Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family by Omid Scobie, Carolyn Durand Published by Dey Street Books on August 11, 2020
Genres: Biography, Nonfiction
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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. Finding Freedom is complete with full color photographs from Harry and Meghan’s courtship, wedding, Archie’s milestones, and many more unforgettable moments.
For the first time, Finding Freedom goes beyond the headlines to reveal unknown details of Harry and Meghan's life together, dispelling the many rumors and misconceptions that plague the couple on both sides of the pond. As members of the select group of reporters that cover the British Royal Family and their engagements, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand have witnessed the young couple's lives as few outsiders can.
My opinion of Finding Freedom, in short: excellent fact checking, mediocre writing. I’m a firm Sussex supporter. The charitable endeavors by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, their obvious love for each other, and their warm demeanor quickly made me a fan. Even I have to admit, though, that the writing in this book is saccharine. Nobody is as perfect as Meghan is depicted.
Where the book shines is in debunking many of the salacious headlines and asinine accusations hurled at Meghan. Where it falls short is in getting to the heart of the emotional powder keg that became so toxic that Harry and Meghan felt they had no other choice but to step away. There isn’t enough emphasis on the reasons behind their urgency to leave. The book sugarcoats the incessant vilification of Meghan in the press, particularly when she was pregnant. But exactly why wasn’t she supported publicly by the family? Did they support her privately at all? I’m also curious about how Meghan’s many successful initiatives were received by The Firm? (The book omits two of her record-breaking projects that she launched while pregnant and on maternity leave: guest editing of the September 2019 issue of British Vogue — which was also criticized in the press — and creating a fashion capsule collection for the charity SmartWorks.)
The sequence of events tends to jump around, giving the book a disjointed feeling sometimes. As much as I love one of the authors for his straightforward and balanced reporting, this reads more like a gushing amateur piece of writing than a professionally published biography.
I bet this would be an interesting read despite the stuff it leaves out.
I’m genuinely interested in reading this, but based on Scobie’s twitter where he has to explain multiple times what meant in the book, the writing has be to be confusing. I guess I’ll wait for the next memoir.
Great review, Angela. I’m a new follower! <3
Thanks so much, Lyra! I love Scobie and I may be in the minority of Sussex fans who didn’t care for the writing.