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Frankly
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.
495 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
August 14, 2025
If Nicola Sturgeon has no fans, I am dead x
August 18, 2025
Some wummin.
September 2, 2025
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.
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.
September 21, 2025
4.5 stars
August 23, 2025
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!
August 16, 2025
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 )
April 13, 2026
Stories too tied up with moddies lore for me not to enjoy!! But loved this! And actual quite emotional considering the impact having actually powerful women leaders has been for me and so many young women in my generation. Gutted that some of the rumours aren’t true. (Audiobooked)
September 15, 2025
Listened to🎧 Would have given 4.5 stars.
As a politics nerd, I found the modern Scottish political history shared by Nicola incredibly insightful. I particularly liked the sections about the start of her career in politics and the growth of the SNP. However, the honesty, passion and warmth woven throughout this memoir is what stays with you. I will miss Nicola as a MSP when she steps down next year and I truly believe Scotland will too. She will hopefully still go on to make positive change in this world because she really does seem to be one of the good eggs that genuinely cares about improving the lives of others.
As a politics nerd, I found the modern Scottish political history shared by Nicola incredibly insightful. I particularly liked the sections about the start of her career in politics and the growth of the SNP. However, the honesty, passion and warmth woven throughout this memoir is what stays with you. I will miss Nicola as a MSP when she steps down next year and I truly believe Scotland will too. She will hopefully still go on to make positive change in this world because she really does seem to be one of the good eggs that genuinely cares about improving the lives of others.
September 27, 2025
I came to Frankly as someone who isn’t naturally an SNP supporter, but who did shift from No to Yes back in 2012 which was a journey largely driven by Nicola Sturgeon’s performance at the time. From then on I’ve been more politically engaged than ever, both domestically and globally, and while I haven’t always agreed with her party, I’ve consistently found her fascinating as a leader. Having lived through so many of the events discussed here, I was curious to see them from her own 'frank' perspective.
The book is at its most compelling when she reflects on her political journey, her relationships with leaders, the decisions she made, and the challenges of leadership. These parts are inspiring, insightful, and often moving. Her voice comes through as both raw and emotional in places, yet understandably cagey in others.
That said, there were moments where I wished for more depth. Certain topics, like her experience during the Covid inquiry or the passing of the Queen, felt a little glossed over. To be fair, that’s often the nature of political memoirs written while people are still in the public eye. There’s only so far an author can go without reopening old wounds or sparking unnecessary controversy.
Overall, though, this is a fascinating and engaging memoir. Both supporters and detractors alike will find something of interest here, whether it’s in her political reflections or her personal insights
The book is at its most compelling when she reflects on her political journey, her relationships with leaders, the decisions she made, and the challenges of leadership. These parts are inspiring, insightful, and often moving. Her voice comes through as both raw and emotional in places, yet understandably cagey in others.
That said, there were moments where I wished for more depth. Certain topics, like her experience during the Covid inquiry or the passing of the Queen, felt a little glossed over. To be fair, that’s often the nature of political memoirs written while people are still in the public eye. There’s only so far an author can go without reopening old wounds or sparking unnecessary controversy.
Overall, though, this is a fascinating and engaging memoir. Both supporters and detractors alike will find something of interest here, whether it’s in her political reflections or her personal insights
August 19, 2025
"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.
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.
August 26, 2025
Feminist icon..Read it.
September 29, 2025
open and frank autobiography charting her career
August 18, 2025
Fanbloodytastic Book
I too believe, like Nicola, we will become Independent!! Thank you for a wonderful insight of your time in Office. Brilliantly written 😍
I too believe, like Nicola, we will become Independent!! Thank you for a wonderful insight of your time in Office. Brilliantly written 😍
September 7, 2025
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.
September 15, 2025
Frankly, I just love this woman. Great read, excellently narrated (I listed on Spotify premium) and a perfect book to help me ease into my move to New Zealand. Missing Scotland 🏴 ❤️
October 6, 2025
Truly incredible and inspiring. I’ve always respected Nicola Sturgeon as our first minister but after reading this, it has skyrocketed. Enjoy your time out of politics, Nicola.
April 25, 2026
felt like we were both struggling by the end
August 19, 2025
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.
