Spare [Hardcover] Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
M**L
An intimate, revealing look into Harry's life
Prince Harry bares his soul in his raw and revealing memoir Spare, providing an intimate look into the highs and lows of his life as a member of the British royal family. From enduring the tragic loss of his mother to struggling with his role as the “spare” heir, Prince Harry comes across as startlingly candid yet heartbreakingly human. He holds little back in recounting his innermost struggles, though some may critique Spare as offensive to the royals. Ultimately, the memoir succeeds in humanizing the oft-criticized prince.One of the most striking aspects of Spare is Prince Harry’s gut-wrenching account of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at the tender age of twelve. He movingly describes learning she had died in a car crash in Paris, waiting in agonized hope that perhaps she had only been injured. Harry poignantly conveys his numb confusion when told the devastating news, writing “Everything distinctly, certainly, irrevocably, came to a stop.” He recalls being unable to cry at Diana’s funeral, having absorbed the royal family’s stoic creed.Harry touchingly expresses his enduring pain and longing for his mother in the months after her shocking death. He clung to the belief that her death was an elaborate hoax and she would eventually reappear, noting “I still hadn’t mourned, still hadn’t cried, except that one time at her grave, still hadn’t processed the bare facts.” Harry writes of his constant yearning for Diana, describing her as “light, pure radiant light,” too phenomenal to be gone. His palpable grief leaps off the page.The memoir highlights how profoundly losing Diana at such a young age shaped Harry. He links his eventual struggles with drugs and alcohol to unresolved trauma, poignantly recalling how he avoided quiet moments when difficult emotions might surface. Harry suggests it fueled his rebellious streak, noting he felt unable to publicly mourn while being labeled the “naughty” prince. His unwillingness to believe Diana was truly gone prevented him from properly grieving during his teen years.Harry paints a less than flattering picture of his father, King Charles III, referring to him as the distant, emotionally repressed “Pa” throughout the memoir. He portrays Charles as aloof, consumed by public perception, and unwilling to stand up for his sons against media attacks. Harry heartbreakingly describes craving physical affection from Charles as a child but rarely receiving it. However, glimmers of Harry’s love and sympathy for his father occasionally emerge. He expresses compassion for the bullying Charles endured at school, suggesting it influenced his guarded nature. Harry writes movingly of clutching Charles’ hand for comfort after Diana’s death, highlighting their rare moment of connection. While he clearly harbors resentment towards Charles, Harry poignantly shares that he simply wanted his father to be happy.Harry is also candid regarding his complex dynamic with Prince William, referring to him as “Willy” in the memoir. He characterizes their sibling relationship as deeply affectionate yet competitive, noting William’s dislike of being treated as a package deal. Harry recounts his eagerness to support William and sense of pride in playing the role of protective younger brother. However, he also shares William’s request that Harry pretend not to know him at school, illustrating the rift between them. Their warm but strained bond leaps off the page.Providing an intimate glimpse into the cloistered world of royals, Harry details the intense pressures and lack of privacy he endured growing up in the public eye. He expresses disdain for the superficiality of much royal life, writing that “Being a Windsor meant working out which truths were timeless, and then banishing them from your mind. It meant absorbing the basic parameters of one’s identity, knowing by instinct who you were, which was forever a byproduct of who you weren’t.” Prince Harry suggests his role as the “spare” heir contributed to his feelings of isolation, noting he was treated as merely a backup for William. He conveys his sense of destiny as the rebellious, misunderstood prince.Harry truly seems to come into his own during his military service, which he describes as a respite from royal duties. He provides colorful descriptions of his time in officer training, candidly admitting he struggled with academic lessons. Harry speaks poignantly of finding purpose, camaraderie, and escape from his privilege as a young soldier. His disappointment about being prevented from serving in Iraq due to safety concerns is palpable. He sees the military as a way to finally be “just Harry.”The most revealing glimpse into Harry’s state of mind comes as he describes struggling with substance abuse and anger issues in his late twenties. He admits that heavy drinking provided an outlet for deep unhappiness during this period, candidly writing “I was in a bad, bad place.” Harry acknowledges excessive partying and lashing out at paparazzi, reflecting “Something had to change. I knew I couldn’t go on like this.” His willingness to be so forthright makes these passages compelling.As he falls in love with Meghan Markle, Harry paints an idyllic portrait of their courtship. He speaks effusively about their instant connection, recalling thinking “Compared to her, Cinderella was the queen of long goodbyes.” shortly after being introduced. Harry movingly recounts his nervousness about introducing Meghan to his father and brother, conveying his anxiety about acceptance. He passionately defends Meghan against what he sees as racist media attacks on their relationship.Harry’s devotion toward Meghan and conviction that she was being treated unfairly inform his account of their dramatic decision to leave royal life. He criticizes the institution for failing to protect her as it had failed Diana. Harry conveys steely determination to avoid history repeating itself, whatever the cost. His partner loyalty and resolve to chart a new path for his young family shine through.While Spare focuses on Prince Harry’s personal struggles, he also offers glimpses into his philanthropic works and commitment to service. He writes movingly of his time in Africa, where he finds inspiration in aid workers helping vulnerable communities. Harry speaks with humility about striving to make a difference on meaningful causes like mental health, conservation, and supporting veterans. His social awareness provides balance to Spare’s heavier, introspective passages.Harry’s memoir has an undeniably introspective, self-focused slant that some may critique as self-pitying or indulgent. He can come across as resentful of royal duties and some may argue he places undue blame on press scrutiny over personal missteps. However, Spare generally succeeds as a nuanced self-portrait of the painfully human prince behind the media caricatures.With raw emotional honesty, Harry compellingly recounts his ongoing battles with childhood trauma, the loss of his mother, and struggles with his royal destiny. While certain revelations may be deemed offensive, potentially straining family relationships, the memoir marks a decisive step towards Harry telling his own imperfect but authentic story. With heartfelt candor and flashes of humor, Spare renders the flawed yet well-intentioned prince remarkably relatable.
