Finding Freedom
by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand
A Book Review by Abby Lane
Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand deliver an evocative commentary in “the making of a Modern Royal Family” with their keen observations of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the royalty biography, Finding Freedom.
The cooperative narrative draws “on hundreds of hours of conversations and interviews with more than one hundred sources (Finding Freedom, Authors Note),” potentially compromising boundaries in royal protocol, which at times the narrative reads in such a personal and private nature, the authors effectively place the reader in the couple’s life from their first meeting, various travels, engagement and wedding day celebrations, the birth of Archie, their role as working royals; and an all-important meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Prince William.
The conversation personalizes this accounting, but is also suggestive, leading this reader to wonder if Harry and Meghan participated in the writing of this book, either knowingly or unknowingly. The narrative in “the book” sometimes feels as if too-close associations are being revealed, as the authors disclose private meetings and communicated knowledge that perhaps should not have been published in such a bookish manner, especially in a disclosure of Prince William, Prince Harry’s brother. However, Finding Freedom seems like an honest exposition of a couple’s struggles within the monarchy’s structure while enduring unjust criticism from media sources and Meghan’s own distant family.I enjoyed reading this thoughtful and well-written novel. While I ponder the novel’s true motivation, the queen’s released statement holds notable value: “My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family.” One might reflect on the queen’s wisdom while also being supportive of a royal couple who hopefully will find new meaning for their lives within their newly found freedom.
Abby Lane weaves a colorful tapestry, intertwining her narrative with nostalgic threads that fantasy readers can relate to. She’s the author of the dark fantasy series A Reign of Blood and Magic and her novels are available at your favorite online and brick and mortar bookstores.
Abby Lane 