Amazon Resale
£6.02

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon Media EU S.à r.l..
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will pre-order your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships and Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Melanie Brown
Follow
Louise Gannon
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Brutally Honest: The Sunday Times Bestseller Kindle Edition

by Melanie Brown (Author), Louise Gannon (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 7,245 ratings

'Utterly absorbing and deeply affecting' – The Guardian

As a Spice Girl, TV talent show judge and Broadway star, Mel B a.k.a Scary Spice, has been a global icon since her twenties. But behind the glittering façade of fame, the struggles and pain of this working-class, mixed-race girl from Leeds are laid bare in her critically acclaimed best-selling memoir, Brutally Honest.

With deep personal insight, remarkable frankness and trademark Yorkshire humour, the book tells how she went from Girl Power to girl powerless during her ten-year emotionally abusive marriage. Tracing a path through the key moments in her life, she reflects on her childhood, rise to fame and her chilling downward spiral before she finally broke free.

In this expanded edition, written with Louise Gannon, Mel brings her story up to date. With her trademark honesty, she tells the unfiltered story of piecing herself back together, dealing with trauma and new heartbreak whilst becoming a champion for survivors of abuse, performing once more with the Spice Girls and receiving her MBE from Prince William.

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    301 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Quadrille
  4. Publication date
    27 Nov. 2018
  5. File size
    5.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
Popular highlights in this book
What are Popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. We make ourselves feel ashamed of so many things, and the silence and the secrecy just add to our burdens.
    Highlighted by 76 Kindle readers
  2. There are reasons people choose to self-medicate; usually it’s because they aren’t ready to face up to the reality they are living in.
    Highlighted by 62 Kindle readers
  3. It’s hard – when you are proud, when you are frightened, when there are expectations on you to not rock the boat – but we need to be able to say, ‘I’m in trouble. I need help.’
    Highlighted by 50 Kindle readers
Next page

Product description

Review

'This book will help to change lives.' Katie Ghose, Women s Aid Chief Executive

'This book is so powerful, so real, so strong and so emotional this is exactly Melanie.' Geri Horner (nee Halliwell)

'An unflinching account of how an icon of girl power became utterly powerless in her own life, this brave and important book deserves to be read by fans and non-fans alike. Utterly absorbing and deeply affecting.' Joe Stone, The Guardian

‘This is the most gut wrenching, punch-in-the-stomach honest celebrity autobiography I’ve ever read. Mel B, with the help of second-to-none A-list interviewer and her long-time collaborator Louise Gannon, then takes us to the darkest places behind her Scary Spice persona, educating about the true horror of domestic abuse in the process.’ The Sun

'Like everybody else, I can t wait to read this book!' Heidi Klum

'Shocking, scary and ultimately inspiring, Brutally Honest lifts the lid on 22 years of headlines, making a powerful statement about complex relationships and their ability to make or break us, while containing enough Spice Girls tidbits to make fans rejoice.' --Jamie Tabberer, Entertainment Editor of Gay Star News'This is one of the greatest celebrity autobiographies ever written…astonishing bombshell of a book.' --Piers Morgan, Good Morning BritainThis book is absolutely extraordinary in its power. --Bryony Gordon

About the Author

Melanie Brown's career began with the pop phenomenon, Spice Girls. They became the biggest girl band in music history, selling more than 85 million records worldwide and becoming cultural icons around the globe. They appeared in tours that grossed $800 million dollars in just four years. Since they split in 2000, Melanie has become one of the most recognised faces on television, fronting shows from Lip Sync UK, The X Factor in Britain and Australia, Dancing With The Stars in Australia and America's Got Talent. She has also starred in a string of movies including The Seat Filler. She has appeared on Broadway in Rent and most recently as Roxie Hart in Chicago. An ambassador for Jenny Craig in Australia, she remains one of the most popular stars in Britain and America and is now a patron for Women's Aid. Melanie now lives in Los Angeles with her three daughters, Phoenix, Angel and Madison.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07JF9P165
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quadrille; Illustrated edition (27 Nov. 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 301 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 7,245 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Melanie Brown

    Melanie Brown

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Louise Gannon

    Louise Gannon

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Louise Gannon is one of Britain’s most prolific writers and an award-winning celebrity interviewer. Her subjects have ranged from Jack Nicholson to Mick Jagger and Britney Spears, as well as Madonna, Tina Turner and Lady Gaga.

