Why did I read this book?
This political memoir was one I knew I had to read. Nicola Sturgeon was First Minister of Scotland for so long that it felt, to me at least, as though she would always be there. And yet, despite her constant presence in public life, I realised I knew surprisingly little about her beyond the headlines.
Those headlines were often contradictory, loud, and confusing. I wanted to understand what she wanted us to know — in her own words, without the filter of soundbites or political point-scoring. That curiosity is what led me to Frankly.
This review isn’t part of any promotion, blog tour, or publicity. It’s simply my honest response to a story I deliberately sought out and took the time to read.
About The Book:
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.
My Thoughts on Frankly:
I like Nicola Sturgeon. That’s something I was aware of long before I picked up this book, and Frankly didn’t change that — if anything, it helped me understand why.
I was particularly impressed by the way she led Scotland through the Covid pandemic. She didn’t always follow Westminster’s lead, instead relying on health advisers and responding to how Scotland itself was coping. I will never forget the day she appeared on our TV screens and told us the country was closing. It felt surreal — like something from a TV drama or wartime footage — except this was real, and it was about to affect every part of my life.
I probably watched far more of her daily briefings than was healthy for my own mental wellbeing, but I genuinely believed she was doing what she thought was right for the country.
So when I heard her memoir was being released, I knew I wanted to read it — or rather, listen to it. Politics on the page can feel heavy going for me, but listening to Nicola Sturgeon narrate her own story felt like the perfect way in. And I’m glad I chose the audiobook. Her voice is calm, measured, and reassuring — I could happily listen to it for hours (which I did, over the course of 14 hours on my treadmill at home).
I found it fascinating to hear about where she came from, how she was brought up, and how she entered politics. One of the most interesting aspects for me was her relationship with Alex Salmond. I’d heard too many stories over the years to feel comfortable with him, and I was never a fan of how closely aligned she once was with him. Hearing her reflect on that period — including how she describes herself as something of a puppet early on — added much-needed context behind the headlines.
I was also curious about how she would address more recent controversies, including her husband’s arrest and the accusations and speculation surrounding it. Listening to her answers doesn’t mean I suddenly know the full truth — I don’t — but her account felt measured and believable. Whether it’s the full picture or her version after the fact, it comes across as honest rather than defensive.
That honesty is what stood out most throughout Frankly. This isn’t a memoir that tries to paint its subject as flawless. Sturgeon openly acknowledges mistakes, self-doubt, and the emotional toll of public life. There were moments where the detailed political discussions drifted past me — I won’t pretend otherwise — but overall I enjoyed hearing familiar Scottish political names that I’d grown up hearing my parents talk about.
By the end, I felt I understood Nicola Sturgeon better as a person, not just as a politician. I admire her for writing this book and for telling her side of the story in her own voice. Frankly won’t change everyone’s mind about her — and it probably isn’t meant to — but it gave me exactly what I was hoping for: insight, context, and a very human story behind a very public life.
The Audiobook:
One of the highlights of experiencing Frankly was listening to it as an audiobook, narrated by Nicola Sturgeon herself. Her calm, measured voice brings a warmth and authenticity that reading the text alone could never capture. Hearing her reflect on personal and political moments — from her upbringing in Ayrshire to the intense pressures of leadership — made the story feel intimate, immediate, and deeply human. It was like having a private conversation with the person behind the headlines.
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