SPARE
By Prince Harry
Publisher: Random House
The Duke of Sussex details his struggles with the royal family, loss of his mother, service in the British Army and marriage to Meghan Markle.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," is a perplexing concoction of self-pity, privileged grievances, and a desperate plea for public sympathy. While the book has achieved record-breaking sales, surpassing 1.4 million copies on its first day ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/01f0449725562644a59e60a16fc9edb3?utm_source=openai)), one must question whether its content justifies such attention.
The narrative is riddled with an overindulgence in personal anecdotes that border on the absurd. Harry's detailed accounts of his first sexual encounter and a frostbite incident are not only unnecessary but also uncomfortable to read ([thereviewgeek.com](https://www.thereviewgeek.com/spare-princeharry-bookreview/?utm_source=openai)). These revelations seem less about providing insight and more about sensationalism.
Furthermore, the prose, despite the involvement of ghostwriter J.R. Moehringer, often comes across as florid and self-indulgent. The writing style has been compared to that of a romance novel protagonist, which detracts from the gravity of the subject matter ([goodreads.com](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63112750-spare?utm_source=openai)). This stylistic choice undermines the memoir's credibility and makes it challenging to take the author's grievances seriously.
The book also portrays the royal family in an unflattering light, with Harry depicting himself as a victim of a toxic environment. However, his narrative often lacks self-awareness and fails to acknowledge his own privileged position. This one-sided account raises questions about the reliability of his perspective ([standard.co.uk](https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/prince-harry-s-memoir-spare-review-b1051977.html?utm_source=openai)).
In conclusion, "Spare" is a self-indulgent memoir that offers little new insight into the British royal family. Its sensationalist content and lack of self-awareness make it a tedious read. Readers seeking a balanced and thoughtful exploration of royal life would be better served elsewhere.
Recommendation: Not recommended.
written on: 5/1/2025