Prompt #44 A celebrity on the cover

What it’s about?

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

What I think:

This is a quick read that gives some insight into the highs and lows of Britney’s career and life.

By the time I read this much of the hither to unknown details have been revealed in media coverage.

I must admit that I was shocked by the details of her childhood. Her life in Louisiana was really dysfunctional. She was out drinking with her mother as a young teenager and the relationship with her parents was extremely volatile. This does give an insight into the difficulties the Spears family would face in the future.

Despite having a ghost writer, Britney’s voice is clear, plain-spoken and often matter of fact. Written so soon after the end of her conservatorship, I imagine writing this would be both a challenge and part of the healing process. There are aspects of the story that I would have liked to have explored in more depth.

It is clear that Britney’s talent and often naively trusting nature and her desperation to be loved have led to some awful relationships. Her father, husband, and celebrity boyfriends do not come out of this well as Britney is explored for fame and money.

I remember the scrutiny she was under in the early 2000s well, and the misogyny of the media is appalling.  Britney gives an insight into the reality of her experience being constantly chased by the paparazzi.

Obviously the most shocking part of her story is life under her conservatorship. It is absolutely astonishing that she was under such extreme levels of supervision and medication and still performing and recording. On a personal note, I was sad that she hated the Onyx Hotel tour and that this was such a negative experience for her. I saw this show in London and it was fantastic. This does go to show the difference between the performer and the person.

I really hope that Britney has the support and love to heal in the future. Hopefully this book has been one step along that journey.