A review by turtlekat23
Spare by Prince Harry

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

2.0

My thoughts and feelings on this book are, like the book itself, rather disjointed and, at times, a jumble. The style of many, very short stories, usually in order but sometimes not, felt a little disorganized. I have much more sympathy for Prince Harry and a clearer representation of how awful the British press really are to them. This makes sense also in light of recent news regarding Kate’s health, King Charles’ health, etc. However, there are times, especially toward the end where the book seems very one-sided almost to the point of being defensive or self-centered. I do think perhaps, with the modern times and social media maybe we’ll see a little more transparency in the future? Either way, at times when discussing William, in particular, it was like shots fired at someone you know can’t fire back. My heart breaks for Harry and his hang up on the word Spare. Of that and others’ attitude regarding it, I have no doubt. I pray that regardless of everything else, he no longer accepts that identity and sees that he is a person of immense value, not because of his family, status, or anything else but just for him. Going back to the book, it is very cringy at times—I never wanted to know his circumcision status or about frostbite on his penis, or really anything about his genitalia at all. Why would an editor let that in? My family, who isn’t British, let alone Royal, would be mortified at that. Why would he want that in there? I get the drug use as a means of coping or self medicating. While also maybe something I would have downplayed, it does bolster the emphasis on mental health. I hope someday, especially as the father of littles, he sees how beautiful and amazing life is without such things. While this book is clearly one side of at least 3 sides to the truth, I do wish Harry, Megan, and their beautiful children the best of luck and pray, if only for their mother’s memory that he and William can be reconciled one day.
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