Reviews - Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family

369 reviews for:

Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family

This book is the most ridiculous, self indulgent, poorly written book I have read in quite some time. The writing was so over the top and syrupy sweet. The Dutchess of Sussex may claim she has little to no involvement in the writing of the book but it is hard to believe she or someone close to her didn't provide the anecdotes of private texts and what the inside of the Queens rooms look like. There are constant references to her private conversations with friends, her inner thoughts, and personal views. It is either a work of fiction by someone who has studied her writing style, or shenhad involvement.

This book may be about both the Duke and Dutchess but Meghan is the centre of the story. When explaining due to leaving senior roles in the royal family Harry was required to give up military honours, Meghan laments how hard it was for her to see him upset. I'm sure it was, but that's something happening to Harry, not her. A better author would have focused on the feelings of the person the thing was happening to, but the focus is consistently on Meghan. The constant name dropping of famous people and brands was laughable, if Harry and Meghan have non famous friends they aren't worth mentioning. The price of hotels are also referenced so often I had to wonder what the point was. I don't think anyone thinks the royals are staying at a Best Western but it's hard to feel any sympathy for a couple who stay in hotels worth $2K a night or live in million dollar palaces. Its also odd that early in the book they mention Harry flies commercial, yet as soon as their relationship went public Meghan began using private jets. One can't help but wonder if the couple contributed to the media storm (did they create their own Streisand effect?) We are supposed to feel sympathy for the couple but I find it hard to feel bad for people who have so much and so many opportunities. Through the book are digs at the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge, and the general impression that the Sussex's believe they were so popular that the rest of the family was just jealous.

I was left with the impression Harry and Meghan were just a little full of their own self importance and impatient for any change. While I'm sure it isn't nice seeing things written about yourself in the media the royal family has long had the attitude of, never complain, never explain. Maybe Meghan didn't know what she was in for, maybe Harry should have listened to his brother and waited until they both knew what they were in for. Harry it seems wasn't happy to never complain and Meghan it seems wanted to explain.
Their more explosive claims made in their recent Oprah interview are either contradicted in the book or not discussed at all which is a shame. Even the more insulting claims in the media - that Meghan yelled at staff, threw hot tea on a staffer in Sydney, and made Catherine cry - are not discussed in the book, even though one would think this was an opportunity to address such rumours. The book doesn't touch in anything of real meaning, it is fluff, and nonsense. The goal may have been to get the public more on side but I think it does a disservice to the Duke and Dutchess of Sussex.

alyssaunabridged's review against another edition

3.0

informative slow-paced

carleythorne's review against another edition

3.0

not actually 5 stars, maybe like 3 but ill up the review bc of the excessive 1 star reviews by people who don't like megan markle (smells like racism to me love ❤️.)

i think the book accomplished what it aimed to do and gave a detailed report of how Harry and Megan met and began their relationship. However in the attempt to paint Megan as sympathetic to the readers it actually made her seem like a superhuman who had no faults. i wish i got to see a more real side of her, but i get why they didn't showcase that!

darthchrista's review against another edition

4.0

A fun glimpse into a part of life I for sure am not a part of. Just a fun and well researched read on this couple.

widget0712's review against another edition

5.0

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

rachelbaddorf's review against another edition

4.0

I don’t typically keep up with the royals, but when a trusted reader said this was one of her favorite reads of the year I wanted to give it a try. It was enjoyable to read, especially the first half leading up to the wedding. While it seemed the authors were solidly behind Meghan and Harry, they still didn’t come off in the best light. Overall, I’m glad I read it and feel I have a better grasp of the drama surrounding Harry and Meghan. I’d love something similar on William and Kate. Or even Charles.

roamswithbooks's review against another edition

3.0

I was surprised by how much this book pulled me in. I have always been interested in the royals, especially this generation yet I have never gone as far as reading a book written by or about anyone in the royal family. I found myself wondering how they wrote this (how to know what to share, what not to share, etc). I think I was most surprised that the story and pacing kept me interested although I'll say that my interest did wane more at the end.