    A contributing editor of Grazia, she also writes frequently for other magazines that include You, Event, Elle (worldwide) and Stella, and she regularly appears on television. She is best known for her in-depth, empathetic style of interviewing which has made her a favourite with celebrities from the worlds of music, television and film.

    Louise has known Melanie Brown since 1995, when an unknown band called The Spice Girls performed in her office when she was Head of Show Business at GMTV and she helped put them on television. Brutally Honest is her long awaited debut celebrity biography.

    Contact: Charlie Brotherstone at Brotherstone Creative Management: info@bcm-agency.com

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
7,245 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this autobiography to be a brilliant and well-written read, praising Mel B's honesty and the fascinating insights into her life. The book receives positive feedback for its strength and courage, with customers appreciating its appeal to women of all ages. While customers describe it as a gut-wrenchingly heart-breaking read at times, they value its openness and consider it a good autobiography.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

302 customers mention ‘Readability’283 positive19 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a brilliant and well-written page-turner.

"I can't begin to tell you what a great read this book was. I'm not a regular reader, but couldn't put this down. Read over 2 morning brews...." Read more

"Such an amazing book I really enjoyed it" Read more

"...The book is worth a read if you can read between the lines / lies, i love a good celebrity autobiography and this didn't disappoint in that respect..." Read more

"...A really good book, but sad that Mel had to go through that to b the person she is now." Read more

149 customers mention ‘Honesty’141 positive8 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty, describing it as an incredibly candid personal account.

"A honest Account of her life and Domestic Violence. It echos too many women’s stories...." Read more

"...Both Brutal and Honest. Fab." Read more

"...I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how well written, honest & insightful her account was...." Read more

"...heart and it’s not sugar coated at all, this book is as it says brutally honest and I really do recommend it to anyone who’s been through trauma or..." Read more

136 customers mention ‘Insight’130 positive6 negative

Customers find the book fascinating and powerful, with one customer noting how it opens up Mel's life, while others describe it as captivating.

"...Read over 2 morning brews. What a tremendous book. Well written, thought provoking and gut wrenchingly heart breaking at times...." Read more

"A very interesting & informative book. I wish Mel B and her family all the Love and very Best Wishes for their future. xx" Read more

"...You have also shown how you, your kids, family and friends can heal and continue to heal from such traumatic events....." Read more

"This book has been so gripping from start to finish. It shows even the most confident looking woman can be suffering and you have no idea!..." Read more

38 customers mention ‘Strength’38 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's strength, describing her as a brave and courageous woman who has overcome survival challenges.

"...She came across as an incredibly brave, resilient & determined woman; the absolute definition of 'girl power'...." Read more

"...This book is a testament to strength, self-belief, hard work, survival, being a mother and never giving up...." Read more

"...Mel B is an amazing, strong and inspirational woman. It made me feel sad to read about what she has been through. I can relate to so much of it...." Read more

"Such a powerful story of fame, love and survival." Read more

21 customers mention ‘Appeal to women’21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book appealing to women of all ages, with one review highlighting its empowering message for female readers.

"...With all the crap going on with Stephen, she remained a loving mother to her kids." Read more

"...She came across as an incredibly brave, resilient & determined woman; the absolute definition of 'girl power'...." Read more

"...You are without a doubt a Spice woman and an empowered woman. An inspiration...." Read more

"...Despite what she believes, she is a fab mum; her adorable children love her very much and all she can do now is never to repeat the cycle of..." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Autobiography’11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this autobiography, with one mentioning it provides good insight into the world of showbiz, while another notes it smashes celebrity myths.

"...a read if you can read between the lines / lies, i love a good celebrity autobiography and this didn't disappoint in that respect i love to see how..." Read more

"Such a powerful story of fame, love and survival." Read more

"This is without a doubt one for the best biographies I have ever read...." Read more

"...I was not dissapointed. Even interesting to read her early life story without the later abuse from her husband. So honest about everything...." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Openness’11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the openness of the book.

"I like Mel B the book is a really good read she is Frank n open she don't hold back its relatable...." Read more

"...up to the reality of being in an abusive relationship, she gives a very open and to the point account of her life and shows incredible courage in..." Read more

"I believe this to be an open and honest account of Mel’s life and abusive relationship...." Read more

"A very open and honest read. Shows that even the strongest can be controlled hope this gives others the confidence to walk away...." Read more

58 customers mention ‘Heartbreaking’39 positive19 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the emotional content of the book, with some finding it gut-wrenchingly heart-breaking and unbearably sad at times, while others appreciate it as an emotional read.

