Spare Book Review : A Prince’s Memoir

Spare Book Review
Name: Spare
Launch: 10 January 2023
Author: Prince Harry, J.R. Moehringer (Ghostwriter)
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography, History, Politics
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Buying Link:  Amazon

Spare Book Review - Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, published his memoir Spare on 10 January 2023. The book was co-written by J. R. Moehringer and released by Penguin Random House. It has 416 pages and comes in various formats and languages. The book generated a lot of interest and was accompanied by several major broadcast interviews. The title refers to the old saying that a royal family needs an “heir and a spare” to secure their inheritance. In the book, Harry shares his childhood and the deep impact of losing his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as his teenage years, and later deployment to Afghanistan with the British Army. He also writes about his relationship with his brother, Prince William, and his father, King Charles III, and his father’s marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles, as well as his romance and marriage to the American actress Meghan Markle and the couple’s subsequent decision to step back from their royal roles. Spare is a fascinating and controversial memoir that exposes Harry’s challenges, secrets, and insights on his royal life, family, and military service.

The book is organized into four parts, each corresponding to a different phase of Harry’s life: Childhood, Soldier, Husband, and Father. Each part consists of several chapters that tell Harry’s stories, thoughts, and feelings in chronological order. The book also includes several photos of Harry and his family, some of which have never been seen before by the public.

One of the advantages of the book is Harry’s frankness and honesty. He does not hesitate to share his personal and painful memories, such as the death of his mother, his mental health issues, his rebellious and reckless behavior, his media scrutiny, and his conflicts with his family. He also acknowledges his errors and regrets, and apologizes for some of his actions, such as wearing a Nazi costume at a party, or making racist remarks to a fellow soldier. He also expresses his gratitude and love for his wife, his children, his friends, and his supporters. He shows his vulnerability and humanity, and invites the reader to empathize with him and understand his perspective.

Another advantage of the book is Harry’s writing style. He writes with a conversational and engaging tone, using humor, sarcasm, and anecdotes to make his story more interesting and relatable. He also uses metaphors and imagery to convey his emotions and experiences, such as comparing his life to a “surreal fishbowl” and an "unending Truman Show". He also quotes from various sources, such as songs, poems, books, and speeches, to illustrate his points and show his influences. He also addresses the reader directly, asking questions, making comments, and giving advice. He makes his book feel like a personal and intimate conversation, rather than a formal and distant autobiography.

However, the book also has some disadvantages. One of them is Harry’s bias and resentment. He often criticizes and blames his family, especially his father and his brother, for their lack of support, understanding, and compassion. He also accuses them of being trapped and controlled by the institution of the monarchy, and of being complicit with the abusive and racist media. He also portrays himself as a victim and a hero, who had to sacrifice and suffer for his love and freedom. He sometimes comes across as self-righteous, arrogant, and entitled, and does not acknowledge the privileges and opportunities that he had as a royal. He also does not address some of the controversies and criticisms that he and his wife faced, such as their use of private jets, their lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, and their involvement in political and social issues. He also does not offer any solutions or suggestions for improving the monarchy or the media, or for reconciling with his family.

Another disadvantage of the book is Harry’s lack of depth and detail. He often skims over or skips some important and interesting events and topics, such as his education, his charity work, his hobbies, his friendships, his wedding, his children’s births, and his relocation to the United States. He also does not provide any new or surprising information or revelations, as most of his story has already been covered by the press or by his own interviews. He also does not explore or analyze the historical, cultural, or political context and implications of his actions and decisions, such as the impact of his departure from the royal family on the Commonwealth, the British public, and the future of the monarchy. He also does not reflect or speculate on his future plans or goals, or on the challenges and opportunities that he and his family will face in their new life.

In conclusion, Spare is an intriguing and divisive memoir that offers a rare and candid glimpse into the life of Prince Harry, one of the most famous and controversial figures of our time. The book is full of emotion, drama, and controversy, and will appeal to readers who are interested in the royal family, the media, and the personal stories of celebrities. The book is also full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief. The book is a testament to Harry’s courage, resilience, and authenticity, and to his quest for happiness and peace. I would give this book 3 stars out of 5, as I found it entertaining and enlightening, but also frustrating and incomplete. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes memoirs, biographies, or psychological fiction, and who is curious about the behind-the-scenes of the royal family and the media. Some questions that I would like to discuss with other readers are: How do you feel about Harry’s decision to leave the royal family and move to the United States? Do you think he was fair and respectful to his family and his country? Do you think he and his wife are hypocritical or inconsistent in their actions and statements? What do you think is the main message or lesson of the book? How do you cope with loss and change in your own life?