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.
November 2, 2025
Listened instead and glad to have done
A remarkable woman and very insightful look into her life and politics of Scotland in recent times
A remarkable woman and very insightful look into her life and politics of Scotland in recent times
December 17, 2025
3.5 Stars!
“For schools like mine, it seemed like the job wasn’t to raise our aspirations to meet our abilities-it was to lower them to fit our backgrounds.”
I haven’t really ever given much thought to Sturgeon before, but after hearing her do a really good interview promoting this I was really impressed but what she had to say and how she came across and so I thought I’d give this a shot.
“When the call ended, I wondered if I had just woken from a very bad acid dream.”
Are her thoughts after a phone call with Donald Trump.
Sturgeon doesn’t hold back about old Alex “Never apologise, never explain.” Salmond either – a small, bitter, petty and moody egomaniac. His arrogance and entitlement would soon prove to be his downfall.
“I was taken aback by how deeply unserious he seemed about everything. It was as if we were in a student debate competition.”
Sums up her experience of Boris Johnson.
Though I was both shocked and disappointed by her fan-girl adulation for Hillary Clinton – someone who voted for the illegal invasion of Iraq and repeatedly supported the Patriot Act, helped bail out the banks at the expense of millions of American women and children, is not my idea of women’s rights, and I’m sure the likes of Monica Lewinsky, Gennifer Flowers and the many other women who suffered trauma at the hands of her husband would have much to say about her idea of “feminism”.
Sturgeon writes well and we get a nice balance, and she’s happy to admit many of her mistakes, and seems to have endured much patronising, sexism too, which appears to have left her bitter towards men, which is understandable, though I can’t help wonder if a man had gone to the same repeated lengths to target an entire gender he would be perceived as a misogynist…
Either way politics is a horrible, horrible game, swamped and dominated by horrible, horrible people and we shouldn’t lose track of Sturgeon’s own ego and ambition too. After all regardless of your gender you don’t get to the top and stay there for so long without some cynical or dubious behaviour and dealings on your part.
Personally, from what I can see she appears largely well-meaning and has brought a lot of positive and significant actions to Scotland and successfully overcome many ugly challenges along the way, constantly battling against a poisonous and hateful right-wing, media agenda – and I fully anticipate her to return to politics in a more meaningful sense in the future, where she will hopefully be able to affect more positive and meaningful change for Scotland.
September 7, 2025
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.
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.
December 12, 2025
4.5*
I've admired Nicola Sturgeon for a long time. No I don't agree with all her policies or politics, but, I do believe she is a principled politician. In recent times leaders who genuinely cared about people, who respected the role of office and the power they wielded and who led from the heart and head have become fewer and fewer. So, she stands out like a beacon.
I also love that she shares so openly her love of reading, and the empathy and humility it brings to her.
So, what of her first book?
It taught me a lot. Modern Scottish politics recounted through her very unique vantage point. I think she has done an excellent job of honestly reflecting on her time as a politician and leader. She has clearly spent time analysing the impact on herself and the country of decisions and actions, and she acknowledges mistakes and learnings throughout.
At times it did feel a little like and then this, and then that. And there was less depth to understand her as a woman. I feel like I know her a little better, but she didn't open up as much as I think she could have.
Her recounting of some of the seminal moments of recent political times brought emotion up in me as I remembered my reaction to them too. I will never forget the disappointment I have felt when many successive elections or referendums held in my lifetime have not gone the way I had hoped.
All that said, I'm excited for her. I finished the book wishing her well. Whilst also feeling great sadness that a woman who (in my opinion) has done a lot for progressive policies in Scotland, whose calm clear manner provided hope during COVID and who has inspired many, will no longer be present in Scottish politics.
I've admired Nicola Sturgeon for a long time. No I don't agree with all her policies or politics, but, I do believe she is a principled politician. In recent times leaders who genuinely cared about people, who respected the role of office and the power they wielded and who led from the heart and head have become fewer and fewer. So, she stands out like a beacon.
I also love that she shares so openly her love of reading, and the empathy and humility it brings to her.
So, what of her first book?
