LOST SOMETHING?

No. reviewers 400K+
Rating 3.8 - 4.3
70%+ rated 4 or 5 stars 

Spare is a memoir by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, in which he recounts his personal journey from his childhood within the British royal family to his eventual decision to step back from royal duties. The book covers key moments in his life, from the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, to his struggles with mental health, his military service, and his relationship with his family.

Prince Harry also delves into his public image, the media’s treatment of him, and his decision to live a more independent life with his wife, Meghan Markle, in California. The memoir explores themes of grief, identity, family, and the cost of fame, offering an inside look at the pressures of being a royal and the search for personal freedom.

What reviewers loved

Honesty and Vulnerability: Many readers praised Prince Harry for his raw honesty and openness about his personal struggles, including his grief over the loss of his mother and his mental health challenges. His willingness to be vulnerable about difficult subjects was lauded as one of the book’s strongest points.

Insight into Royal Life: The book provided a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the inner workings of the British royal family, which many found fascinating. Readers appreciated the glimpse into the complexities of royal duties, family dynamics, and the intense media scrutiny faced by the family.

Personal Growth and Transformation: Prince Harry’s journey of self-discovery, from a troubled youth to a more mature and introspective adult, resonated with many readers. His exploration of personal growth, especially in relation to his mental health, was considered an inspiring aspect of the memoir.

Emotional Depth: The book’s exploration of grief, particularly the impact of his mother’s death, was highlighted by readers as deeply emotional and impactful. Many found themselves moved by the personal reflections on loss and the way it shaped his life choices.

Candid Account of Media and Public Life: Prince Harry’s perspective on the media’s role in shaping public opinion and his personal experiences with the press was widely appreciated. Many readers found his critique of the media’s treatment of him and his family to be compelling and thought-provoking.

Relationship with Meghan Markle: Readers who were interested in Prince Harry's relationship with Meghan Markle found the book’s portrayal of their bond to be heartfelt. Their shared struggles with public life and the challenges they’ve faced together were considered a powerful part of the narrative.

Well-Written and Engaging: Prince Harry’s storytelling was praised for being engaging, with many readers noting that the book was well-written and easy to follow.
 
Entitlement Perception: A common criticism was that some readers felt the book came across as self-indulgent or entitled, particularly with regards to Prince Harry’s reflections on his royal status and the challenges he faced. Some found it difficult to relate to his struggles, given his privileged background and the wealth and opportunities afforded to him.

Betrayal of Family and Selling Out: A notable critique from some readers was that Prince Harry’s memoir felt like a betrayal to the royal family. They felt that by publicly sharing private family matters, personal conflicts, and internal royal dynamics, Prince Harry had crossed a line. Many believed that his decision to air family grievances in such a public way not only damaged his relationship with his family but also undermined the integrity of the royal institution. 

One-Sided Perspective: Some readers felt that the book presented a one-sided view of Prince Harry’s experiences, particularly in its portrayal of family conflicts. Critics suggested that it might have been more balanced if it had included more perspectives from other family members, such as his brother Prince William, or insights into the wider royal family.