Bernadine Evaristo - Part One

In this episode, Alan Yentob begins to explore the remarkable life and work of trailblazing Anglo-Nigerian author Bernardine Evaristo, whose Booker Prize-winning novel Girl, Woman, Other has become a global phenomenon. Counting President Barack Obama among her fans, Evaristo's breakthrough novel is a polyphonic, timely exploration of black womens' lives that reveals Britain as it has never been told before. As the first black woman to win the Booker Prize, Evaristo was propelled into the limelight at a relatively late stage of a determinedly unorthodox life and career. From a mixed-race childhood, to establishing the Theatre of Black Women as a young graduate, in her fearless approach to life and creativity she has always dared to be different. Her newfound success has also sparked renewed interest and acclaim for her earlier books - from The Emperor's Babe, an exhilarating reimagined Roman London with a sassy young black girl as it's central protagonist; to Mr Loverman the heart-breaking story of two septuagenarian homosexual lovers London - her stunningly original back catalogue is now finding new audiences across the world. Evaristo's recent soaring profile has seen her seize the opportunity to share the spotlight, bringing authors she feels have been historically overlooked along with her. Under her curation, a pioneering new series called Black Britain: Writing Back is republishing a wide range of significant works by black authors. This two part series captures Evaristo's wit and wisdom as she lays bare her unique approach to creativity.