by Spare was at the top of just about everybody’s TBRs this year. People were salivating at the prospect of having all the gossip about the crumbling royal family, straight from the horse’s mouth. That’s why this being less than superb was so disappointing. I am about to be brutally honest, so Prince Harry, do look away.
The editing of this book leaves much to be desired – the writing moved in circles at times and is overwritten on occasion. To be cruel, Harry makes the mistake of thinking his readers will care about his musings on any number of topics, from spirituality to the necessity of the monarchy. That isn’t why any of us picked up the book. Additionally, I thought Harry found his burden of fame to be among the be-all and end-all in terms of struggles. Especially at a time when economic crises rage and fascism is rising its ugly head across the globe, I think he would do well to have some perspective. Though I won’t deny that several scenes he described were heartwrenching, especially those involving Megan, this is a time when I thought of an infamous quote that I seldom use: “People are dying, Kim.”
A Particularly Unappealing Quote:
“Centuries ago royal men and women were considered divine; now they were insects. What fun, to pluck their wings.”
Prince Harry
I found it to come off as though Harry, and indeed everyone around him, was incredibly out of touch with the plight of the common man. Harry tries to repair this impression several times throughout the memoir, but something about it rings a bit hollow each time.
All in all, Spare was well structured but simply strange. I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t cavalier referencing of brainyquote.com. For the most highly anticipated book of the year for many, it falls woefully short, though I will grant that it provides a shocking view into the inner sanctum of the English royal family.
