Book Review: Red, White & Royal Blue
‘Thinking about history makes me wonder how I’ll fit into it one day, I guess. And you too. I kinda wish people still wrote like that. History, huh? Bet we could make some’
As I said, I will be reading a myriad of happy things. And this book is one of them. Told from the perspective of the First Son of the United States, Alex. Alex, his sister June and their friend Nora head to London to represent the United States (and his mother the first female president) at the ceremony. The only fly in the ointment is that Alex will be reunited with his nemesis Prince Henry of Wales. To say ‘they despise each other’ is putting it kindly. Then there’s that incident with the wedding cake -supposedly cost £75,000 – I mean I say ‘incident’, more full-blown international shitshow. So, time for some light-hearted PR in which Henry and Alex have to convince the world that they are BFF’s. Ahh, diplomatic relations were never this juicy. Or sweet. Or steamy. Or conflicting.
I did find that this had an intriguing look at life in the public eye. Alex is thrown into it – having lived a relatively normal life, doing what kids are supposed to do – to suddenly being thrown into the public eye because his mother is the president. Everything he says and does is scrutinised down to the smallest detail – particularly his relationship with Nora, the Granddaughter of the vice president which seems to be a tabloid staple: dear reader, please see “Is Alex Claremont-Diaz going to be a Father” and other such nonsensical titles.
Henry, on the other hand, has not had the privilege of living a normal life. He is privileged – a fact he rarely, if at all, denies. He has always been in the spotlight because he is a prince. There is protocol, rules, regulations, and hundreds of years of British history weighing down on his shoulders. He could only choose his favourite author from an approved list of authors. Their relationship works because it is an escape for them – a little bit of danger, despite knowing that an entire house of cards and diplomatic relationships may fall if their relationship is revealed. It’s like they both know it's doomed to fail.
I rather enjoyed how the author nailed the ‘stiff upper lip’ of the monarchy. Or basically the British. Not the best view of us, but this is looking at a very particular case - Although we do love Bake Off. I’m not sure if she hit the landing on the sense of duty – we only see a small snapshot of it and even that feels a little overplayed. Maybe it's because I liked the late Queen? But the Hanover-Stuart Queen in this universe doesn't feel on par. But then again, every story needs a villain. Alex has one in the Republican candidate: Richards. So, Henry has one in the Queen. Good lord, as far as villains or obstacles go – those are big ones. I will also say – loved the V&A scene, not only was it utterly charming, but it happens to take place in my favourite place in London.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. A wonderful escape – a true enemies-to-lovers romance that leaves you with a lovely warm glow. I’m not sure if there will ever be a sequel to it, but I wish Alex and Henry all the best, I hope their romance prevails!