SNP’s election to government, the Scottish Independence Referendum, Brexit, Covid and much more. The result will be a deeply personal and revealing memoir from one of Britain’s most significant political leaders of recent times.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, Politics, Scotland, Autobiography

465 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2025

Reviews

[Mhairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Nicola Sturgeon has no fans, I am dead x

[Chloe Gebbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some wummin.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️: fascinating and insightful. I’m not normally one for memoirs, but Nicola Sturgeon’s account of recent Scottish politics is a must-read, no matter where you sit on the political spectrum. It’s very readable and covers both her work and personal feelings, her successes and her self-admitted mistakes. You don’t have to agree with everything she’s done to admire her as a person and to see the wisdom she’s gained from her life in politics.

[Louise Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always admired NS as a woman in politics who has survived a number of testing times - whether or not you agree with her politics this is worth a read - a really interesting political life and a very honest account - always thought she’d handled covid better than BJ and fascinated to hear about her dealings with the incumbents of no10 while she was First Minister. (She is also an avid reader and passionate about literacy - I’ve often read one of her recommendations from social media posts )

[Laura Gilmour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feminist icon..Read it.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

The finest politician Scotland has ever produced, arguably one of the best in the world. Her autobiography is remarkable, candid about her achievements, yet inspiring in the way she openly admits her mistakes (something sorely missing in today's politics). Scotland may not have realised how lucky it was to have her. I can't wait to see what she does next!

[Lisa Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The insight into modern Scottish politics makes this book an important read for all Scottish people. I didn’t find it an easy book to read but I am glad I have.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Donald Trumps of this world won't be defeated by flattery and imitation. People must be offered a clear and compelling alternative to the snake oil they peddle"

3.75

An autobiography that covers her mistakes, wins and personal experiences of sexism and how deeply undermined Scotland us by Westminster

GCs, unionists and right wing Scottish separatists are trying to smear her to uphold their chosen values. This is her response.

[L Womersley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fanbloodytastic Book

I too believe, like Nicola, we will become Independent!! Thank you for a wonderful insight of your time in Office. Brilliantly written 😍

[Joe Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great woman who stood tall for Scotland

I really enjoyed reading Nicola Sturgeon's autobiography. She was born the same year as myself and joined the SNP at the same age so I remember the same political events at the same times though obviously from a very different perspective. I have always admired Nicola for coming from similar working class roots and ultimately shaping the SNP into an impressive election winning organisation which was what we all hoped for as young activists facing what seemed to be an unstoppable and monolithic Labour machine. Her honesty shines through and the pace of the book is swift and very enjoyable. I met Nicola Sturgeon a couple of times as a young activist in the Midlothian branch of the YSN, she was one of the national leaders of the YSN at that time and even then it was clear that she was destined for great things. She has always had a very charismatic personality and she rose through the ranks of the SNP extremely fast. Her moments of self doubt are referred to in her book but she always gave the impression of being the consummate and effective politician that she undoubtedly became. I imagine that her very name must give wee funny flashbacks to the unionists as the SNP under her leadership stormed to their most effective results ever and left all her opponents in the dust. Her book is both extremely interesting and illuminating and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested at all in Scottish politics or the SNP.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Strong leadership from men is seen as a virtue and with women it's seen as a character flaw".

Love her or hate her (she describes herself as marmite in the view of the public at one point in the book) she was the absolute backbone of Scotland during the pandemic and that is where I really took notice of her.

I don't particularly follow or have interest in politics but I knew I wanted to read this when I saw it advertised.

I enjoyed it, she is open and honest and tells her story. Lots of it I wasn't aware of and some of it really interesting to hear her side of memorable moments the public saw over the years.

[Emma Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. One of the best autobiographies I’ve read. Candid and insightful, fascinating even if you don’t agree with her politics. Nicola Sturgeon has been a fixture in Scottish policy’s since I became old enough to pay attention to these things and I’ve followed her progress over the years with interest. From health and education minister, to depute and head of the yes campaign to first minister. This memoir recounts so many pivotal moments of the country over the past 30 years in a warm, engaging way.

[Aiden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone with an interest in Scottish politics will find this engaging, even if you don’t support independence. I’ve always seen Sturgeon as one of the most authentic British politicians, and believed her actions were guided by good intentions. After reading this book, my mind hasn't changed.

