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A review by idesofjaim
Spare by Prince Harry
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.5
This book has been the talk of the town obviously, and I had to patiently wait for the audiobook to become available with the significant interest.
To those who have watched the interviews/specials, consider this an incredibly extended behind the scenes in three parts. The first is Harry’s childhood & growing up after his mother’s death, the second is adulthood & the army, and the third is where Meghan enters & they leave the UK. The second part does drag on, but it is informative in its own way. Not unlike many other young men, Harry enters the army to essentially make something of himself, and as a desperate measure to escape the paps to whom he has been sacrificed for the gain of others.
Those looking for a greater critique of “the Institution” will be sorely disappointed; while there are things Harry calls into question as problematic, it’s still his family, and he still holds love for them. Perhaps the separation with time will lead to more breakthroughs, but defending your biracial wife seemed like a pretty great place to start. Especially when your family otherwise couldn’t be arsed.
I was surprised the book ends at the death of QEII when it hasn’t even been 6 months yet (this shows how much I know about publishing and all that). It was a cute tribute, and to know he still had her love has to feel wonderful. To have the matriarch make you feel like more than just a spare is something to be cherished.
And to hear him gush about Meghan? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t envious.
In sum, I knew I always picked the right brother. I also know I made the right decision listening to this in audiobook form, since he narrates. It was funny to catch his laughs at moments, and (though also a little cringey) to hear him sing. His voice is also very calming, so putting this on before bed was the perfect wind-down.
To those who have watched the interviews/specials, consider this an incredibly extended behind the scenes in three parts. The first is Harry’s childhood & growing up after his mother’s death, the second is adulthood & the army, and the third is where Meghan enters & they leave the UK. The second part does drag on, but it is informative in its own way. Not unlike many other young men, Harry enters the army to essentially make something of himself, and as a desperate measure to escape the paps to whom he has been sacrificed for the gain of others.
Those looking for a greater critique of “the Institution” will be sorely disappointed; while there are things Harry calls into question as problematic, it’s still his family, and he still holds love for them. Perhaps the separation with time will lead to more breakthroughs, but defending your biracial wife seemed like a pretty great place to start. Especially when your family otherwise couldn’t be arsed.
I was surprised the book ends at the death of QEII when it hasn’t even been 6 months yet (this shows how much I know about publishing and all that). It was a cute tribute, and to know he still had her love has to feel wonderful. To have the matriarch make you feel like more than just a spare is something to be cherished.
And to hear him gush about Meghan? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t envious.
In sum, I knew I always picked the right brother. I also know I made the right decision listening to this in audiobook form, since he narrates. It was funny to catch his laughs at moments, and (though also a little cringey) to hear him sing. His voice is also very calming, so putting this on before bed was the perfect wind-down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug abuse, War, and Alcoholism