Frankly

by Nicola Sturgeon

Frankly is no ordinary political memoir. Remarkable for its honesty and self-reflection, this is the story of Nicola Sturgeon, one of our most influential and successful leaders.

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 self-rule, overseeing the Yes campaign in the Scottish 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 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 honestly discusses Sturgeon’s mistakes, her battles, and her triumphs. Frankly is the compelling story of no ordinary politician.

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

Audible Audio

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.

[Abbie Toria · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Yve Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[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 )

[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.

[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!

[Laura Gilmour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feminist icon..Read it.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

open and frank autobiography charting her career

[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.

[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.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened instead and glad to have done
A remarkable woman and very insightful look into her life and politics of Scotland in recent times

[Ashley Mclean · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ❤️

[Keen Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Deryck Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[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.

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an audiobook this book is narrated very well. Nicola draws you into her life stories in a way that has great story telling alongside the political markets in Scottish history that I remember. She hits the mark very well for a political memoir that needs to have certain events in it but still making it feel very personal. Her emotional intelligence really comes through and I loved all the Scottish-isms throughout.

[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.

[Mairead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love her so much

[Keigan Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Donna Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this but also glad it's finished

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wee legend

[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.

[Lucy Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio book - first audio book. im glad was Nicola Sturgeon narrating her own book as could hear the emotions in part.

There will be some people who have already decided they won't like this book or automatically give -ve review due to political stance. Although I do want scottish independence, I dont agree 100% with all their stances nor decisions. However, it is her truth her memoir and it felt very authentic, fair and reflective of her mistakes and what would do differently in hindsight. Also, explains her decisions which was very insightful.

[Layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a spectacular book.

I have always admired Nicola Sturgeon, and this book has further cemented my respect and love for this woman.

Throughout this book, I felt a strong sense of familiarity, of patriotism. Perhaps this is a biased sentiment that is due to the fact that I was born and have lived in Scotland for most of my life. Regardless, it is still a very much real feeling of love and understanding.

This book felt personal, passionate, and raw. Nicola's constant reflection and the amount of accountability she takes truly shows that she was not only a great leader but an outstanding person, too.

I've read many memoirs in my life, and this is, without a doubt, my favourite.

Saor Alba.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