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Spare cover art

Spare

Written by: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
Narrated by: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
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Publisher's Summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Discover the global phenomenon that tells an unforgettable story of love, loss, and healing.

“Compellingly artful . . . [a] blockbuster memoir.”—The New Yorker (Best Books of the Year)

It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.

For Harry, this is that story at last.

Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.

At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love.

Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .

For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.

©2023 Random House Group (P)2023 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What the critics say

“Unflinching, introspective, and well-written.” Time

“Compellingly artful . . . [a] blockbuster memoir.” The New Yorker

“A scorching account of life in a golden cage.” The Atlantic

What listeners say about Spare

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Oh.My.Heart.

The authenticity. The vulnerability. The seemingly casual objective sharing, gentle lifting of a vail, all threaded through a tender-hearted almost self exploration.

I did not expect this, and felt the grief, loss, bewilderment, sorrow, acceptance, and resolve right along with each page that expressed it.

Not one to follow the monarch normally, and generally annoyed at those who take the obsession to bbI found, I purchased the book because from very much the outside I admired this young couples bold courage to stand up to such a powerful force and the incredible move to take their own voices back.

It’s in the simultaneous power and crushing grief of that, that I found myself crying for this dear boy. This book may require many pauses for that reason. For those open-hearted enough to truly put themselves in this boy’s heart for a moment, at those ages, and experience it all along with him.

Oh. My. Heart.

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40 people found this helpful

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Excellent narration

Riveting story of a life that's been exploited by the British tabloids. Prince Harry's truth is much more interesting than the made up tales of journos. Very glad I chose the Audible version. Harry's voice is perfect

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39 people found this helpful

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Definitely a book to listen to

A funny, sad, shocking… and infinitely compelling memoir. Hearing about the fishbowl of royal life in Prince Harry’s own words and voice (he’s an amazing narrator by the way) was eye opening and definitely shattered any lingering childhood fantasy of wanting to be a princess! I’ve been purposefully avoiding reading any news reports about the book and can only imagine the press’ and paps’ ire at having their villainy exposed. More concerning is the lengths to which they’ll likely go to extract their revenge. Will Harry, Meghan, and their family ever get to live in peace? I certainly hope so and wish them well.

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10 people found this helpful

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Safe Journeys

Thank you for sharing some of your life Harry and also for narrating it. I admired/admire your mother and have always wished you all only good things.
I respect your incredible courage. Stay strong. Please accept much love and blessings for safe Journeys with your clever wife and precious children.
Shelly D. from Canada xo

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Truth Hurts

This is his truth. The negative reviews of this book are typical of those who can't handle the truth. His mother died because of the press. His wife all but crucified by them. He lived in a petri dish his whole life under scrutiny, always someone over his shoulder making decisions for him. I don't care how privileged he was or is to be born into this family, living under a microscope should never be a price to pay. It is easy to see how this institution uses members of this family as pawns and when they need a distraction from one by play the other. I believe Harry defending his wife and kids was the most noble thing anyone can do. He stood up to his family and didn't fall inline as everyone before him therefore, cut him off. I have so much respect for a person who fights for what is right and the truth. My own husband stood up to his parents for the first time 3 years ago and it ended in becoming estranged from them, they couldn't and still can't handle the truth. When the scapegoat calls out a family, it never ends well. By being the spare, Harry was born into the role of the scapegoat. The ultimate distraction from his brother, the future king, if necessary. I ask, all that time that he and his wife were in the tabloids/news, what else was going on? what was getting covered up or overlooked? why were you made to be distracted from other members of the royal family? its no different then politics. tearing 1 down builds the other up. . Good job breaking that cycle of trauma Harry. I wish you, your wife and children nothing but happiness.

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The truth shall set you free

Loved it. SIMULTANEOUSLY heartbreaking and heartwarming. Harry did not ask to be born into the Royal family. The British press act oblivious to this fact while claiming he must dance for them like a monkey in a cage. Harry and wife and kids are supposed to abide death threats and worse from the media for asking for privacy and protection from violent vitriol sanctioned no less by Charles and William. The current and future King are the perfect examples of colonialism. Pretending to do good until their wealth or power is threatened. Queen Elizabeth, although slow, was trying to do better, but alas her lifetime legacy has been squandered by Charles and William in less than a year of her death. Harry and Megan could actually have done good works in the name of the Royal family,, just look at the reception and hope they brought to the commonwealth. But alas, the weak minded jealous kings could not abide. They tried to destroy Harry and Megan becuse of jealousy. History will show the truth the kings will accomplish nothing of meaning because ego is of no value to the commonwealth. Let the British tabloids have the kings and their wives, the clown show is entertaining if nothing else.

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Prince Harry narrates this book

Loved this book. Highly recommend listening to the audiobook versus hardcover because Prince Harry actually narrates the whole book.

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Loved Listening

At first I had a hard time understanding the British accent because I am Canadian. However I got used to it after a while and really appreciated being read to.

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Compelling and illuminating

This book is beautifully written and the narration is pleasant and brings you into the author's feelings on the content. I never used to pay a ton of attention to the monarchy, the Queen was a comforting, distant presence in my Commonwealth country.

When Meghan came on the scene I started paying attention. I liked her in Suits. I could see her warmth and her hard work as she entered the royal family and began paying more attention. I started noticing Harry more, too. I wasn't aware how many amazing initiatives he'd spearheaded.

I was horrified by the vitriol of the British press, and apparently the British people. The silence of the palaces was disgusting. I'm so grateful that Harry and Meghan got out of that toxic cesspool and began to speak for themselves.

This book lays so much on the table, but does so with compassion for each person in the family, more than they likely deserve. I've had a visceral response to the way Harry and Meghan were set up as lambs to the slaughter, almost literally. The royal family had best make a sharp change to the way they operate or we, the Commonwealth, will cut them out of our countries. The British media and their paparazzi thugs deserve to be locked in the Tower, and all their riches repossessed to distribute to their victims, of which there are many. Shame on them, I hope they reap their poison threefold.

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An Insightful Journey

The book was engaging, and it was written in a very respectful manner. I can better appreciate the struggles Harry has faced and overcome. I hope he finds continued joy and happiness as his journey continues.
Cheers.......Scarlett

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