In the audiobook for her new memoir “The Woman in Me,” Britney Spears herself only narrates for 85 seconds in total. She reads the dedication, a short prologue, and a note explaining she will let actress Michelle Williams voice the majority, finding reliving it all too emotional.
Britney Spears Only Narrates Brief Portion of Audiobook
This may surprise some expecting Spears to sing her life story. But Williams quickly captures the cadence in Spears’ writing, injecting empathy into each tale of exploitation. Though hired, her lively reading creates an intimacy akin to having Britney herself guiding us through the trauma and triumphs.
Williams Adeptly Captures Spears’ Perspective
After Britney Spears steps away, Williams seamlessly picks up the narrative thread. She vividly conveys the singer’s range of emotions from humor to pain using varied rhythms and inflections. When Spears offers blessings or barbs, Williams conveys the subtext and irony.
She becomes a sympathetic mouthpiece so that by the memoir’s end, it feels as if we’ve heard Spears’ unfiltered perspective. Williams proves an evocative stand-in, giving voice to Spears’ story with nuance.
Why Spears Opted Out of Reading Her Memoir
According to Spears, recounting her darkest times in the isolated recording booth would’ve proved too difficult emotionally. After years trapped in oppressive circumstances, she understandably avoided fully reliving that lonely experience.
The memoir allowed Britney Spears to reclaim her narrative, but she smartly recognizes when to step back for self-care. Having weathered immense trauma, she’s earned that right.
The Value of Speaking Your Truth
Ultimately, Spears says you must speak your story and truth, even if it scares you. The memoir represents her finally raising her voice unfiltered after being silenced and controlled.
Though she doesn’t narrate it all, her imprint resonates throughout, making her message heard. Britney Spears models the courage to confront pain and turn it into art. In doing so, she reclaims her voice and humanity.
