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Having a degree in English Literature and having viewed many films and adaptations by Mr. Branagh, I was compelled to read about what made this man such a force to be reckoned with in the classically trained theatre field, and at such a young age, as well. He was 28 when he wrote this book!

It's always interesting to find out where people come from and how they got to where they are now--whether they be a businessman, entertainer, teacher, whoever. Here you have a kid from extremely lower working class Belfast who realized he wasn't exactly meant for the business world, and after appearing in a school play (as for most entertainers), realized that was what they wanted to do.

Mr. Branagh takes you on a tour of his childhood, from its very humble beginnings, to his applying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the struggle to reach the level of perfection he wanted both as an artist and as a person, the conviction and belief he had in himself of wanting to play "Hamlet" (which has since become one of his signature roles), and from the development of his own theatre company, Renaissance.

Mr. Branagh's writing style is very wry, witty, and I find his experience of learning to ride a horse extremely humorous. This book will be a great addition to anyone who appreciates literature, theatre, the classics, and the makings of a person following their dreams and ambitions.

Kenneth Branagh's "autobiography" makes for charming, occasionally poignant reading, while offering little insight into his relationships with family and friends. After briefly sketching the family history, Branagh plunges into an account of life as a drama student: Auditions, performances, and criticisms, followed by more of all three. Tales of the various opportunities Branagh encounters as a professional are more intriguing, particularly the near-miss with "Amadeus." (And just look how far that career break has taken Tom Hulce: To a supporting role in Branagh's production of "Frankenstein."). Branagh isn't afraid to discuss his short-comings: Physical fear, stage fright, class-consciousness, egotism, but he only allows us to see these nearly universal human qualities insofar as they relate to directly to his work or to his childhood, never to his personal relationships. It's understandable that a celebrity wants to maintain some sense of privacy, and to protect the privacy of those to whom he is closest. However, it's somewhat frustrating for the reader to be pulled up short just as he thinks he's beginning to have some true sense of Kenneth Branagh, human being. That one point aside, Branagh writes with wit, humor, honesty (he only agreed to write the book because he needed the money so badly), and a rare gift for creating vivid imagery without being long-winded. Descriptions of his parents as children are so empathic, one cannot but wish for more than a scant two chapters on them. Not to be missed is his anecdote on having to strip naked onstage before his octogenarian grandmother, while suffering the "slings and arrows" of derogatory remarks whispered by cast members. "Beginning" is exactly what Branagh's book is: An appetizer good enough to make one look forward to the main course. Don't keep us waiting, Ken.

Anyone that wants to know more about Ken Branagh and his theatre work will love this book. I am totally in love with Ken Branagh after seeing his numerous Shakespeare films (Much Ado about Nothing, Henry V, etc). He has an absolutely wonderful sense of humor and great wit.

The writing is incredibly; he is entertaining throughout and he is completely honest and genuine. (I found that very endearing) I especially loved how he reacted to certain aspects of theatre, how he interpreted Shakespeare text, and his reactions to blessings and upsets.

It is a real joy to read.

For any theatre lover, Britophile, Shakespeare lover, Branagh admirer, this book is worth reading.

I liked all the British expressions Branagh uses in the book, found myself looking up some fun words I had not heard of before. "Stroppy" for example, or "cobblers" (which means rubbish or nonsense). I did some homework when he said he thought he was perceived as "queeny." I think he meant showy or melodramatic, a less common use of the adjective.

It was delightful to read about Kenneth Branagh's experiences with the macho, vulgar director in Australia, the type of guy who opens beer cans with his teeth. Funny stuff. And there were many embarrassing moments that the author relayed, throughout his studies and career, that put a smile on my face.

I, too, detect how fiercely private he is. One can understand why, but he certainly downplays the enormous camaraderie and passion he must have felt with Emma Thompson when they first started working together. She is hardly mentioned in the book, yet she is an important part of the final year two years represented in the book before it was finished. Kind of a disappointment.

That's about the only disappointment, though. It's witty and inordinately entertaining. He has an almost Woody Allen-like quality of self deprecation that is very endearing, yet an outrageous amount of confidence, drive, and willingness to take risks, which coexist with his humility. He constantly shares his glories with others, sometimes household names, generously handing out credit to them for their part in any success he has. From the start of the book, it is impossible to dislike him.