D**A
Spare: A Captivating Journey of Self-Discovery
"Spare" by Prince Harry, offers readers a deeply personal and insightful journey into the life of one of the most intriguing figures of our time. With remarkable candor, Prince Harry shares his experiences, struggles, and triumphs, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of identity, duty, and resilience.Through poignant anecdotes and introspective reflections, Prince Harry navigates the challenges of growing up in the public eye, grappling with the weight of expectations, and ultimately forging his own path toward authenticity and purpose. His narrative is both compelling and relatable, offering valuable lessons on resilience, mental health, and the power of vulnerability.What sets "Spare" apart is Prince Harry's unwavering commitment to honesty and openness. He fearlessly confronts difficult topics, including loss, trauma, and the search for belonging, with a rare sincerity that resonates long after the final page. In doing so, he not only sheds light on his own journey but also inspires readers to confront their own struggles with courage and compassion.Moreover, "Spare" is more than just a memoir; it's a call to action. Prince Harry shares his passion for service and advocacy, highlighting the importance of using one's platform for positive change. From his advocacy for mental health awareness to his dedication to environmental conservation, his commitment to making a difference is palpable throughout the book, leaving readers inspired to contribute to a better world.In "Spare," Prince Harry invites readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery, resilience, and hope. With its powerful message and compelling narrative, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and insight into the human experience.
A**R
Untold feelings of a prince
Describes the untold feelings of the prince
A**L
Even a Prince can be very unlucky and unhappy
The Spare - by Prince Harry - Book ReviewMy Guru says, "The ways of Karma are unfathomable". Read this book to understand the gravity of this wisdom completely.Terrifically written, heartbreakingly sad, numbingly melancholic and teeth-grindingly frustrating, "Spare" makes you relish your banality and being a commoner.This is the story of Prince Harry, narrated by himself, as truthfully honestly as he can be.Striking, revealing and deeply painful, I recommend it as a "Must read".The tale of a young boy who is forever hayntee by the loss of his mother, terrible relations with his family and constant torture by the press.A must-read.
M**N
what an amazing life!
Harry is such an intelligent man and an accomplished writer. This is an interesting look into the Royal family and all the “smoke and mirrors” surrounding their façade. Prince Harry speaks the truth! He is a very deep and feeling man who loves his family. It’s criminal with the press, put him through and how he and his family have been shunned by royalty! Welcome to America’🇺🇸We’re so lucky, proud, honored and happy to have you! Excellent read, I laughed. I cried. Prince Harry is tough as nails when he needs to be, but a very loving and honorable man. Great read!
M**O
Livrão
Excelente material de estudo para ghostwriters, além de ser uma leitura fascinante.
K**L
Excellent book
Prince Harry has a very interesting story to tell and he does so in an engaging, honest and reflective way.
R**S
"...a secret about truth that many people are unwilling to accept: it's usually painful"
"a secret about truth that many people are unwilling to accept: it's usually painful"This quote, taken from part 2, page 170, chapter 33 really spoke to me. I noted it immediately upon reading, highlighting it, because it really spoke to the theme of this book. That truth is often wrapped with pain...that owning ones truth is often brave, hard and often misunderstood. That speaking ones truth often comes with risk, with people who will continue to read your truth and misquote you, who will cherry-pick and judge based on mistruths, often quoted as others as the gospel.I started this book with my own opinions, and when I finished this book, I was surprised - surprised to find myself empathizing with almost every major player. Even the ones I had demonized in my own minds eye. I found myself empathizing with what it must feel like to be "owned" by an institution - owned by the public. After all, the public were paying for their very existence. What it must feel like to have to grow up, make mistakes and be judged perhaps more harshly than those of his peers. But I also experienced a level of sympathy for what generations of that family have had to undergo.Trauma is a major theme that wraps it's tentacles around Harry - long past childhood, it ensnares him, forms his very being. I was surprised to learn many things about his feelings about Diana's passing, ones that would be understandable for any young man to feel, but are more so understandable after what he experienced on a world stage. The descriptions of his feelings are so vivid, so painfully raw, that you can't help but feel for him.I have to give credit where credit is due - this book is exceptionally well written...this speaks to a very close partnership with Prince Harry's ghost writer, JR Moehringer. I could see Prince Harry pouring over his laptop all night long, writing all his feelings down and then JR, taking those feelings and moments and creating a more aesthetically pleasing, descriptive tome. You never feel like it isn't Prince Harry talking from his heart, but you can see where JR has been able to give such clear description, you feel like you're right there, in the battlefield with Harry - that you're walking along side him during that long walk behind his mom. I usually find biographies exceptionally boring because they feel like a history lesson, and don't speak from the heart. This isn't that type of book. You feel like you're reading from his diary, a very personal and private journey he is giving us access too. His entire life has been shown to the world, by those events were not by his choice. THIS was his choice. His truth.I don't want to take away from this book so I will not go into specifics because I feel like you should go into this book willing to listen - remove your preconceived notions, drop your prejudice, erase from your memory the stories told by others about him and read his truth. Because if nothing else, why should someone else opinion of you be treated as truth, when their opinions are formed by the very people who have tried to destroy you.
S**E
Royal family forever
Libro scritto molto bene . Well done !.
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