Prince Harry's memoir, Spare, has garnered mixed reviews. Critics praise its candidness and emotional depth, offering a raw insight into his life and struggles. However, some find it overly introspective and lacking broader historical context. The writing is engaging, but opinions vary on the balance between personal narrative and public interest. Overall, it's a compelling but polarizing read.

A reader who would enjoy Spare by Prince Harry is likely captivated by contemporary royal affairs, personal memoirs, and introspective narratives on overcoming adversity. Fans of titles like Becoming by Michelle Obama and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls may find this book equally compelling.

Spare is a memoir by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, ghostwritten by J. R. Moehringer, detailing his life as the "Spare" to Prince William's "Heir." It narrates his struggles with his mother's death, his pursuit of personal fulfillment, his tumultuous relationships with his father and brother, and the intense media scrutiny that led to his departure from the royal family and relocation to the United States. Contains references to death by suicide.

Emotional / Contemplative / Nostalgic / Inspirational / Heartwarming

- Prince Harry's memoir, Spare, achieved record-breaking sales in the UK, selling over 400,000 copies (print, e-book, and audio formats combined) on its first day of release, making it the fastest-selling non-fiction book in UK history.
- In Spare, Prince Harry worked closely with ghostwriter J.R. Moehringer, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, who successfully helped capture the personal and candid nature of Harry's narrative.
- The title Spare refers to the colloquial expression used within royal circles, "the heir and the spare," highlighting Prince Harry's position as the younger sibling to Prince William, the future King of England.

**Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex**  
The author of the memoir, a member of the British royal family, who shares his experiences and perspective from childhood through his departure from royal duties.

**Charles, Prince of Wales**  
Harry's father, depicted with complexity, showing a mix of affection and distance, and the struggles with public perception and personal relationships within the royal family.

**Prince William, Duke of Cambridge**  
Harry's older brother, whose relationship with him is marked by both rivalry and shared royal experiences, highlighting their different paths and tensions.

**Queen Elizabeth II**  
The reigning monarch until the end of the memoir, portrayed through Harry's eyes as both a grandmother and a sovereign, embodying tradition and duty.

**Diana, Princess of Wales**  
Harry's mother, whose life and untimely death profoundly impact Harry's views and choices, serving as an inspirational figure for him throughout his life.

**Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex**  
Harry's wife, whose entry into his life marks a significant turning point and challenges conventional royal norms, facing intense media scrutiny and family tensions.

**Chelsy Davy**  
Harry's former girlfriend, notable for her carefree nature and the shared love of Africa, influencing Harry's perspective on personal and public expectations.

**Teej and Mike**  
South African documentary makers who become surrogate parental figures to Harry, providing support and understanding outside the royal circle.

Prince Harry

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Spare reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Spare | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Spare and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Spare Summary and Study Guide

Background

Spare Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Out of the Night That Covers Me”

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 20

Spare Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 20 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 21-40

Spare Part 1, Chapters 21-40 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 41-58

Spare Part 1, Chapters 41-58 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Bloody, but Unbowed”

Part 2, Chapters 1-40

Spare Part 2, Chapters 1-40 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 41-60

Spare Part 2, Chapters 41-60 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 61-87

Spare Part 2, Chapters 61-87 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, “Captain of My Soul”

Part 3, Chapters 1-20

Spare Part 3, Chapters 1-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Captain of My Soul”

Part 3, Chapters 21-60

Spare Part 3, Chapters 21-60 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 61-Epilogue

Spare Part 3, Chapters 61-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Spare Key Figures

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Themes

Spare Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Spare Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Spare Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Spare Essay Topics

Spare

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Spare?

Reading Age

Book Details