Vanessa Redgrave memoir is worth reading, even if you know little or nothing about the famous actor. Before reading her 1994 autobiography, I only knew “of” Redgrave. I had seen a few of her films (Julia, Howard’s End), and heard her narrate as Nurse Lee on TV’s Call the Midwife. Further, I was aware of her reputation as a committed activist.

Theater Royalty

The Oscar-winner’s activism and famous family – parents as well as children – intrigued me. Her father was British theater legend Michael Redgrave. Redgrave’s husbands come from the theater and film, first Tony Richardson and then Franco Nero. Daughters Natasha Richardson and Joely Richardson are part of acting royalty as well.

Career and Activism

So I knew that the only way I could understand her was to read her own words. We’ve come to learn that opinionated and “aggressive” women are so often disparaged, Redgrave sets the record straight and defies that reputation.

The Vanessa Redgrave memoir balances her acting and her activist lives and left me in awe of her energy. Sadly, there’s not much about her family. Throughout, she candidly addresses the challenges of being an actor: time, roles, aging and finances. As a balance, she explains the impact her outspokenness has had on her career. Her timeline, compassion and stories of her activism are inspiring and often rich with detail.

The conflicts of which she wrote are now 30+ years in the rear view mirror, yet continue to influence conflict and positive relations around the globe. Moreover, Vanessa Redgrave’s filmography and theatrical resume are filled with classics. It’s a 4-star read.