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Frankly (book)

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Frankly
AuthorNicola Sturgeon
Audio read byNicola Sturgeon
LanguageEnglish
GenreMemoir
Published14 August 2025
PublisherPan Macmillan
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Pages480
ISBN9781035040216

Frankly is an upcoming memoir by former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, published by Pan Macmillan, and set to be released on 14 August 2025.

History

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Sturgeon announced her resignation as First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party in February 2023, citing occupational burnout. Shortly after stepping down, she confirmed her intention to write a memoir. In August 2023, it was announced that Pan Macmillan had secured the rights to the book after a competitive nine-way auction. Sturgeon said the book would be “deeply personal and revealing,” covering her life from her childhood in Ayrshire through to her tenure as the first female and longest-serving First Minister of Scotland.[1]

On 19 March 2025, the book’s title and cover were officially revealed, along with a release date of 14 August 2025.[2]

Ahead of publication, Sturgeon announced that she would embark on a promotional tour across the UK and Ireland, beginning with stops in Manchester, Stewarton and Dunoon before the memoir's official launch at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on 14 August[3] before going to London’s Southbank Centre, Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, and other cultural and literary locations in cities such as Glasgow, Inverness and Dublin. Events will include talks and discussions about the memoir.[4][5][6]

On 29 July 2025, it was announced that Sturgeon would appear in a special ITV News interview with Julie Etchingham, set to air on 11 August 2025. The interview will explore the revelations within the book and mark her first major media appearance since leaving office.[7][8]

Synopsis

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Frankly recounts Sturgeon’s personal and political journey, from her working-class upbringing in Ayrshire to becoming Scotland’s first female and longest-serving First Minister. It reflects on her involvement in landmark events including the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, Brexit, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The memoir details her leadership of the SNP, her role in shaping modern Scottish politics, and her interactions with key figures such as Alex Salmond, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Donald Trump.

Sturgeon offers insight into the tension between her private and public selves, and addresses both the pressures of leadership and the personal cost of public service. The book discusses her political achievements and regrets, her decision to step down as First Minister, and her enduring commitment to Scotland’s future.

Pan Macmillan describes Frankly as “a candid, unflinching and deeply personal account” that provides a rare look at the life and legacy of one of the UK’s most prominent political figures.[9]

Publication

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Frankly is scheduled for publication in the United Kingdom on 14 August 2025 by Pan Macmillan. The book will be released in hardback, e-book, and audiobook formats, with the audiobook narrated by Sturgeon herself.

Sturgeon is expected to promote the book through a UK tour, including an appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where Frankly will launch. In the lead-up to publication, she will give a televised interview to ITV News journalist Julie Etchingham, set to air on 11 August 2025.

Reaction

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Early reactions to the book have been highly positive. Author Andrew O’Hagan described it as “a triumph,” adding that Frankly "is the most insightful and stylishly open memoir by a politician since Barack Obama’s Dreams from My Father." Former Labour MP and author Alan Johnson praised the book stating that Sturgeon "tells her remarkable story with great skill and unflinching honesty."

In contrast, author J.K. Rowling, a vocal critic of Sturgeon’s role in the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, offered to review the memoir “for free.” Rowling made the offer publicly, and Scottish Daily Express, which has also been critical of Sturgeon and the SNP, indicated interest in publishing such a review to which they claimed Rowling was interested in.[10][11][12]

References

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  1. ^ "Nicola Sturgeon to publish her 'deeply personal' memoir". BBC News. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  2. ^ "Nicola Sturgeon reveals cover, title and publication date of her upcoming memoir". The Scotsman. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Watch online: The Front List: Nicola Sturgeon". www.edbookfest.co.uk. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  4. ^ "Nicola Sturgeon announces special event with meet and greet following memoir release". The Herald. 10 April 2025. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  5. ^ "Nicola Sturgeon: Frankly | Southbank Centre". www.southbankcentre.co.uk. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  6. ^ "A summer holiday with a difference. The first events for the launch of Frankly are live. I'll post a link for tickets in my stories/bio". Instagram. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
  7. ^ McCall, by Chris (29 July 2025). "Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on new book". Daily Record. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  8. ^ "Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV interview ahead of memoir publication". Glasgow Times. 29 July 2025. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  9. ^ "Frankly by Nicola Sturgeon". www.panmacmillan.com. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  10. ^ VanReenen, Danyel (21 July 2025). "JK Rowling offers to review Nicola Sturgeon's memoir for free". STV News. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  11. ^ "JK Rowling offers to review Nicola Sturgeon's memoir for free in newspapers". The Scotsman. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  12. ^ Borland, Ben (23 July 2025). "JK Rowling's PR team considers our offer to print Sturgeon book review". Scottish Daily Express. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
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