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Revenge - by Tom Bower

720 replies

TideTimeSea · 08/08/2022 13:03

As the other thread has filled up I wondered if anyone would like to discuss the book here. I’m listening to it on Audible now.

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20
KatharineofAragon · 16/08/2022 15:28

OliviaBean · 16/08/2022 10:42

Just wanted to do a quick review of the book, half way through it. Was in between about reading it, I think Tom Bower is quite the royalist and hence I don't feel he's completely neutral and certainly has an agenda. I also don't like books that are deliberate take downs. The Royals interest me from a PR, spin point of view. To be fair his sources are backed up, how credible, who knows. So yet again this book is another one to read with caution. I will say that I fall on the side of finding Meghan quite disingenuous even prior to reading this book.

On what I read, these are the few observations I have:

  • There is consistency in the sources to be fair, they paint a picture of Meghan having a split personality, very kind, compassionate, caring to those that would help her in life versus a jealous, nasty, passive aggressive, social climber to those who were no use to her.
  • The book suggests the negative side of Meghan got worse once she hit the Toronto social scene and continued to get worse and worse the higher in society she climbed.
  • You can't fault Meghan's drive or work ethic, very admirable, a lot more admirable than Kate's lack of career.
  • There is a continuous backed up theme of a rewriting of her history all through her life, it paints Meghan as disingenuous, a bit of a fantasist.
  • The whole Tom Markle situation is very he said she said, very difficult to know who caused the main fall out.
  • The one part of the book that appears credible to me is her upbringing, I feel quite sorry for Tom Markle given the narrative that was spun about Meghan having no family, having to drag herself up, it appears that is not true, far from it, in fact it's suggested he put her on such a pedestal that it caused her to have unrealistic self importance which helped her get to the point of meeting Harry.
  • I don't believe for a second the narrative that Meghan caused Harry to turn against his family, he was ready for turning for a long time.
  • Meghan operating in the Royal Family happily was never going to happen, I blame Harry for that, it is so apparent from her background and the way the Royal Family operates that she was never going to fit in, a disaster before it began. Both M&H were foolish there.
  • From reading about Meghan and knowing a bit about Harry, I'm not sure this is a love match but two people getting something from the other for their own unhealthy reasons. Sadly I don't believe their marriage will last.
There's so much written about M&H, I think the truth is somewhere in the middle, I don't see how anyone could be fully supportive nor fully believe every bit of gossip.

Very fair summary in my view and I agree .

Puzzledandpissedoff · 16/08/2022 17:08

I've read the various extracts though not the whole book, but that sounded like a nice balanced review, OliviaBean

I especially liked your closing sentence, reflecting that people are complex and what's claimed - whether by them, the media or whoever else - isn't necessarily the whole story

As ever with these things, I find that's something worth remembering

MaulPerton · 16/08/2022 17:12

I don't believe for a second the narrative that Meghan caused Harry to turn against his family, he was ready for turning for a long time

I get the impression that this has been the real revelation to people regarding H's character. His handlers did a great job over the years in covering for him.

Meanderings · 16/08/2022 17:28

MaulPerton · 16/08/2022 17:12

I don't believe for a second the narrative that Meghan caused Harry to turn against his family, he was ready for turning for a long time

I get the impression that this has been the real revelation to people regarding H's character. His handlers did a great job over the years in covering for him.

Why has it been a revelation? truly, why? A early 20's Harry is on camera saying he'd rather be in a war zone than be sat around in Windsor. His reticence was never hidden, royal reporters have admitted to knowing he was miserable in the institution and wanted a way out.

I guess people didn't listen then and it's easier to blame them leaving on Meghan.

MaulPerton · 16/08/2022 17:35

Meanderings · 16/08/2022 17:28

Why has it been a revelation? truly, why? A early 20's Harry is on camera saying he'd rather be in a war zone than be sat around in Windsor. His reticence was never hidden, royal reporters have admitted to knowing he was miserable in the institution and wanted a way out.

I guess people didn't listen then and it's easier to blame them leaving on Meghan.

Show quote history

Personally, I only started reading about the RF to any great extent once H & M decided to leave. Until then, I always thought of him as a happy chappy who seemed like a young, fun, reasonably down to earth guy enjoying his life. That was the image that was presented.

Meanderings · 16/08/2022 17:59

MaulPerton · 16/08/2022 17:35

Personally, I only started reading about the RF to any great extent once H & M decided to leave. Until then, I always thought of him as a happy chappy who seemed like a young, fun, reasonably down to earth guy enjoying his life. That was the image that was presented.