"...Well written, thought provoking and gut wrenchingly heart breaking at times. Both Brutal and Honest. Fab." Read more

"...This book had me in tears . I salute you Melanie Brown and all the women who have been subjected to abuse like this and has spoken out...." Read more

"...Her story is at times painful to read but gives a real insight into the experience of domestic abuse including all the childhood factors that can..." Read more

"...I couldn’t stop reading it from the first word. It’s made me laugh, made me cry, made me think and made realise...." Read more

Five stars!
5 out of 5 stars
Five stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “If you want to be a winner, you have to believe you can win. Just put it out there in the universe. I do it all the time.” Brutally Honest by Melanie Brown is a deeply raw and powerful memoir that left a profound impact on me. Like many, I grew up seeing Mel B as the confident, loud and fearless Scary Spice, but this book reveals the heartbreaking reality of what was happening behind closed doors. It is a stark reminder that what the media portrays is often a carefully curated illusion, and real life can be something else entirely, sometimes unbearably painful. What stands out in this book is how Melanie Brown's vibrant and dynamic personality consistently shines through. While she endured significant hardship, which is described in detail, these challenges never overshadow the many other remarkable qualities that define her character. Like many women, she found herself in a deeply toxic and abusive relationship. He took so much from her, and as is often the case in such situations, she did not fully grasp the extent of the abuse until it was far too late. However, what makes her story truly inspiring is her ability to transform that trauma into a force for positive change. It is impossible not to admire someone who can rebuild their life from such darkness and use their experiences to support and empower others. What makes Brutally Honest even more impactful is how Melanie has become a patron for Women’s Aid and is so passionate about supporting other survivors. Books like this are incredibly important because they help remove the stigma surrounding domestic violence and make people aware of the warning signs. Melanie explains coercive control and gaslighting in a way that is clear and accessible, making this a valuable resource for those who need it. Beyond its powerful subject matter, Brutally Honest is a well-written, and well-structured. The chapters contributed by Andrea and Phoenix are particularly insightful, highlighting the far-reaching impact of domestic violence on children, parents, friends and siblings. This book resonates on multiple levels, capturing the complexities of life in all its light and darkness. I have long been a fan of the Spice Girls, but after reading Brutally Honest, my admiration for Melanie Brown has deepened for far more significant reasons. The book lives up to its title, and I have immense respect for her courage in sharing her truth in such an unfiltered and powerful way. It is truly an essential read. Read more at The Secret Book Review.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry, we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • K33 WDS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A honest Account of her life and Domestic Violence. It echos too many women’s stories. With all the crap going on with Stephen, she remained a loving mother to her kids.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jade
    5.0 out of 5 stars Immersive
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I can't begin to tell you what a great read this book was. I'm not a regular reader, but couldn't put this down. Read over 2 morning brews. What a tremendous book. Well written, thought provoking and gut wrenchingly heart breaking at times. Both Brutal and Honest. Fab.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Pu55ycat1
    4.0 out of 5 stars Brave & insightful account of domestic abuse in the public eye
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 December 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I'm not a particular spice girl fan & nor do I read a lot of these kind of books but I do find people interesting & so I was drawn to this book & mel's story. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how well written, honest & insightful her account was. Her story is at times painful to read but gives a real insight into the experience of domestic abuse including all the childhood factors that can make someone prone to getting into & putting up with this kind of relationship. It was a real warts & all account but without seeming like anything wss overdramatised for effect or any ounce of self pity. It could just as easily have been a non-celebrity account of these kind of experiences although it added a dimension reading about how Mel dealt with things whilst also being in the public eye. She came across as an incredibly brave, resilient & determined woman; the absolute definition of 'girl power'. I was surprised there were quite a few typos in the book & her account was a little repetitive in places as it repeated parts of her story as if telling them for the first time- it's possible this was an intentional effect to show her mind getting stuck going over events but along with the typos I had the feeling this hadn't been edited as well as it could be. However it didn't detract from her story
    9 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Paula
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 February 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Such an amazing book I really enjoyed it
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kristy
    5.0 out of 5 stars ❤️❤️so inspirational!!❤️❤️
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is by far the most honest, real, brutally honest autobiography I have ever read.
    I have always loved Mel B from her days as a spice girl and now I can truly say wow what a complete inspiration this woman is!!
    As a fellow survivor I truly thank you for your honest, real autobiography explaining your life and experiences. It’s so truly refreshing to read about something that is so close to my heart and it’s not sugar coated at all, this book is as it says brutally honest and I really do recommend it to anyone who’s been through trauma or similar circumstances.

