I decided to listen to the audiobook of this biography because I wanted to get Harry and Meghan's take on things. This book begins with their courtship, the ensuing social media circus that continued through to their 2018 wedding, their newlywed lives, and their new roles as parents to young Archie.
Co-author Omid Scovie narrates the book (with mediocre success) and the writing, which he shared with Carolyn Durand, was weak at best. Scovie admits (brags?) that he knows the couple and many of their close relationships. Who knows if that's true? Much of the info won't come as a surprise to readers but the writing is poor and distracting, often having a strange focus on unimportant details - like excessive descriptions of food. I don't need to know exactly what Meghan ate at her shower. I just don't care.
I like Harry and Meghan. They are a polarizing couple, but I like that they are both ambitious, philanthropic and independent and I do not understand some people's animosity for this couple who just want to do their own thing. Readers will see many of their good works detailed in this book, but I couldn't get over the pronounced bias that had an almost ass-kissing vibe. Everything seemed to be spun to put them in a better light. But others don't fare as well. Charles is put on a pedestal, but William and Kate don't come off quite as rosy. It's clear that Kate and Will are wholeheartedly drinking the royal Kool-Aid and are staunch members of The Firm (as the Royal family is known) and in this book they are portrayed as aloof and cold towards their sister-in-law, which, honestly, I can kind of believe.
In the end, I got more clarity on a few events involving the couple, but this book simply tries too hard to push Team Harry and Meghan. I still firmly believe Meghan was treated unfairly by the notoriously harsh British press, but I also think this book's rah-rah vibe may hinder the couple more than help to endear them to their ardent detractors.
My Rating: 3 stars
Authors: Omid Scobie, Carolyn Durand
Genre: Biography
Type and Source: eAudiobook from public library
Narrator: Omid Scovie
Run Time: 10 hours, 29 minutes
Publisher: HarperAudio
First Published: August 11, 2020
Opening Line: It was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment.
Book Description from GoodReads: The first, epic and true story of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s life together, finally revealing why they chose to pursue a more independent path and the reasons behind their unprecedented decision to step away from their royal lives, from two top royal reporters who have been behind the scenes since the couple first met.
With unique access and written with the participation of those closest to the couple, Finding Freedom is an up-close portrait of a confident and forward-thinking couple who are unafraid to break with tradition, determined to create a new path in the spotlight, and dedicated to building a humanitarian legacy.
I really felt the same way as you about this book. It felt like a a show of how wonderful Meghan and Harry are and they can do no wrong. No side is ever perfect so stop trying to portray yourself as such. It makes them look fake.
ReplyDeleteI felt the author went too far Harry and Meghan's way. I do believe they've been unjustly treated in some aspects but he was kissing some major butt in this book and I don't think it helped them at all.
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