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apmreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I'm not sure what I went into Spare expecting, but it exceeded my expectations. From my understanding, Prince Harry had a ghostwriter that helped him achieve this, but it was obvious to me that he had a lot to do with the creation and writing of this memoir. It was beautifully and lyrically written, dripping with gorgeous detail, while also feeling like it was coming from a place of genuine love for his family and even the institution that he was raised in. This memoir didn't feel like a tell-all, but rather a poignant picture of a life left wanting for love and acceptance, peace and freedom.
Harry thoughtfully discusses grief, mental health, PTSD, family dynamics, and daily struggles that--although growing up royal--the average reader could probably relate to on some level. The title of this memoir, heartbreakingly coined Spare, is meant in the way that it was perceived by me and is a recurring theme for better or for worse. He navigates the way this word, this title, has permeated his life and the things he has and has not been allowed to accomplish. How it has made him both freer to make some choices while also burdening him with a heavier load, particularly when it comes to the press, which is a recurring topic he discusses. I think, at his core, this is a plea for the British press (and press in general) to stop approaching people's lives like a warfront. The astonishing parallel he makes to the dehumanizing of him and his family to the ways he was trained to operate in the military was chilling and eye-opening.
If I had any critiques, I initially thought it was going to rest in his giving details about his past relationships (really, one of the only parts that made it feel like a "tell-all"), but a friend made the point that this was likely done to highlight how much different his partnership with Meghan has been. And, I definitely think that's the case. Yes, he discusses frostbite on . . . an appendage . . . and while that is certainly more detail than I think anyone needed to know or read about, it's minor in the scheme of what he says within the bigger picture of this memoir. His discussion on war, in particular, was interesting to me as someone who has had a lot of family in the military. He recognizes the purpose it gave his life when he was in need of direction while also pointing out its damaging aftermath and how it has negatively affected so many people.
Harry clearly needed to do this. It seemed cathartic and necessary for him to clear up his story and side of things, and to protect his family from the vitriol they've received in the last few years. I commend him, and I still stand by being proud of the brave choice he made of leaving the crown behind to make the decisions that were best for him and his family. A beautifully written memoir that was engrossing, moving, and illuminating from start to finish.
Harry thoughtfully discusses grief, mental health, PTSD, family dynamics, and daily struggles that--although growing up royal--the average reader could probably relate to on some level. The title of this memoir, heartbreakingly coined Spare, is meant in the way that it was perceived by me and is a recurring theme for better or for worse. He navigates the way this word, this title, has permeated his life and the things he has and has not been allowed to accomplish. How it has made him both freer to make some choices while also burdening him with a heavier load, particularly when it comes to the press, which is a recurring topic he discusses. I think, at his core, this is a plea for the British press (and press in general) to stop approaching people's lives like a warfront. The astonishing parallel he makes to the dehumanizing of him and his family to the ways he was trained to operate in the military was chilling and eye-opening.
If I had any critiques, I initially thought it was going to rest in his giving details about his past relationships (really, one of the only parts that made it feel like a "tell-all"), but a friend made the point that this was likely done to highlight how much different his partnership with Meghan has been. And, I definitely think that's the case. Yes, he discusses frostbite on . . . an appendage . . . and while that is certainly more detail than I think anyone needed to know or read about, it's minor in the scheme of what he says within the bigger picture of this memoir. His discussion on war, in particular, was interesting to me as someone who has had a lot of family in the military. He recognizes the purpose it gave his life when he was in need of direction while also pointing out its damaging aftermath and how it has negatively affected so many people.
Harry clearly needed to do this. It seemed cathartic and necessary for him to clear up his story and side of things, and to protect his family from the vitriol they've received in the last few years. I commend him, and I still stand by being proud of the brave choice he made of leaving the crown behind to make the decisions that were best for him and his family. A beautifully written memoir that was engrossing, moving, and illuminating from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, War, Drug use, Alcohol, Grief, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, and Mental illness
Moderate: Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Racism, Cursing, Physical abuse, and Miscarriage
drraytay's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, War, Racial slurs, Grief, Animal cruelty, Antisemitism, Murder, Animal death, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Body horror, Car accident, Mental illness, and Racism
Moderate: Physical abuse, Drug use, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Death, Emotional abuse, Islamophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexism
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