Show quote history

Fair enough. I've been a royal watcher for a long time. I saw the image presented but I also saw that he was struggling behind all that. Fighting the papz, heavy drinking and escapades in Vegas etc

KatharineofAragon · 16/08/2022 18:16

The trouble is he has swapped one cage for another.
I don’t see that he seems any happier.

Roussette · 16/08/2022 18:37

Why on earth is he in 'a cage'?

Ridiculous.

SueSaid · 16/08/2022 18:57

'The trouble is he has swapped one cage for another I don’t see that he seems any happier.'

Yet still wants UK recognition. Why earth trail all the way back here for 2 charity events. Do it in the US! It's just weird, constant look at me/don't look at me. God and we'll have the predictable 'he popped to see HMTQ for tea but not nasty df or db' oh noo because while he does compassion and kindness it's all a teensy bit selective.

Roussette · 16/08/2022 19:21

Why earth trail all the way back here for 2 charity events

What's weird about it?

Meghan has been involved with One World since 2014 and they have a summit in Sept. Harry has been a patron of WellChild since 2007 and the have an awards ceremony, it is one of the charities he managed to hang onto after leaving. And then Invictus which is arriving in Dusseldorf. Why can't they? I find it pathetic that there's criticism for them supporting charities they've been involved in for a great many years.

Serenster · 16/08/2022 19:25

Meghan has been involved with One World since 2014 and they have a summit in Sept.

Well, there was that slightly awkward time on twitter when the Co-Founder of One Young World openly criticised Meghan and Harry for doing the Oprah interview. Her tweet was re-tweeted by Omid Scobie, resulting in a massive twitter pile-on by his Sussex followers, and both tweets ended up being deleted. It’s interesting that both sides have gone back to that relationship (just interesting - not sinister or anything! And I know you’re not on twitter Roussette so you probably knew nothing about this).

Meanderings · 16/08/2022 19:29

Roussette · 16/08/2022 19:21

Why earth trail all the way back here for 2 charity events

What's weird about it?

Meghan has been involved with One World since 2014 and they have a summit in Sept. Harry has been a patron of WellChild since 2007 and the have an awards ceremony, it is one of the charities he managed to hang onto after leaving. And then Invictus which is arriving in Dusseldorf. Why can't they? I find it pathetic that there's criticism for them supporting charities they've been involved in for a great many years.

And if Harry skipped the awards, they'd accuse him of abandoning the charity because evil Meghan took him away. I'm glad they're making time for charities and causes they care about.

Meanderings · 16/08/2022 19:35

Serenster · 16/08/2022 19:25

Meghan has been involved with One World since 2014 and they have a summit in Sept.

Well, there was that slightly awkward time on twitter when the Co-Founder of One Young World openly criticised Meghan and Harry for doing the Oprah interview. Her tweet was re-tweeted by Omid Scobie, resulting in a massive twitter pile-on by his Sussex followers, and both tweets ended up being deleted. It’s interesting that both sides have gone back to that relationship (just interesting - not sinister or anything! And I know you’re not on twitter Roussette so you probably knew nothing about this).

Not gonna lie, i did find that interesting. Perhaps both sides have talked it out and decided to continue the relationship. Meghan seemed to cherish her work with them.

Revenge - by Tom Bower
Roussette · 16/08/2022 19:36

And I know you’re not on twitter Roussette so you probably knew nothing about this

Why do you say that? I've never said I'm not on Twitter. I have been since 2017.

Meghan is invited to give the keynote speech at the One World Summit in September so whatever went on before has really not affected the relationship between her and the Charity. It can't have been that important can it, given their statement below.

“We’re delighted to announce Meghan and Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be attending the One Young World Summit in Manchester this September!
The Duchess will be delivering a keynote address at the Opening Ceremony OYW2022
The Duke and Duchess will also be meeting with a group of Summit delegates doing outstanding work on gender equality
The Duchess has been a proud #OYWCounsellor since 2014.”

Meanderings · 16/08/2022 19:39

KatharineofAragon · 16/08/2022 18:16

The trouble is he has swapped one cage for another.
I don’t see that he seems any happier.

If he truly isn't any happier, he'll live with it. At least he got out to find things out for himself. Good on him.