[Sheila Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute belter of a book, loved it. Nicola Sturgeon has a lightness of touch in her writing which was refreshing in a political memoir. She is honest and Frank 😊 as the title implies, I felt she was very fair when talking about things such as her working relationship with Alex Salmond. She takes full responsibility for things where she felt she was wrong or could have done better (the reviewers who say otherwise have frankly not read this book or have done so through incredibly jaundiced glasses) at times she made me cry, talking about her miscarriage was one point and reflections on leading Scotland through the pandemic were another. I loved it.

[Darren Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankly is a fascinating account of Scottish politics over the past 30 years, told through Nicola Sturgeon’s unique perspective at the centre of it. It covers a lot of ground – from the SNP’s days as a fringe party, through failed and then successful devolution attempts, the highs of the independence referendum, electoral dominance, Covid, scandal, and the party’s current state – showing just how intertwined the SNP and Scotland’s modern history really are.

Sturgeon writes with candour about her motives as a politician and, at times, with real vulnerability – though I often wished for more of “Nicola the human” rather than “Nicola the politician.” She doesn’t shy away from controversy, and while some will inevitably call her out for “spinning” these accounts of history, I felt she admitted mistakes with honesty and reflection. I came away with a deeper sense of the reasoning behind decisions we usually only see through headlines and public reaction, and it even made me think about how I’d handle similar situations in my own life.

The book also prompted me to reflect on politics more broadly – how much is shaped by self-interest or by a politician’s own vision of what’s best, rather than by the will of the people. With Sturgeon, I believe her intentions were rooted in wanting the best for Scotland, but she also shows just how fallible and imperfect politicians are. We expect too much of them, and women leaders especially are held to an impossibly high standard.

The section I found most compelling was her account of the 2014 independence referendum. The lack of preparation for something the SNP had championed for decades was shocking and, honestly, sad. It reinforced my view that Alex Salmond’s underpreparedness – along with the UK government’s spin – ultimately cost the chance of independence. For me, it remains a profoundly sad “what if.”

By the end, I appreciated her reflections on her time in office, from independence to the LGBTQ debate to geopolitics, and how she’s found a sense of peace since stepping down. Whatever your view of Nicola Sturgeon, this book is an honest and insightful window into Scottish politics, leadership, and power.

[Stel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicola Sturgeon was at the pointy end of the most exciting years in Scottish politics in recent memory. She gives us a guided tour of forty years in the SNP, from door-knocking and offering to deliver leaflets for her local MP as a teenager to First Minister (for eight years) of the Scottish Parliament she helped to bring to life.

Whether you agree or disagree with her politics, Sturgeon's book will give you a new understanding of how one of our leading politicians ticks as she takes us through the myriad ups and downs and the many firsts and several failures of her political and personal life.

For working class young people, girls in particular, she shows just what you can achieve if you have the courage to knock on a front door and ask if you can help ...


PS: I listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox - a free app provided by our libraries in the UK 🙏

[Danielle Dunlop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether you’re a fan of the former first minister of Scotland or not, if you love politics, this is a must read.

[scottiesandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some wumman for the yin wumman

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wee legend

[Robert Ogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

À sincere autobiography from the wonderful politician. I have long admired her, but this heartwarming outpouring has made me love her and wish I were a Scott!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always had a lot of respect for Nicola Sturgeon and this book certainly upheld that. Honest, self reflective and a thoughtful memoir from a very strong leader of Scotland.

[Julia Chilver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest political memoir.

[Rob Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Art of Political Gaslighting: A Masterclass in Nicola Sturgeon's Memoir
There's a special kind of audacity required to write a memoir while your political career is still smoldering in the wreckage of multiple scandals. It takes genuine chutzpah to present yourself as a victim while presiding over catastrophic policy failures. But to do both while maintaining that you were actually brilliant at your job? That takes Nicola Sturgeon.
Her new memoir, Frankly, has arrived with all the self-awareness of a hedge fund manager explaining why the economy collapsed on their watch. It's 400 pages of political gaslighting so refined, so artfully constructed, that it deserves recognition as a masterwork of the genre.

