Bernardine Evaristo
Bernardine Anne Mobolaji Evaristo OBE FRSL FRSA, born on May 28, 1959, is a British author and academic. In 2019, her novel "Girl, Woman, Other" shared the Booker Prize with Margaret Atwood's "The Testaments," making Evaristo the first Black woman to win the Booker. Evaristo holds the position of Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University London and serves as President of the Royal Society of Literature, becoming the second woman and the first Black person to hold this prestigious role since its establishment in 1820.
Evaristo is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the arts. She founded the Brunel International African Poetry Prize (2012–2022) and spearheaded The Complete Works poetry mentoring scheme (2007–2017). Additionally, she co-founded Spread the Word writer development agency with Ruth Borthwick (1995–present) and Britain's pioneering black women's theatre company, Theatre of Black Women (1982–1988). Notably, Evaristo organized Britain's inaugural major black theatre conference, Future Histories (1995), and the first significant conference on black British writing, Tracing Paper (1997).
Evaristo's contributions to literature have earned her over 77 honors, awards, fellowships, and nominations. She is a lifetime Honorary Fellow of St Anne's College, University of Oxford, and an International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. In 2021, she assumed the presidency of Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. Evaristo held the position of vice-chair of the Royal Society of Literature (RSL) and became a lifetime vice-president in 2020 before ascending to the role of president from 2022 to 2026. Recognizing her literary achievements, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's 2009 Birthday Honours and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's 2020 Birthday Honours, both for her services to literature.
What is Bernardine Evaristo best known for?
She is best known for her novel Girl, Woman, Other, which shared the Booker Prize in 2019, making her the first Black woman to win the Booker. She is also a prominent advocate for diversity in the arts.
Which Bernardine Evaristo book should I start with?
Start with Girl, Woman, Other, it is widely acclaimed and gives a strong sense of her style and themes. Other notable standalone novels listed by the publisher include Mr Loverman, Blonde Roots, The Emperor's Babe, Lara, Soul Tourists and Hello Mum.
What genres and forms does she write in?
Evaristo is primarily known for contemporary fiction and novels. She is also active in poetry, theatre and creative-writing initiatives, and works across forms as a writer and academic.
Do her books form a series or have a recommended reading order?
Her books are generally standalone novels rather than a single series, so there is no strict reading order. You can read them in any order, though starting with her Booker-winning novel is common.
What major awards and honours has she received?
Major honours include sharing the 2019 Booker Prize for Girl, Woman, Other, being appointed MBE (2009) and OBE (2020) for services to literature, serving as President of the Royal Society of Literature, and receiving more than 77 honours, awards and fellowships.