It taught me a lot. Modern Scottish politics recounted through her very unique vantage point. I think she has done an excellent job of honestly reflecting on her time as a politician and leader. She has clearly spent time analysing the impact on herself and the country of decisions and actions, and she acknowledges mistakes and learnings throughout.
At times it did feel a little like and then this, and then that. And there was less depth to understand her as a woman. I feel like I know her a little better, but she didn't open up as much as I think she could have.
Her recounting of some of the seminal moments of recent political times brought emotion up in me as I remembered my reaction to them too. I will never forget the disappointment I have felt when many successive elections or referendums held in my lifetime have not gone the way I had hoped.
All that said, I'm excited for her. I finished the book wishing her well. Whilst also feeling great sadness that a woman who (in my opinion) has done a lot for progressive policies in Scotland, whose calm clear manner provided hope during COVID and who has inspired many, will no longer be present in Scottish politics.
December 30, 2025
I am not a fan of Nicola Sturgeon. Listening to her autobiography cemented my opinion of her. Her writing style is rather flat, monochrome. Yawn making in the words of Bernard Ponsonby. The first bit was a dull explanation of how she lived at 26, then moved to 43.. Rd. I forget the road name and numbers. She tells us how long it is to walk between the 2. This was an excellent result for me as I was using the book to drift off to sleep at night. Then comes a succession of by-election results by percentages.
She spends quite a lot of time telling us how she foiled the bigots (me). It was also apparent how much she disliked Alec Salmond and she has things to say. Handy since he can't defend himself. Her attitudes are sad and self seeking. She has more to say about being on Jon Stewart's chat show and being friends with Val McDermid than she does about her top priorities of education, drug deaths, ferries. The self justifying gets worse at the end. If you want to find out about political events in this period, forget it.
She spends quite a lot of time telling us how she foiled the bigots (me). It was also apparent how much she disliked Alec Salmond and she has things to say. Handy since he can't defend himself. Her attitudes are sad and self seeking. She has more to say about being on Jon Stewart's chat show and being friends with Val McDermid than she does about her top priorities of education, drug deaths, ferries. The self justifying gets worse at the end. If you want to find out about political events in this period, forget it.
September 10, 2025
The book reads as a shameful humble brag — a constant refrain of supposed modesty while repeatedly reminding the reader of her own importance and success.
In seeking to preserve her legacy, Sturgeon attempts to shift credit from Salmond to herself, all while settling old scores. She condemns others for political games and partisanship (often framing criticism as misogyny), yet gleefully recounts her own manoeuvrings.
Her political reflections lack depth, coming across as little more than student politics. There is almost no genuine introspection, nor any willingness to take responsibility for obvious and undeniable failures — education being the clearest example.
In seeking to preserve her legacy, Sturgeon attempts to shift credit from Salmond to herself, all while settling old scores. She condemns others for political games and partisanship (often framing criticism as misogyny), yet gleefully recounts her own manoeuvrings.
Her political reflections lack depth, coming across as little more than student politics. There is almost no genuine introspection, nor any willingness to take responsibility for obvious and undeniable failures — education being the clearest example.
October 3, 2025
I can’t help but feel there was still a lot left unsaid, maybe that’s ok because we’re not entitled to every single detail about a persons life.
I don’t know if it’s an internalised misogyny or what but I felt when I was reading I was still overly critical of areas I don’t think I’d be if it was a man writer politician… but you’d never get this amount of accountability and reflection from a man so maybe that’s why.
Regardless of not agreeing on every political issue, I think she’s an inspiring woman who has gone through a hell of a lot. Love u nicky xxx
I don’t know if it’s an internalised misogyny or what but I felt when I was reading I was still overly critical of areas I don’t think I’d be if it was a man writer politician… but you’d never get this amount of accountability and reflection from a man so maybe that’s why.
Regardless of not agreeing on every political issue, I think she’s an inspiring woman who has gone through a hell of a lot. Love u nicky xxx
September 11, 2025
I just love her so much
February 8, 2026
Very interesting inside track from a seriously impressive operator. Not sure I fully believed she was a “shy girl from Ayrshire” (nor did I love that weird politician habit to repeatedly refer to oneself in the third person for myth-making) but most of it seemed quite a frank retelling, as promised.
