Harry’s Memoir Underwhelms in Montecito: A Local Perspective

In a surprising twist, Prince Harry's much-discussed autobiography, “Spare,” has not made the splash one might expect in his new Californian home of Montecito.

Despite the book garnering headlines worldwide and reportedly earning Harry a staggering £16 million advance, local sales tell a different story.

The Tecolote Bookshop, a beloved local establishment, has only sold about 30 copies since its release.

Mary Sheldon, the owner of Tecolote Bookshop, shared her insights with The Guardian, noting that while some locals have reserved copies for pick-up, the overall interest in “Spare” has been tepid at best.

She remarked on the book's reception, stating simply, “It's a book.” On the day of its U.S. launch, not a single copy changed hands at her store, highlighting the disconnect between the book's global success and its local appeal.

Residents of Montecito, a quaint enclave known for its celebrity inhabitants, seem to have largely overlooked Harry's memoir.

One local candidly admitted to not reading the book and having no intention of doing so.

This indifference may stem from the community's respect for privacy, which is a hallmark of life in this upscale neighborhood that counts Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Gwyneth Paltrow among its residents.

Ashley Mayfield, president of the Montecito Trails Foundation, provided additional context.

She recounted a chance encounter between a board member and Prince Harry, where the prince was seen helping clear a fallen tree on a local trail.

Mayfield suggested that Harry's desire for normalcy resonates with the community, which has a history of shying away from celebrity culture.

The sentiment among locals seems to be one of mutual respect and consideration, especially considering the challenges they've faced as a community in recent years.

“Life up here isn't all about gates and money and celebrity,” Mayfield noted, emphasizing the desire for a quieter existence away from the limelight.

Les Fierstein, a former Hollywood comedy writer and now editor of a local magazine, echoed this sentiment.

He described the royal family's ongoing drama as a distant curiosity for most Montecitans.

“For most people here, royal watching is like bangers and mash—it's something we've heard of, but it's not really part of our culture,” he explained.

T.C.

Boyle, a prominent author from Montecito, weighed in on the matter as well, stating bluntly that he hasn't read “Spare” and has no plans to do so.

This sentiment seems to be shared among many in the area, further illustrating the disconnect between the book's anticipated popularity and its actual performance.

Richard Minyards, a British expat and royal expert writing for a local newspaper, took a more critical stance.

Having read the memoir in its entirety, he expressed his dismay at the content, calling it “reprehensible.” Minyards questioned Harry's motives, particularly regarding any potential reconciliation with his family, given the nature of the revelations in the book.

Despite the lukewarm reception in Montecito, “Spare” has achieved significant sales figures elsewhere.

In the UK alone, it has sold 750,000 copies across various formats since its release on January 10th.

However, whispers of inflated sales figures have emerged, suggesting that the initial buzz may not reflect sustained interest.

Reports indicate that Penguin Random House employed an old industry tactic by shipping out a million copies to claim a million-seller status for the first week.

However, sales reportedly fell short of expectations, leading to concerns about returns from booksellers as interest wanes.

With mixed reviews and varying levels of engagement, Harry's memoir continues to stir conversation.