One Hundred Summers

I simply loved this book. While nowadays many autobiographies are compiled by ghostwriters and contain only bits & pieces of new news (if any at all), Vanessa Branson took a very different approach. She lets the reader in under the hood of her and her families fascinating stories spanning an entire century. As part of this, she covers a broad range of topics: the evolution of the art scene in London, the rise of the Virgin brand and business empire, the challenges of a dual-career household In addition, the author doesnt shy away from hitting on touchy subjects in her memoir. At the center of it, though, is the topic of love: Love for her family, love for the arts, and love for life.

An insider\’s view spanning a century of world events, visits with the brilliant and famous, voyages to dream destinations, a peek behind closed doors and a handbook on how to run with the creatives. Branson\’s memoir is more than just a retelling of anecdotes. It\’s an up-close-and-personal perspective by a vibrant storyteller. Her indefatigable personality and generous spirit keep the account moving swiftly.

On one level, I found this book to be an epic review of 100 years of history, made relatable and human through the eyes of a truly fascinating family. But I think what I enjoyed the most was the author\’s authenticity, her appreciation of nature and art and beauty, and most of all her keen sense of emotional observation and self-reflection. As a reader, I found myself alternating between laughing out loud, feeling sorrow, empathy, and joy. I read it very quickly, and the only problem was that it was often too engaging, and kept me up at night!

Beautiful book. Loved every bit.

This is a brilliant and warming book, and a fun and good read! Its well written and it rips along with pace and emotion. It must be tough writing such a personal story baring your life, emotions and learnings for all to see and forensically dissect! The book covers a hundred years of the Branson family and is written by Vanessa Branson, youngest sister of Richard Branson, and many will surely pick it up for further insights into what makes him tick. They wont be disappointed, but this is not the point of the book. Rather, this family story is an illuminating tale of what makes families work and sometimes not work, and its evocatively rendered with the kind of period detail that brings these generations to life. And with that come wry observations on class, love, loss, friendship, marriage, divorce, ambition and Art . . . all of it viewed through the prism of the author\’s admirable optimism.

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