Highlights for me were the dynamic with predecessor Alex Salmond, ill-preparedness of the independence campaign before the referendum, tensions and calculations around if/when/how to seek for another independence vote after 2014, and the more recent controversies and battles over trans rights.
There were a few other bits that felt somewhat ducked, including how the police and her husband behaved in the weeks following her resignation (understandably swerved as investigation into her husband was ongoing) and her honest view on the monarchy (less understandably, where she described herself as instinctively republican in a sentence before dedicating a chapter to her fondness for the late Queen).
Sturgeon’s strong political instincts do continue to keep her from being *too* frank, but nevertheless she’s a lot more honest than most, making this an insightful read.
Highlights for me were the dynamic with predecessor Alex Salmond, ill-preparedness of the independence campaign before the referendum, tensions and calculations around if/when/how to seek for another independence vote after 2014, and the more recent controversies and battles over trans rights.
There were a few other bits that felt somewhat ducked, including how the police and her husband behaved in the weeks following her resignation (understandably swerved as investigation into her husband was ongoing) and her honest view on the monarchy (less understandably, where she described herself as instinctively republican in a sentence before dedicating a chapter to her fondness for the late Queen).
Sturgeon’s strong political instincts do continue to keep her from being *too* frank, but nevertheless she’s a lot more honest than most, making this an insightful read.
February 8, 2026
I had such nostalgia reading Nicola Sturgeon’s autobiography. As one of the 16- and 17-year-olds who both voted in the independence referendum and attended the Hydro debate, it was fascinating to hear about the campaign strategy - and lack thereof until Sturgeon spearheaded the campaign.
She did not shy away from covering politically and personally contentious episodes in her life. I was especially impressed with her chapter on transgender rights and how fear-mongering has resulted in the Bill not making it through the Scottish Parliament. Ten years before it may have, and ten years after it may do.
I also enjoyed hearing about how much she took from The Promise, from listening to care-experienced children and young people talk about their lives. Any politician should be ashamed of the care system as it stands, so it is wonderful that they have such a strong ally championing their cause.
The inner strength you would have to summon to do her job would be quite something, so I’m not surprised that Sturgeon has stepped back. I was exhausted just reading about it!
She did not shy away from covering politically and personally contentious episodes in her life. I was especially impressed with her chapter on transgender rights and how fear-mongering has resulted in the Bill not making it through the Scottish Parliament. Ten years before it may have, and ten years after it may do.
I also enjoyed hearing about how much she took from The Promise, from listening to care-experienced children and young people talk about their lives. Any politician should be ashamed of the care system as it stands, so it is wonderful that they have such a strong ally championing their cause.
The inner strength you would have to summon to do her job would be quite something, so I’m not surprised that Sturgeon has stepped back. I was exhausted just reading about it!
September 6, 2026
Nicola Sturgeon is a fantastic role model for so many women out there. She writes with conviction and vulnerability at the same time, which made the memoir so incredibly enjoyable and relatable to read. As women in power face so many misogynistic stereotypes that often stop them from presenting feminine or any type of emotion, Nicola Sturgeon does the complete opposite in her memoir. She is vulnerable and relatable, showing you don’t have to become a robot to be successful as a woman. I loved reading every second of it and can only recommend it.
October 5, 2025
This was a surprisingly raw and personal memoir, which provides a unique perspective across a long period in Scottish and British politics.
I really enjoyed the insight it offered into key moments in our political history, including Scottish independence, the Tory decade and Brexit. It was also a much more refreshing reflection on the pressures of dealing with Covid and the toll it took than other accounts (*cough* Boris *cough*).
More widely, I was surprised by how Sturgeon bared her soul when describing the personal cost of politics and how she often battled with issues of self-confidence and depression. A fantastic memoir which chronicles a unique time in British politics.
I really enjoyed the insight it offered into key moments in our political history, including Scottish independence, the Tory decade and Brexit. It was also a much more refreshing reflection on the pressures of dealing with Covid and the toll it took than other accounts (*cough* Boris *cough*).
More widely, I was surprised by how Sturgeon bared her soul when describing the personal cost of politics and how she often battled with issues of self-confidence and depression. A fantastic memoir which chronicles a unique time in British politics.
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