In a surprising turn of events, Meghan Markle is finding herself revisiting a not-so-glorious chapter from her past.

Remember “The Bench”?

Yes, that children’s book that seemed to pop up out of nowhere, fast-tracked into publication?

Well, it appears the literary endeavor has not been as successful as she had hoped.

Andy Signor from Popcorn Palace recently shared his thoughts on the matter, and let’s just say he didn’t hold back.

“The Bench,” released in 2021, has been described as poorly written and lacking substance.

Critics have pointed out that it feels cheesy and uninspired, raising eyebrows over how it was even published in the first place.

Signor himself expressed frustration, claiming that he has a personal connection to benches and feels that Markle’s work fell flat, failing to capture any genuine emotion or story.

The book, which is based on a poem Markle wrote for Prince Harry on his first Father’s Day, has reportedly sold a mere 8,000 copies in the UK, according to Nielsen Bookscan.

This dismal figure has left many scratching their heads, especially considering the hype surrounding its release.

Times critic Alex O’Connell was particularly harsh, stating that “The Bench” lacks both a compelling narrative and a rhythmic flow essential for a children’s story.

Signor noted that the book’s message seems muddled and disconnected.

The idea of a bench, which should symbolize warmth and connection, instead comes off as random and out of touch.

He lamented that Markle missed the opportunity to weave a meaningful story around something as simple yet profound as a park bench, leaving readers feeling confused rather than inspired.

As children’s authors voice their frustrations, it seems Markle’s attempt at writing has sparked a broader conversation about celebrity involvement in literature.

Many established authors are tired of famous personalities jumping into the literary scene without the necessary skill or dedication.

They argue that writing for children is an art form that requires years of practice and a deep understanding of storytelling.

Joshua Siegel, a poet and author, criticized Markle for underestimating the craft of writing children’s books.

He suggested that she believed her celebrity status would automatically translate into success, a notion that has proven to be misguided.

The Guardian also labeled “The Bench” a flop, emphasizing that despite its initial buzz, it failed to resonate with readers.

Frustration among authors isn’t limited to Markle.

Many are calling for celebrities to reconsider their pursuits in literature, especially when they often rely on ghostwriters to produce their works.

Catherine Rundle, another author, highlighted the absurdity of celebrities attaching their names to books they didn’t write, comparing it to signing a painting they didn’t create.

This practice, she argues, diminishes the value of genuine children’s literature.

Despite the backlash, Markle reportedly received £500,000 for “The Bench,” a staggering sum for a 40-page picture book.

While many aspiring authors struggle to get their foot in the door, Markle’s swift rise to publication has left them feeling frustrated and overlooked.

James Lyons, another author, pointed out that non-celebrities often face countless rejections before getting published, making Markle’s experience feel unjust.

The book itself has been described as uninspired and poorly structured, with critics pointing out its lack of engaging content.

Signor mentioned that even the readings of the book on platforms like YouTube garnered minimal views, suggesting that interest in Markle’s literary attempt is waning.

It seems that despite the royal label, readers are not easily swayed by celebrity names alone.

As Meghan Markle navigates this literary misstep, it raises questions about the expectations placed on public figures who venture into creative fields.

While some may see it as an opportunity to share their experiences, others view it as a dilution of the craft.

The conversation surrounding “The Bench” reflects a larger issue within the publishing industry, where the line between genuine artistry and celebrity culture continues to blur.

With all this in mind, it remains to be seen how Markle will respond to the criticism and whether she will attempt to redeem herself in the literary world.

Perhaps the next chapter of her story will be one of growth and learning, or maybe it will simply add another layer to her already complex narrative.

For now, it seems that “The Bench” will remain a cautionary tale for those who believe that fame alone can pave the way to success in writing.