I don't see a cage either, I see a man free to make his own way in the world.

notanotheroneagain · 16/08/2022 20:04

Serenster · 16/08/2022 19:25

Meghan has been involved with One World since 2014 and they have a summit in Sept.

Well, there was that slightly awkward time on twitter when the Co-Founder of One Young World openly criticised Meghan and Harry for doing the Oprah interview. Her tweet was re-tweeted by Omid Scobie, resulting in a massive twitter pile-on by his Sussex followers, and both tweets ended up being deleted. It’s interesting that both sides have gone back to that relationship (just interesting - not sinister or anything! And I know you’re not on twitter Roussette so you probably knew nothing about this).

And that person apologised for going into personal things that don't concern her and she has no knowledge of the background.

So, lovely of H&M to forgive her and not take it personally, as the charity is what really matters in the end.

SueSaid · 16/08/2022 20:36

'find it pathetic that there's criticism for them supporting charities they've been involved in for a great many years.'

He lives in the US! it is so typically self indulgent of him to wang on about 'being triggered' in the UK, to moan about the UK media, to moan about security, to lecture about reducing carbon footprints yet to fly to the uk to attend a charity event. I'm sure he could have done a zoom call type appearance. Will he see granny for tea, perhaps Netflix will know..

Ohnonevermind · 16/08/2022 20:44

I see it’s Justin Trudeau, Paul Polman and Meghan Markle who are the three headliners at the youth summit.
.

Roussette · 16/08/2022 20:49

SueSaid · 16/08/2022 20:36

'find it pathetic that there's criticism for them supporting charities they've been involved in for a great many years.'

He lives in the US! it is so typically self indulgent of him to wang on about 'being triggered' in the UK, to moan about the UK media, to moan about security, to lecture about reducing carbon footprints yet to fly to the uk to attend a charity event. I'm sure he could have done a zoom call type appearance. Will he see granny for tea, perhaps Netflix will know..

As I said.. well done them for supporting those charities that they've been involved with for years.
According to you, they are not allowed to do this and fly.
It's not a charity event...
it's a series of events.

5th September - The One Young World 2022 Manchester Summit
6th September - Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 One Year to Go
8th September - WellChild Awards

I was amused when I heard they were doing this because I know how much it would trigger certain posters on here lol. I knew they would 'wang on' about it...Grin

SueSaid · 16/08/2022 21:02

'As I said.. well done them for supporting those charities that they've been involved with for years.'

As I said. He lives in the US. I'm sure he could support his charity work from there, surely he's heard of zoom?. It's all so cringeworthy, staying at Windsor but probably not bothering to shine a light on his db or bothering to reach out to his df, forgetting his #BeKind mantra.

I bet all the royals are like ffs 🙄🙄.

Roussette · 16/08/2022 21:11

As I said. He lives in the US. I'm sure he could support his charity work from there, surely he's heard of zoom?

What a daft comment. So Meghan was invited to do a keynote speech and she should turn it down and do it on zoom because you say so lol

Fantastic they are supporting their charities. Harry has attended WellChild Awards every single year in person since 2011, and only did it on zoom in 2020 because of covid.... but according to you he shouldn't attend again in person.... okey doke! You better inform them Charity of your displeasure if you feel so strongly!

If he just dropped them, there'd be endless criticism

SueSaid · 16/08/2022 21:19

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Roussette · 16/08/2022 21:24

What insults? I haven't called you names or insulted you. You just don't like what I'm posting. If I am insulting you, report me to MNHQ for breaking TG.

I'm just gobsmacked that having attended every Well Child award ceremony for 12 years in person (apart from one), you now decree he shouldn't be doing it ever again. Who has said he has to do all US ones in person, but all UK ones should be done on zoom?
Just bizarre, totally bizarre.

SueSaid · 16/08/2022 21:37

'I'm just gobsmacked that having attended every Well Child award ceremony for 12 years in person (apart from one)'

When. He. Lived. Here.

As he now lives in the US he could focus his efforts there. He left. I'm sure there's plenty of other celebs could happily support Well Child.

Do you think he'll reach out to his family or is that none of our business until his next Tell All?

MarshaMelrose · 16/08/2022 21:41

The Duchess will be delivering a keynote address at the Opening Ceremony OYW2022

Aw, she's doing a keynote speech. I think that's lovely. I don't know why people object to these things. She loves talking, they might get a longed for picture of Lilibet with The Queen for the album, and their constant visits here will help them both get over their security fears. I don't know why people don't just leave them alone.