Spare

I read this book in a night – skimming here and there, but getting the narrative and his voice. I found his story fascinating, and a bit heartbreaking. It may sound silly, but what he describes tracks well with much of the vibe one gets from watching “The Crown.” The royal family has agency over their own lives, and so many more opportunities that most of the world, but I also see the significant restraints. I especially appreciated the stories of his boyhood and then the play-by-play of his courtship with, and early marriage with, M.M. (The racism in the press that she endured is well detailed and documented here for anyone who thinks that the couple exaggerated that.) I suppose that reading this is a bit voyeuristic – or maybe a lot, actually – but it was an easy & enjoyable read, and informative too. I'd recommend for a light, easy, fun-but-sometimes sad read.