Book Review: Spare

Yes, I gave in to the hype. Currently at #1 for Audible books and #1 for British biography, it seems like everyone wants to get their hands on this book. My natural curiosity (would he trash his family?) kicked in. It was funny. My middle son saw the audiobook case and said, sneering, "You're listening to that? Seriously. Have you heard the snippets they're playing?" He then played me a horrifying bit that Prince Harry shares about his private parts. Oh, brother! I could have done without that bit! Do they think people want to hear stuff like that? Thankfully, most of the book was clean.

My heart grieves for Prince Harry and also for his family (both his wife and children, and his father and brother). Like everyone, I remember the images of Harry and William walking behind their mother's coffin. Difficult for any pre-teen, but Harry wasn't just any pre-teen. He was a royal pre-teen in the middle of embroiled relational discord from adulterous parents. He watched the press hound his beautiful, beloved mother, and he knew it was during pursuit that she met her demise. Well, he knew, but part of his childlike soul still wondered whether she had fabricated the incident so she could just disappear and start up a life elsewhere.

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, the author proclaims he wants the press to cease and desist. On the other, he draws attention by saying, "I don't want all this attention." Yet, I understand he feels that the truth needs to be published since the tabloids and general press delight in producing enough lies to keep the gaping masses purchasing their rags. They wronged him, and he hopes that by telling "his side" the wrongs will go away. Sadly, not likely.

I understand his need to withdraw from the pressures of royalty. His desire to protect his small family is honorable. If entering with an open mind, the book is certain to nurture sympathy. All he wants is to live a normal life without being smeared and criticized by the masses who consume tid-bits written and photos taken to generate profit. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be hounded and chased, drawn and quartered, pinned on a specimen board for entertainment.

The void left by his mother led to problems (including drugs - the drug use in this book is staggering). What a different world it might have been for him, if someone had protected and championed this young man when his mother died. You would think that family would step up and meet those needs. You would think. Alas, not so for Harry. Yet, in his desire to proclaim the truth, he ended up smearing his family. His portrayal, while it may have been truth, will not heal what is broken.

I can only go back to my response to James Patterson's book on Diana and her boys. When we elevate mere humans to god-like worship, they will disappoint us. Sin and dysfunction cause problems in every family. Salvation through Christ's blood is the only cure. But will they ever hear and heed the gospel? I doubt it. The mess will proliferate and expand. Now that Harry has put his side out there, reconciliation will be hard-won.

Content Caution: 📒 - language, drug use