Spare

As someone who just finished this book, and seeing no reviews from others who have actually read it, I feel a moral obligation to leave a review. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 due to the preemptive hate.

This book reads as an extreme stream of consciousness and is slightly tedious to get into. However, it is a vulnerable and at times overtly descriptive account of Prince Harry's life. For those of you looking for drama - he very much so delivers.

It is clear that he wrote this book after much reflection and deeply dives into the various traumas he suffered. Does his privilege seep through the writing at points? Absolutely. Did I find myself deeply sympathizing with him? Very much so. I found myself pleasantly surprised by the writing itself. Prince Harry has a very poetic way of writing, constantly connecting themes and stories throughout the book. Sharp prose, detailed accounts and foreshadowing, and an unprecedented naming of villainous figures make for a scintillating and engrossing read.

The book is split into 3 parts; the first about his childhood post Princess Diana's death, the second about his time in the military, and the third his story with Meghan. We see how his grief shaped his childhood. The lack of support and loneliness further crippling him. He is held prisoner in a lifestyle devoid of independence and later finds himself stuck and aimless. We also get much insight into his familial relationships especially those between him and his brother and father and how they became strained over time. He unsparingly writes of the personal and institutional failures that affected his life, while also touching on his own unconscious biases and gaps in thinking. This book is not all bleak as I am making it out to be, but also vividly details his healing. Whether it is finding peace in Botswana, a sense of belonging during his time in Afghanistan, or the impacts of therapy he writes rawly and freely of his journey to happiness.

I do have issues with the way he writes about British imperialism and the affects of colonialism. He half-heartedly addressed how the monarchy was built off the blood and labor of African and Asian countries and was a bit insensitive at some points- I was not impressed.

At the end of the day when so many others have profited off of telling untrue stories about H and M's lives, why should they, themselves, not be able to profit while speaking their truth? Of course the real truth is probably some middle ground between their and the institution's version of events, however this memoir allows one to understand Harry's character and thought processes and form an opinion for themselves.

No matter what your feelings towards the institution or the Sussexes, I urge you to read this with an open mind and truly try to empathize with the very people who's lives are affected by the vitriol spewed by the British media. As for the quotes currently circulating around, much has been taken out of context. Read the book to actually understand what he's trying to say.