- ASIN: B0BHY5TX5R
- Publisher: Random House Canada (January 10, 2023)
- Kindle: 4800 KB
- Print: 409 pages
It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.
For Harry, this is that story at last.
Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.
At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love.
Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .
For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is a husband, father, humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist. He resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his family and three dogs.
REVIEW:
I was so afraid to read this book. Having British heritage, I didn't want my opinion of the royal family to be tarnished in any way. I also wanted to read what the Price felt and dealt with at certain times in his life. We all want to know, I'm sure... so off I went.
I definitely have a deeper understanding of Harry. I also understand why he wanted out of the royal spotlight. I'll be honest, I felt like Meghan was the Yoko Ono of the monarchy too, until I read what Harry had to say about everything. Most of us only get the dish from the media, and to find out that they were used so much.... shocking and yet not surprised. I actually feel empathy, and regret for my earlier assumptions about her.
This book probably ruined his relationships with his father and brother. I know it was getting better before the book release, but after reading this, I highly doubt it is moving forward now. That is incredibly sad.
I literally cried a few times reading this book. I took a long time to read it, longer than any book, but to be fair, I got mad at it a few times too and had to walk away. I have so much compassion for them that I want to give them a hug. I wouldn't cause that would be weird, but I want to. LOL.... you all know what I mean.
I get why some might not be for this book. Like why did you spill so many secrets... but I sure am glad he did. Time to stop being a scapegoat and live your life!
5/5
**Compensation may be earned from the link within. This copy was purchased. Opinions are owned by Freda's Voice.
Great, and sensitive review. I have started watching the tv-series, but not yet decided if I will read the book. Maybe I will now.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I was actually still in tears when I wrote this review....
DeleteI really want to read this. It's heartbreaking to think of the position he's in and how hard it must be to distance himself from his family. But I'm glad he's so loyal to Meghan.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is shameful to attack one's family in a book. He claims he wants out of the PR Royal coverage yet promotes himself constantly, usually by attacking close family members.
ReplyDeleteDid you read the book?
DeleteI didn't feel like he attacked his family at all.... to each his own.
I do agree with you on the shameless self-promotions, but disagree that it's an attack.