To sum up, if you like to read compelling "rags to riches" stories or to read about what it is like to be young and relentless in pursuing your dreams, this book is for you. I hope Kenneth Branagh will write another book someday. He was criticized for this one, being so young when he wrote it, but I thought he disarmed the critics when he announced on the first page that he really needed the money to get his theatre company going. And that's why he wrote it! Love the honesty.

An inspiring read for would-be actors and certainly a none-too modest autobiography. Kenneth Brannagh is a story-teller with vivid visions of his early childhood in Belfast and charming recollections of growing up in Reading amidst the numerous plays participated in, the auditions attended and the acquaintances he made. Reading Branagh is like listening to a live performance only this time one has the pleasures of doing without a narrator who pauses to think nor to catch his breath. At times one cannot help but feel that the chronicle comprising of Brannagh's theatricals is straight out of a personal diary and this is all the more evident towards the closing chapters of the book which reports a day-to-day account of the filming of "Henry the 5th". Nevertheless, Brannagh's clever captivating descriptions of theatrical techniques shared with his peers and competitors together with the hilarious antics and mini-revelry indulged in by the colourful thespians surely leaves not only avid theatre-fans but also the layman yearning to know what next Branagh has in store for the reader. One aspect of the Branagh's self-portrayal which is evidently laid out for the reader to feast upon is the manner in which the intricate up-hill struggling problems which a young producer has to face is delicately dealt with coupled together with a dash of Branagh wizardry almost always culminating in putting true to life the cliched "everything will be alright on the night" hopeful attitude of any theatre producer on the eve of opening night. One question the book will no doubt lead to is : what about Branagh, the playwright?

First of all I regard Ken as my favorite actor and Emma Thompson his ex is my favorite actress.

Very well written and interesting as he goes through his childhood and growth as an actor. During that time he overcame the strong bias against his Belfast and lower class upbringing.

There were two things that I missed in the story: 1) The story ended just after Henry V filming, which is just the start of his wonderful film career.

2) There was very little about Ken and Emma. Even though they met when filming Fortunes of War, which was during the book there was little discussion of the budding romance. I expected to see flames of passion between those two. Ken as the womanizer he is reported to be and Emma with the passion she has shown in her movies.

GREAT BOOK: 1. THE SKETCHES ARE DRAWN BU EMMA THOMPSON'S MOTHER. 2. DELIGHTFUL SCENE WHEREIN JUDI DENCH TELLS OF HER PAST HENRY V CATHERINE WITH EMMA THOMPSON, THE PRESENT V CATHRINE ON THE DAY OF THE FRENCH TO ENGLISH.

I'm in love with Kenneth Branagh--no! Not that way! I'm in love with the talent and the drive. And the love is mixed with equal parts envy and recrimination. Oh, how I would like to be Branagh, 28 and directing himself in Henry V, or, even before that, just as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, filming a movie of the early life of D.H. Lawrence in Australia. Yes, I would like to be an actor, but for ever much a dream it may be in Britain, even more so in America. Here, there are only two places where one can gain recognition--New York and Los Angeles. Even more so, those are probably the only places one could make a living at it. But it's envy of the man's energy just as much. Sure, it may be the case that becoming an actor is easier in Britain, but then how does one explain Branagh's writing his own one-man shows, or his first play. No, this is truly a man with talent and drive, probably equally strong. And so the recrimination. I am 27, only a year away from the magic age at which this book was written, and what do I have to show for it? I finally have my Bachelor's degree, I've published two stories and written a few more, I've been involved in one magazine of note, and I've lived in several places besides where I grew up. And that's it. Not really a lot. Wasted time? Some of it, and yet, on the other hand, I wouldn't exchange it, either. I just with that I had something more tangible to show for it. Branagh's young to write an autobiography, even a first volume as this undoubtably will turn out to be, and he comments as much. Even for all his accomplishments, he isn't content to rest. There's a moral there, I believe. What Branagh has to show you is that greatness, which I do believe he has already obtained, is not an ephemeral quality, but elusive and rare. It can be had, through hard work. I heard someone recently on NPR--a poet, I think--talk about writing. He said, attempt greatness, because if you fail, well, then, it may simply be good, which isn't bad. But if you only attempt to be good.... I will attempt greatness.