Book Review: Spare by Prince Harry

By georgelthomas on 2 Jun 2023 • ( 2 )

Hi everyone! I hope the day finds you well. Today is Friday, which means it is time for another review. Today I am reviewing Spare by Prince Harry.

Spare by Prince Harry was first published in January 2023 by Penguin Random House and is 416 pages long.

Plot
Prince Harry has become one of the most talked-about members of the Royal Family in recent years, thanks to his marriage to Meghan Markle and their controversial split from the monarchy. In Spare, he gives us his “truth” on all aspects of his life and opens up about his relationships with those closest to him.

Characters
Since this is an autobiography, the main character is the author, Prince Harry (AKA the Duke of Sussex). He does discuss the royal family in detail, however, including the King (his father), the Queen (his stepmother) and the Prince and Princess of Wales (his brother and sister-in-law, respectively). He also talks about the late Queen Elisabeth II, his meeting and eventual marriage to his wife, Meghan Markel, and many other people who exist and have existed in his orbit.

Throughout the book, Harry opens up about his mental health struggles, the impact the death of his mother had on his life (he is, obviously, still dealing with the trauma of that awful time in his life), his strained relationship with his family, and, of course, his love story with Meghan. He also provides fascinating insights into life as a royal, both the glamorous and not-so-glamorous aspects. Additionally, he shares his passion for philanthropy and gives readers a glimpse into the causes that he holds dear.

Writing Style
This book is not a literary masterpiece. However, it is sincerely written, heartfelt, and authentic. From the opening pages, you can sense that Harry wrote this book from a place of vulnerability, pain, and a deep desire to speak his truth and in doing so, he takes the reader on a journey through highs and lows, triumphs and struggles, and ultimately his search for true fulfilment.

The book shows that Harry is just a person (albeit one who has known great privilege his entire life) and that the royal family is just a family – in the sense that they behave as any other in the privacy of their homes. They argue, bicker and fight – but they undoubtedly care for, support and love one another.

Spare showcases Harry’s evolution as a person, a husband, a father, and a humanitarian, and his determination to use his privilege for positive change.

Final Thoughts
The book is a compelling, thought-provoking memoir that sheds light on the life of one of the most intriguing and talked about figures of our time. It is honest and shows Harry’s vulnerability, making it a relatable read even for those who may not be die-hard royal fans.

Overall, Spare left me with a deeper appreciation for Harry and his journey and the challenges he has faced along the way. It also touched on several themes relevant to the world today, such as mental health, social justice, and finding purpose in life. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Prince Harry, the royal family or simply looking for an inspiring and engaging read.

To be honest, I was not entirely sure what the purpose of this book was before I read it. Initially, I thought Harry and Meghan wanted to have their cake and eat it too, so to speak, in wanting to be away from the tabloids and paps while remaining big and bright and visible on a global scale. However, my view of them has changed. I have now come to believe that they wanted the tabloids to stop printing whatever they liked about them, and they want to take their own narrative back and give of their lives and themselves, whatever and whenever they choose.

Spare is a memoir well worth your time and energy. It is not just a book about a prince who has had all the privilege anyone could ask for, but a book about a person who has experienced loss, trauma, and growth and wants to share his journey with the world. Whether you are a royal family fan, a memoir enthusiast, or simply curious about Prince Harry’s life, Spare has something to offer you.

I am giving Spare by Prince Harry a 7/10.

Have you read Spare? What did you think about it?

As always, thank you for stopping by to read my review.

Until next time,

George