Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is attracting significant attention with the release of her memoir titled *Frankly*, set to be published on August 14, 2025. Within its pages, she shares her deeply personal experiences, including a harrowing account of her arrest in June 2023. Sturgeon characterizes this event as the “worst day of my life,” an assertion underscoring the traumatic impact that this incident had on her.
The memoir touches on pivotal moments in her life and political career, including her role in leading the Scottish National Party (SNP). In a recently published excerpt in The Times, Sturgeon vividly describes the terrifying morning of April 5, 2023. Awakened from sleep, she recalled the shocking moment when police officers arrived at her home with a warrant to arrest her husband, Peter Murrell, and search their residence. Her visceral reaction of “utter disbelief” illustrates the chaos she encountered, stating, “I was in despair, struggling to comprehend what had happened.”
This unsettling chapter certainly frames her memoir, but it is not the only deeply emotional moment she recounts. Sturgeon candidly reveals the pain associated with her suffering a miscarriage in 2010 at the age of 40. The memoir reveals the dichotomy of her feelings during her pregnancy; although her husband yearned for fatherhood, Sturgeon grappled internally with the timing and implications of becoming a parent, especially considering her commitment to her political career.
The emotional toll of this experience is palpable, as Sturgeon articulates not only her joy and anticipation but also the guilt she carries for having perceived the pregnancy as a burden on her political ambitions. During her pregnancy, she was acutely aware of the possibilities of being scrutinized as a heavily pregnant candidate in the Scottish elections, leading to a complex mix of emotions when she inevitably suffered the loss. Reflecting on the situation, she admits, “Later, what I would feel most guilty about were the days I had wished I wasn’t pregnant.”
Sturgeon also addresses the psychological ramifications of her miscarriage, expressing a profound sense of loss and mourning for what could have been. “I do deeply regret not getting the chance to be Isla’s mum,” she writes, revealing her belief that had the pregnancy proceeded, she would have had a daughter named Isla. This intimate reflection on her motherhood journey resonates deeply, showing her vulnerability and the human side of a politician often portrayed in a strictly political lens.
Beyond personal upheavals, her memoir touches upon the scrutiny of her private life, particularly regarding unfounded rumors about her sexuality that emerged during her political tenure. Sturgeon recounts ridiculous allegations about an alleged affair with a French diplomat, detailing the ludicrous nature of the stories perpetuated in social media circles. She notes how these salacious claims were not only false but often steeped in sexist and homophobic undertones.
Throughout this narrative, Sturgeon argues, “Long-term relationships with men have accounted for more than thirty years of my life, but I have never considered sexuality, my own included, to be binary.” She concludes with a reflective stance on privacy, underscoring the importance of keeping personal matters separate from public scrutiny.
In summary, Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir, *Frankly*, provides a glimpse into the tumultuous personal and political trials she has navigated. Through sharing her experiences of arrest, loss, and societal misconceptions, Sturgeon seeks to connect on a human level with readers. As she prepares for the book’s release, many will undoubtedly be keen to explore the multifaceted life of a politician intertwined with deeply personal narratives.
