Meghan Markle is back in the spotlight, but not for the reasons she might have hoped.
The Duchess of Sussex is facing criticism once again, this time for her children’s book, “The Bench.”
Released in 2021, the book has been labeled a flop, and it seems like the backlash is growing louder.
Andy Signor, the host of Popcorn Palace, revisited Markle’s literary endeavor, expressing his disbelief at how poorly it was received.
He reminisced about the book’s cheesy narrative and lackluster writing, claiming it fell short in both creativity and execution.
Signor even hinted at his own personal connection to benches, suggesting he might write a better children’s book on the topic himself.
The numbers speak volumes.
According to Nielsen Bookscan, “The Bench” sold a mere 8,000 copies in the UK, a dismal figure for a book that was fast-tracked into publication.
Critics have pointed out that despite its initial media buzz, the book failed to resonate with readers.
Times critic Alex O’Connell noted that it lacked essential elements of a successful children’s story, such as a compelling plot and rhythmic flow.
Many have echoed these sentiments, arguing that the book’s simplistic approach misses the mark entirely.
It attempts to convey a touching message about the bond between fathers and sons but ends up feeling disconnected and out of touch.
Signor expressed frustration over the portrayal of benches in the book, emphasizing that they hold deeper meanings in his life, while Markle’s depiction felt shallow and uninspired.
The literary world is taking notice, with children’s authors voicing their concerns about celebrities like Markle entering the field without the necessary skills.
Author Joshua Siegel criticized Markle for underestimating the discipline required to craft a meaningful children’s book.
He pointed out that her celebrity status does not equate to literary talent, and the expectation that her book would be an instant success was misguided.
Markle reportedly received £500,000 for “The Bench,” which raises eyebrows among struggling authors who toil for years to get their works published.
Author James Lyons shared his frustrations, highlighting the stark contrast between Markle’s swift success and the countless rejections faced by non-celebrities in the literary world.
Catherine Rundle, another author, added to the criticism by questioning the integrity of celebrities who lend their names to ghostwritten books.
She argued that it diminishes the value of genuine children’s literature, making it seem trivial and cheap.
Writing for children is a specialized art form that deserves respect and dedication, something she feels is lacking in Markle’s approach.
Despite the backlash, Markle’s book was intended to celebrate the relationship between Prince Harry and their son, Archie.
However, many readers found the execution lacking, describing it as boring and uninspired.
Signor shared his views, suggesting that the book fails to deliver any memorable moments or meaningful connections.
In a world where children’s literature thrives on creativity and engagement, “The Bench” seems to have missed the mark entirely.
Even Markle’s attempt to read the book aloud online garnered only a modest audience, further highlighting its lack of appeal.
As the conversation around celebrity authors continues, it’s clear that many believe that writing children’s books is not just a side hustle but a serious craft that requires skill and passion.
With the literary community rallying against the trend of celebrities jumping into writing without proper credentials, the future of children’s literature may be at a crossroads.
The question remains: will Meghan Markle learn from this experience, or will she continue to push her literary ambitions despite the criticism?
As the chatter grows, it seems that the Duchess of Sussex has some soul-searching to do in her quest for literary legitimacy.
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