Meghan Markle has once again found herself in the spotlight, this time venturing into children’s literature with the release of her book The Bench.
However, her debut as an author has stirred more criticism than praise, particularly from fellow authors and literary critics, many of whom argue that celebrities should tread carefully before stepping into the writing world. The Guardian even labeled The Bench a "flop," and despite an initial media buzz, its sales in the UK have been lackluster, with only around 88,000 copies sold since its release in 2021—a figure far from best-seller territory.
Children’s author and poet Joshua Seigal did not hesitate to voice his frustrations, emphasizing the skill, dedication, and discipline necessary to write for young audiences. "These celebrities don't need any more money or exposure, but plenty of genuine writers do," Seigal remarked, pointing out that children's literature is a serious field requiring respect and genuine effort. Many argue that Markle’s royal title and public profile have allowed her to bypass the obstacles faced by most aspiring authors, with reports that she received a £500,000 advance for this 40-page work. Some have jokingly referred to it as an overly compensated “glorified pamphlet.”
Aspiring authors like James A. Leon have spoken out about the hurdles they face in getting published, sharing how he submitted 180 queries for his manuscripts, enduring rejection after rejection. In contrast, Markle’s royal connections seemed to open doors, even securing a spot for her book in Meghan’s book club without resistance. Another author, Catherine Rundell, voiced her frustration over celebrities lending their names to ghostwritten children’s books, comparing it to an artist taking credit for a painting they didn't create. Rundell argued that this practice dilutes the industry, creating an environment where authentic talent struggles to find recognition.
Although The Bench is marketed as a children's book, Meghan described it as a deeply personal gift to Prince Harry for his first Father’s Day. The book explores themes of father-child relationships, yet critics argue it barely skims the surface and fails to resonate with young readers. For those seeking a truly engaging children’s book, titles like The Fox Who Stole the Moon may offer a more captivating reading experience.
Adding to the controversy, there have been rumors that Meghan’s team made strategic financial maneuvers to boost sales, reportedly purchasing large quantities of the book through the Archewell Foundation. These copies were then donated to schools and libraries, a move that critics argue artificially inflated sales figures while gaining charitable credit. During a school visit in New York, parents were reportedly encouraged to buy additional copies for their children, further fueling backlash. The Irish Times reviewed the book, filling its critique with more quotes from the text than analysis, summing it up as a "must-read for all the wrong reasons."
During one school visit, Meghan read from The Bench while dressed in high-end attire and jewelry, an image that some felt was out of touch, especially considering that the young students likely had more interest in recess than her dramatic pauses and expressions. Although Markle has embraced her new title as an author, her entry into the literary world has been met with skepticism from those well-versed in the craft. Perhaps, as some critics jest, Meghan might want to consider picking up a paintbrush instead of a pen next time, as she may be better suited to coloring outside the lines than crafting stories for children.
