Meghan Markle was both the subject of controversy and in hot water herself with her debut children's book, The Bench, which drew a great deal of criticism from established authors, critics and readers. A father-son story that should have been a sweet little tale fell apart into epic literary shame, with real authors slamming it as "a failed attempt" and "a marketing ploy.
Released to much fanfare and with very high expectations, the book was based on Meghan's relationship with Prince Harry and their son Archie. However, it didn't take long before readers began to express their disappointment, and professionals within the literary world began to speak out.
Author **J.K. Rowling** (whose name was not directly mentioned but many speculate she was referring to her) made waves on social media, calling the book “insipid” and “shallow,” with a lack of emotional depth that is necessary for a successful children's book. "A children's book should inspire imagination and thought, not just serve as a vehicle for someone's personal feelings," Rowling wrote, igniting a firestorm of responses from both fans and detractors.
Several well-known children's authors have also joined the chorus of criticism. **Philip Pullman**, famed for his *His Dark Materials* series, called the book "bland and uninspiring," questioning its ability to connect with young readers in a meaningful way. "It reads like a shallow attempt to capitalize on personal fame, rather than a heartfelt story."
Even **Dr. Seuss’s** estate—long known for producing iconic and creative children's literature—took a swipe at Meghan's book, with a representative stating that it "fails to meet the high standards of what children's books should represent in terms of creativity and storytelling."
The criticisms didn't stop with the book’s content. Meghan's lack of experience in writing and her reliance on celebrity status have been highlighted as major contributing factors to the book’s failure. Many have questioned how much of the book was truly her work and how much was ghostwritten by industry professionals looking to cash in on her fame.
While *The Bench* still had some supporters, including Meghan herself, who described the book as a deeply personal project, the overwhelming reaction from the literary world has been negative. The book’s tepid reception raises serious questions about the future of Meghan’s writing career, with many doubting she’ll be able to rebound from such a high-profile failure.
In the end, what was supposed to be a touching portrayal of family has been reduced to a PR stunt gone wrong. The harsh critique from real authors underscores just how difficult it can be to break into the world of children's literature without a solid understanding of what makes a story truly resonate with young readers. The book’s failure may serve as a cautionary tale for others seeking to build careers in creative fields outside of their expertise.