The Humble Brag Hall of Fame
Sturgeon opens with the classic memoir move: presenting herself as a shy, bookish girl who somehow stumbled into political greatness. She writes of her imposter syndrome, her lack of confidence, her perpetual fear of failure. It's touching, really. Or it would be if these passages weren't immediately followed by declarations of her "raw talent for politics," her "Midas touch," and her status as "the star attraction."

This isn't just contradiction - it's a masterclass in having your cake and eating it too. She gets to be both the relatable every woman plagued by self-doubt and the political genius too talented for her own good. It's like watching someone accept an Oscar while insisting they can't act.
The truly impressive part is how she maintains this dual identity throughout. Every failure is presented as evidence of how much she cares (perhaps too much!), while every success proves her exceptional abilities. It's narcissism dressed up as neurosis, ego masquerading as anxiety.

The Pandemic Amnesia
Remember those WhatsApp messages that mysteriously vanished during the COVID inquiry? The ones that might have shed light on how Scotland's government made decisions during the greatest public health crisis in a century? Sturgeon barely does.

In Frankly, the deleted messages merit the kind of passing mention you'd give to forgetting to buy milk. No explanation for why they were deleted. No acknowledgment that this might look, well, suspicious. Just a casual brushing aside of what anyone else might consider a democratic scandal.
This is where Sturgeon's technique really shines. She doesn't deny or defend - she simply omits. It's not lying if you just don't mention it, right? The pandemic, in her telling, was a time when her leadership shone brightest, when grateful Scots recognized her steady hand. The fact that Scotland had one of the highest COVID death rates in Europe? Must have slipped her mind.

The Education Catastrophe That Wasn't
Scottish education has been in freefall for years. International rankings plummeting. Attainment gaps widening. Universities reporting that Scottish students arrive increasingly unprepared. But in Sturgeon's memoir, education was one of her passion projects, something she cared about deeply and worked tirelessly to improve.

The cognitive dissonance is breathtaking. She writes movingly about the importance of education for social mobility while presiding over an education system that became increasingly stratified. She presents herself as the champion of disadvantaged students while those same students saw their prospects diminish year after year.

But here's the genius move: she frames any criticism of her education record as an attack on her good intentions. How dare anyone question someone who cares so much? It's like an arsonist demanding credit for really, really wanting to put out the fire.

The Half-Million Pound Mystery
Then there's the small matter of £600,000 in missing SNP funds. Money donated by independence supporters for a specific purpose that somehow… disappeared. Police investigations. Arrests. Her husband charged. Her party's finances in chaos.

In Frankly, this merits barely a mention. When it does appear, it's framed as a distraction, an unfortunate sideshow that diverted attention from the important work of independence. The possibility that the leader of a party might bear some responsibility for that party's financial scandals? Apparently too frank even for Frankly.

The Independence Obsession
The most revealing aspect of Sturgeon's memoir is how it exposes her as exactly what her critics always said: a monomaniac obsessed with independence to the exclusion of actually governing Scotland.

Page after page is devoted to the cause, the dream, the destiny of Scottish independence. The actual business of running a country? That's just the day job, apparently. It's like reading a CEO's memoir where they spend 300 pages talking about their hobby while their company burns down around them.

She genuinely seems surprised that many Scots found the 2014 independence referendum divisive and exhausting. In her telling, it was a glorious democratic festival. The fact that families split, friendships ended, and Scottish society fractured? Must have been happening to other people. After all, everyone she talked to - while flying around in a helicopter with her face on it - seemed really enthusiastic.

The Equality Act Delusion
Perhaps the most astounding display of denial comes in her treatment of the gender recognition reform debacle. The UK Supreme Court ruled definitively that her government had been forcing a misinterpretation of UK-wide equality law on Scotland. This wasn't a close call - it was a comprehensive demolition of her legal position.

Her response in the memoir? She was right, actually. Everyone else - the Supreme Court, legal experts, women's rights campaigners - they just didn't understand. She acknowledges the ruling exists, then proceeds as if it doesn't matter. It's the political equivalent of saying "I reject your reality and substitute my own."

