Spare: Factual or Flawed

The English language version of Spare sold more than 1.4 million copies on its first day of publication according to Penguin Random House, the book’s publisher. This gives it the most first day sales of any nonfiction book ever published by Penguin Random House. The book was ghostwritten by J. R. Moehringer. Moehringer also ghost wrote Phil Knight's memoir and in 2000 received a Pulitzer Prize for feature writing for his article “Crossing Over.” while on the Los Angeles Times.

Photo courtesy of Penguin Random House

The English language version of Spare sold more than 1.4 million copies on its first day of publication according to Penguin Random House, the book’s publisher. This gives it the most first day sales of any nonfiction book ever published by Penguin Random House. The book was ghostwritten by J. R. Moehringer. Moehringer also ghost wrote Phil Knight’s memoir and in 2000 received a Pulitzer Prize for feature writing for his article “Crossing Over.” while on the Los Angeles Times.

Hannah Roberts, Staff Reporter
February 8, 2023

  On January 10, 2023, Prince Harry released a book that took the world by storm. Spare is an autobiography written by Prince Harry, accounting for his life from childhood to today.

  Prince Harry splits the book up into three parts. His childhood, the military, and his life with Meghan up until now. From the start, the book has beautiful writing. It’s descriptive and keeps the reader engaged with its inside perspective. 

  A topic that was very anticipated was how Harry was going to handle the writing of his mother’s death. The book took only 19 pages to answer that question. At that point, the writing reflects the mood perfectly. It is emotional and reflects the sort of numbness and unbelieving tone of a grieving child. 

  The beautiful writing continues throughout the whole book. On page 88 Harry talks about how he views the stars. It reads,” In other words, looking at a star, you were looking at the past, at a time long before anyone you knew or loved had lived.”

  One thing that is very enjoyable about the story is how Harry never forgets his mother. She is always in his mind despite losing her when he was so young. He offers an inside look into the stages of grief and how long they can last. 

  The first funeral Harry attended after his mother’s death was of course very hard for him. On page 75 it says,” Cut to Willy and me, days later. Dark suits downcast faces, eyes filled with déjà vu.”. This is just one of many times where Harry handles the idea of grief with knowledge and understanding. 

  This book not only focuses on a grieving boy growing up it also provides insight into the royal family. It shows what their lives were like years ago and what they are like now. 

  Although Spare is a well-written novel it has its flaws. At times the story becomes a bit repetitive with Harry complaining about the press telling lies about him when he was young. He also talks quite a bit about how he wanted to be on the front lines when in the military but they wouldn’t let him for a very long time because he was royal. 

  Despite its flaws, Spare provides a deep insight into the life of a young boy who grows up as a royal, a teenager who grieves on the death of his mother, and an adult who feels alienated by his family.