    Thank you for being the voice for us Melanie. From the bottom of my heart.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Mskittenheels
    3.0 out of 5 stars A difficult read but worth preserving with
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 January 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I had to read this book in stages as its quite enraging (I understand about abusive relationships and trauma binding with toxic partners) so i do completely appreciate why she went back to Stephen but that doesn't make it easy to read, i knew it was going to happen but i still had to have some time away from the book before i could pick it back up again.

    I think i was expecting more scandal and name dropping but it wasn't as honest as i thought it would be, for Eddie Murphy to cut her off like that (because she needed space from the relationship) didn't ring true to me and i believe Melanie is far more damaged from her childhood than she admit to herself (She states in the book her father regularly took a leather belt to her and she would be made to wait days for the punishment causing trauma and perpetual anxiety to a child has far reaching and lasting effects hence why she married an abuser).

    The book is worth a read if you can read between the lines / lies, i love a good celebrity autobiography and this didn't disappoint in that respect i love to see how people rise to stardom. It did leave a lot of unanswered questions, she makes the suggestion that her ex-husband stole all of her money but if that is true why have the police not been involved (in the book she states her fee from the X factor which i assume would have been substantial was spent from her account within 3 days) could have done with an epilogue, it was a nice touch with the extras at the end from her daughter Angel (who her ex-husband targeted for some pretty horrific hate and I believe he should be brought to justice for the abuse he meted out to her, 3 month groundings, shouting and terrifying her)

    I would recommend the book but i wouldn't recommend reading it in one sitting as its quite emotional.
    22 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • cherry Bradbery
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truth behind most abusive relationships
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It was as the title, brutally honest, it's a shame us women take and put up with abuse of any description. And blame ourselves for what gets thrown at us, because we can't provide protection for our children, we as a society need to open up more about what's going on in our lives, & in that way we can start to protect our families, & be truthful to our children.
    A really good book, but sad that Mel had to go through that to b the person she is now.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jessica T
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read with some faults
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 July 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve recently finished reading this book and I have to say it is a good read, especially if you are in a awful controlling relationship. I did feel for Melanie a lot reading this book, for her being in 3 relationships that made her unhappy and the sadness it brought upon herself and her children. Whilst reading it I kept thinking to myself why are you making these bad decisions? Spending all her money on these men, choosing to go back again and again. Sometimes this wasn’t her fault, a particular man named Dr Sophy influenced Mel to go back and I think he shouldn’t have told her to do that. With Eddie, it’s hard because I don’t actually think he did anything wrong so I found it really hard to relate to Mel on this one. I think the relationship Mel had with her dad has played a massive role in the way she sees men and if she sees any characteristics she thinks they have in common with her dad she’s off! The book itself has a few typos which I’m quite surprised about as they are very obvious. Yes it does flit from one year to another and there isn’t a continuous timeline but it’s easy to understand. I did enjoy this book but some of the decisions made make it hard for me as a reader to have 100% compassion towards Mel.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is one tough lady!
    Reviewed in Spain on 10 May 2025
    Verified Purchase
    An easy to read, but very shocking story. Glad this lovely lady is now out the other side of this nightmare, and is now well enough to tell the tale.
    Report
  • Dolly
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for both women and men
    Reviewed in France on 27 April 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a truly blood curdling account of however strong a woman can be a man can come along and pray on her weaknesses, this is abuse in your face, it’s tragic, it’s sad but also funny. This is going on as we speak to both men and women and we must engage in raising awareness every which way possible, this should never happen to anyone.
    Report
  • Muh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bom
    Reviewed in Brazil on 5 May 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Belo livro!
    Customer image
    Muh
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Bom

    Reviewed in Brazil on 5 May 2025
    Belo livro!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Report
  • JORGE LUIS COUTIÑO HERNANDEZ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bien
    Reviewed in Mexico on 2 January 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Muy bien
    Report
  • CB
    5.0 out of 5 stars perfetto
    Reviewed in Italy on 29 August 2019
    Verified Purchase
    sarà che sono sostenitrice fin dagli inizi del gruppo, quindi il mio giudizio sarà sicuramente di parte. Ma la valutazione del prodotto è più che positiva.
    Arrivato a casa in anticipo rispetto a quanto previsto. Ben imballato, copertina rigida perfetta, nessun segno (il libro era inserito direttamente nella confezione di cartone). Offerta molto vantaggiosa. Lo sto leggendo
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report