Russian Publishers Move to Release Retellings of a Prominent Memoir
In Russia, a notable shift is taking place in how international bestsellers are made available. A growing number of publishers are exploring retellings that summarize major titles in a narrative form without direct quotations. One major industry outlet reported that Eksmo-AST plans to publish Prince Harrys memoir in this alternative format, and Smart Reading is preparing its own version as well.
The anticipated retelling of Prince Harrys memoir The Spare is set to appear in audio and electronic formats on February 16, with a printed edition following shortly after. Initial print runs are expected to total around three thousand copies. Eksmo leadership explained that the summary will convey the central ideas of the book without quoting passages directly. The author reportedly read the book in English and will retell it in a different language for the Russian market.
Smart Reading is also developing an audiobook version of the same story, which is being prepared at the request of the service. The publisher noted that this project aims to broaden access to non fiction content and offers an alternative to licensing models that require formal permissions for copyright use.
Industry observers have varied opinions about this approach. Some view the initiative as a potential way to expand reader access to non fiction works, while others question its impact on traditional licensing and rights management. The discussion reflects broader tensions within the market about how best to balance copyright protections with consumer accessibility.
Internationally, the memoir until now titled Spare was released earlier in the year abroad. The rights holder, a major publishing house, paused operations with the Russian market amid wider sanctions and geopolitical tensions connected to military actions in the region. Legal frameworks in Russia allow quotations only for specific purposes such as scholarly, polemical, critical, informative, and educational contexts. In a related note, a legal expert emphasized that should a dispute arise, a publisher would need to demonstrate that the goals of publication align with these allowed purposes rather than entertainment value alone.
Another note on the broader topic concerns the stance of the royal family prominent in British media. The memoirs of a younger royal figure have stirred considerable public reaction, including preview excerpts that circulated before the book officially reached stores. Analysts have pointed out that the subject matter touches on sensitive personal and institutional dynamics, which can influence public perception of the monarchy itself. Market data from the first day of release abroad showed substantial consumer demand, highlighting the continued appeal of high profile personal narratives even amid critical debate.
In this context, publishers, readers, and commentators alike watch how the Russian market responds to retellings of high profile memoirs. The dynamic illustrates a broader trend in publishing where shorter, accessible formats complement traditional full editions, offering different entry points for audiences seeking insights into public figures, personal histories, and contemporary cultural conversations.