A review by binreads
Spare by Prince Harry

informative reflective sad medium-paced

3.0

For my first audiobook, I enjoyed his readings. I felt like I really wanted to listen to him account his own life, and I feel like it was an extra insight into his life and feelings when you can hear his emotions yourself which is why I went with the audiobook format.

The beginning was great but I will say, the whole middle section dragged. I had my speed on 1.3x at one point just to get through it. He talks a lot about his time in army, which of course is very important and integral to his life. But, there were too many recounts of singlar stories or interactions that I personally felt did not add anything to this book.

If you watched the Harry & Meghan documentary, you would already know almost the whole ending of this book - even some moments feel word for word of what they discussed in the doc so it was a bit repetitive.

I think one thing most people are a bit surprised about is just how distant his relationship with his brother has been his entire life. William from Harry's perspective is very cold, it's really sad to hear. Especially for the fact that they both endured the lost of their mother.

Speaking of Diana, after her death, Harry was left completely traumatized and shame on everyone who wasn't there for him throughout the years after. You can hear it in his voice how, even to this day, it still feels like it was yesterday. It's so sad.


Final thoughts?  First of all, the paparazzi is a glorified stalking job. It's disgusting.

I see people online saying these things about Harry and Meghan: "Oh I thought they wanted to live privately? Why the press now? Why the interviews, docs, books etc? Isn't it hypocritical?"

Look. I am not someone who has cared or even known much of the royal family. I am actually named after Princess Diana (my mother adored her, and she actually passed two weeks before I was born) so I have always felt a respect and love towards her. 

All I know is, this man who was once a boy, was born into a royal family, with a destiny that was chosen before he was born. He never chose this life. Yes, he is greatly privileged, and I see he does try to acknowledge that privilege while also trying to claim a life of his own.

When Harry mentions why this book is called "Spare", meaning Will was the heir and he was the spare; the second choice, the 'only if', the one forgotten about...it hurt my heart for the little boy who lost his mother way too young. Who didn't have the right support to get through that. Not saying he's perfect or a saint, as he himself points out his massive flaws. But, it's crushing.

Spare is about reclaiming his life and story because he has never once been able to control the narrative of himself in a world he never chose to be in. I hope he, Meghan and his children live peaceful and happy lives. And it also felt like an Ode to Princess Diana.
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