The irony is particularly rich given her complaints about facing sexism in politics. She writes movingly about the additional challenges women face in political life, then dismisses women who disagreed with her gender policies as bigots. Feminism, apparently, means supporting whatever Nicola Sturgeon thinks.

The London Liberal Love Affair
One of the memoir's unintended revelations is how much Sturgeon's political career was sustained by adulation from outside Scotland. London liberals who saw her as the anti-Brexit, anti-Tory answer to their prayers. American progressives who knew nothing about Scotland but loved her Twitter comebacks.

She writes about this international attention with barely concealed delight. The foreign speaking engagements, the Guardian profiles, the comparisons to Jacinda Ardern. It's clear that this external validation mattered more to her than the grinding reality of Scottish governance.

This explains so much about her tenure. Why she seemed more interested in performing progressivism than achieving progress. Why she focused on symbolic victories while practical problems festered. Why she treated Holyrood like a platform for international stardom rather than a parliament serving Scottish people.

The Art of the Non-Apology
Throughout Frankly, Sturgeon has perfected a remarkable rhetorical trick. She'll acknowledge that something could perhaps, possibly, maybe have been done better. Then she'll explain why, actually, given the circumstances and constraints and complexity, she basically did everything right.
It's the political equivalent of "I'm sorry you feel that way." Every apparent admission of error comes with enough caveats and qualifications to render it meaningless. She grades herself on the steepest of curves, always finding a way to award herself that A- even for obvious failures.

The Reality Distortion Field
What makes Frankly fascinating isn't what it reveals about Scottish politics - it's what it reveals about political delusion. Sturgeon has created a reality where she was simultaneously a victim and a victor, a humble public servant and a political genius, a champion of the people and a misunderstood martyr.

This isn't just spin - it's a complete alternative universe. One where deleted messages don't matter, missing money is a distraction, educational collapse is actually progress, and Supreme Court rulings are just opinions. It's gaslighting so comprehensive that you wonder if she's managed to gaslight herself.

The Lesson for Democracy
The truly disturbing thing about Frankly isn't Sturgeon's self-delusion - it's that so many people will buy it. Her London fan club will read it and nod along, confirming their view of her as a progressive hero brought down by backward Scots. Her hardcore supporters will see vindication of their belief that she could do no wrong.

This is the state of political discourse in 2024. Leaders can preside over comprehensive failure, face serious criminal investigations, and trash democratic norms, then write a book presenting themselves as the hero of the story. And people will believe it.

Sturgeon's memoir is many things - self-serving, delusional, occasionally unintentionally hilarious. But above all, it's a warning. This is what happens when political loyalty becomes religious faith, when leaders become icons rather than public servants, when the story matters more than the truth.

Frankly, we deserve better.

[Alison Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, so I'm only reading the sample, but am already very cross. There is an underlying attitude with the SNP that 'the English' are always to blame and that Scotland's woes are firmly Westminster's fault. There is never any sense that, actually, the English don't much like Westminster either.

As for buying your council house and then complaining that you can't keep up the payments when you lose your job - welcome to the capitalist society. A lot of the English would also have fallen foul of the right to buy scheme, which is itself fundamentally flawed, but not skewed as an anti Scots policy.

I was badly bullied as an English child in a Scottish school, but that didn't make me want to stick up for every minority in town. I grew up and realised that bullies are simply bullies and should be called out. You don't have to actually agree with any minority view in order to stand up for their right to hold that view. That's democracy. [example: I don't smoke, but I'll support your right to do so.]

I'll persevere and finish the sample downloaded to my kindle, but won't waste my money on the whole thing.

[Margaret Burgess Aburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this - raised my eyebrows a few times! The personal insights into Scottish politics were really interesting

[Sophie Brodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to this book for a long time. As someone who is active in Scottish Politics, I was curious to see how Nicola had experienced the same landscape as myself - both in her younger years, and in more recent times too. The book became somewhat of a comfort, therapy, and guiding light for me, in a way that I didn't expect...

I've long looked up to Nicola Sturgeon, as the first female First Minister of Scotland, and a political giant in her own right. In recent years, I've often wondered how she coped with the great highs & lows, achievements & misfortunes, and community & toxicity of politics; which is why I bought this book.

