Meghan Markle has been accused of plagiarism – but one author defends the Duchess of Sussex.
On Tuesday May 4, Markle announced her first children’s book, The Bench. Following the announcement, social media users immediately drew comparisons to 2018 children’s book The Boy on the Bench, by Corrinne Averiss and Gabriel Alborozo.
Besides the name similarities, some people argue that The Bench and The Boy on the Bench have a similar plot.
On Amazon, a description of Averiss and Alborozo’s book reads: “The playground is full of children playing, but Tom is sitting on a bench with his dad. ‘be brave enough to participate … Tom cannot see a space for himself anywhere in the playground. “
Markle’s book is also about the father-son bond, but instead it’s seen through a mother’s eyes.
Following the controversy and after reading a summary and excerpt from Markle’s upcoming book, Averiss took to her defense on Twitter.
“Reading the description and published excerpt from the Duchess’s new book, it’s not the same story or theme as The Boy on the Bench. I don’t see any similarities,” Averiss tweeted.
“The Bench started out as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born,” Markle said in a press release. “This poem has become this story.”
“[Illustrator] Christian [Robinson] layered in beautiful ethereal watercolor illustrations that capture the warmth, joy and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life; this portrayal was especially important to me, and christian and I worked closely to portray this special bond through an inclusive lens, “continued Markle.” I hope The Bench resonates with every family, regardless of makeup. , as much as it does. with mine. “
The Bench is released on June 8.