Nicola gives valuable and honest insight; into leading Scotland, navigating COVID, interacting with other politicians and figures of influence, and life as a woman in Scotland in the 21st century. I found the reading experience incredibly moving, and found myself wanting to reach through the pages to give her a hug, and say thank you. I hope that her words provoke empathy from those who oppose her, as this is a memoir written - I believe - without political agenda, but with the intention to give an account of a very important, difficult, and amazing contribution to Scotland.

When I pre-ordered "Frankly", I was very involved in the Scottish Green Party, and fast-approaching burnout. By the time this book arrived, I had resigned all of my roles and was just a regular member, trying to work out my next steps. This book has helped me to understand my own experience in politics, and steer me towards the right decisions for myself, with the view to supporting and accomplishing shared goals that will make a better future for all, with an important balance of humanity.

I highly recommend this book, and wish to see it studied and referenced in schools in Scotland's future.
As for the author - an honest and emotional way with words. I look forward to reading whatever Nicola Sturgeon writes next.

Frankly? Thank you.

[Chris Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book, hoping for new insight into the mind of a woman who I admire. I wasn't disappointed. Indeed, the autobiography comes across as authentic and it is also very well-written, meaning it was easy to read, and so I could concentrate on the nuances of this 'all-cards-on-the-table' account.

Her capacity for self-reflection is huge, and often very self-critical, which is refreshing. I learnt a great deal more about the development of Scottish education policy, about the frustrations of the independence referendum, about her time as Minister for Health, about COP26, and, of course about the role that she played in the pandemic. How it nearly broke her, yet we saw a self-assured and well-informed orator day after day on our televisions.

Her reflections on gender equality are woven in throughout the book. 'The lack of gender balance in our society isn't because women are less able, it's because ingrained bias and centuries-old stereotyping make us less likely to be promoted into senior positions.' And she offers reflections on how she would have tackled the trans debate differently, but still from a principled and ethical standpoint.

There are many wry examples of situations with well-known politicians; the kidnapping of Boris Johnson, her comment about Teresa May's shoes... Her obvious respect for colleagues with different views, even for Alex Salmond, who clearly... well, read the book and you will find out.

She quotes Maya Angelou: 'people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,' this book is about resilience, intuition, reflection and forty years in politics that I have experienced from a very different viewpoint.

This is just my sort of book. I found it absolutely fascinating.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to read this as soon as I heard about it . If this was purely based on writing and how the book flowed I would have given it more than three stars however , I can help but feel I don’t really know / understand her much better than I already did. It did feel at times scripted like a press conference but I’m not sure there would have been a different way to approach certain chapters . I can’t deny that I maybe I disagree with some of her politics and that is having an input but there is something bigger I can’t explain well . I think I just really don’t like politicians or the system we call democracy. It all feels like a game they are playing and to me that doesn’t sit right. I’ve asked myself if her competitive nature is something I have unconscious bias about in woman leaders , but I don’t think it is anything to do with her gender, I’m just not fond of how that comes across . I can’t deny though as a younger woman I don’t have an admiration for her , her achievements and some of the policies she helped woman with . If I absolutely had to pick a politician , I’d probably still pick her right enough .

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came to this with a moderately favourable view of the writer. I thought she led Scotland with grace and resilience during the pandemic in contrast with the example set in Westminster. However after reading it feels like my view may have changed a little. The writer is candid and honest about many things but at times it seems that she isn't as self aware as she suggests. There are a lot of people to blame, men, English politicians, any Scottish people.who inexplicably don't support independence etc. Her account of her relationship with Alex Salmond is barely credible in some aspects but all credit to her, she was an authentic politician and one with an unusual understanding of the lives of ordinary people.

[Dakota Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I had a lot of respect from for Sturgeon before and now it's multiplied tenfold. This book provides an excellent insight into her politics and political life. It is light on her personal life after childhood but that's ok because the quality of writing and retrospective thought makes up for it. It's really refreshing to read about her mistakes and all the respect to her for owning up to them. Also her string stance on trans rights is exactly what we need. I felt she also handled the more controversial things well, including Salmond - it's clear she cared and has respect for him and it's truly a shame how things ended.

As a funny aside I found myself reading the book and hearing her voice. If that's not exceptional writing what is.