⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5 stars)

Sinéad O'Connor was never just another pop star, and The Real Sinéad O'Connor by Ariane Sherine reminds us exactly why. The book delves deep into Sinéad’s life, painting a vivid picture of her transformation from a troubled Irish teenager into a fearless, unapologetic activist with a voice that transcended music. And yes, Sherine doesn't shy away from her infamous moments—like tearing up the Pope’s photo on SNL—but instead of sensationalizing them, she explains the pain and passion that led to those bold decisions.

One thing that really stands out is the way Sherine highlights Sinéad’s activism. Her advocacy for survivors of child abuse, her support for the LGBT community, and her courage in standing up against racism and women’s reproductive rights—all while managing a massive music career—are incredibly inspiring. It’s clear from the book that Sinéad’s heart was as big as her voice, and I appreciated the six exclusive interviews with people who knew her personally, which added a touch of intimacy and depth to the narrative.

However, while the book gives us the "real" Sinéad, it felt a bit unbalanced at times. Some sections dive deep into her activism and struggles, while others seem to skim over key parts of her music career and personal evolution. I would’ve loved a bit more focus on how her personal battles influenced her artistic choices and the albums that defined her legacy.

Overall, this is a fascinating and emotional portrait of a complex, brave woman who lived and sang unapologetically. Sinéad’s story is powerful, but The Real Sinéad O'Connor could have explored certain aspects with more depth. Still, if you want to understand the heart behind the voice that made headlines and changed lives, this book is well worth reading.

I will start by saying the author did fantastic research, and I don't think she missed anything. However, something was missing. There was no filler, for lack of a better term. There was no engagement, no passion. It just went from event to quote to event. If you aren't a Sinead O'Connor fan and just happen to read the book for a report, say, there's nothing personal, no sort of insight, although the author did mention why she wanted to write about Sinead O'Connor at the very end of the book, nothing is conveyed in the actual pages.

The other thing that really put me off was that towards the end, the author is reporting back and forth conversation between someone she interviewed and you have no idea she's talking because there are no quotation marks. At least italicize one person's words so that it's clear who they belong to.

I had no idea Sinead O'Connor's childhood was so horrific. It certain explains a lot. This isn't a pretty book. It touches on all sorts of trauma and trigger content. I wish she had gotten the help and support she deserved much earlier in her life; she might still be with us.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review a digital copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine, and freely given.

A pretty solid biography. I imagine that additional material will be added regarding the cause of her death.

Towards the end of this book, when those being interviewed were saying it was sad how Sinéad O’Connor's life was often reduced to one song, I felt a bit guilty about having only one of her songs on my Sony MP3 player. Yes, "Nothing Compares 2 U". I have read a lot of newspaper and magazine articles about her, however. Sadly, exactly how author Ariane Sherine described in this book, most of those articles were written in a way to show how crazy the singer happened to be.

Sinéad O’Connor had a lifetime of mental problems, rooted in a childhood where she was horribly abused by her mother. In addition, she was misdiagnosed for years and put on medications that did little or no good. There was no filter to keep her from saying outrageous things and making false accusations against others. It was interesting to read, though, how many times she retracted what she said and apologized to others for her hurtful words.

Yet, through all the fog, she recorded over 300 songs, and had the guts to take on the Catholic Church for abuse long before anyone else did. Tearing up the pope's picture in 1992 on SNL produced a lot of heartbreak for her, but one can only imagine what assurance that gave to all the silent and non-silent victims of the sexual abuse and cruelty of the Catholic Church. Nevertheless, she would later feel an affinity towards the religion again, because she was a highly spiritual person always looking for faith, and because she was raised Catholic.

Yes, Sinéad O’Connor was a contradictory person, and this book was trying to explain her contradictions and turbulent lifetime, by talking to those who knew her and those her worked with her. It is a most sympathetic telling and Ariane Sherine explains at the end why she has such empathy for the late singer. She, too, had an abusive childhood, was diagnosed with severe mental problems, and has done controversial things that got her very bad public reaction. Read some of the interesting interviews with her that are listed on her Wiki page.

The Real Sinéad O'Connor by Ariane Sherine is a compelling and profoundly moving exploration of the life and legacy of one of music's most enigmatic and courageous figures. Sinéad O'Connor, known for her hauntingly beautiful voice and unmistakable shaved head, was far more than just a pop star; she was a fierce activist and a survivor who used her platform to fight for justice and give voice to the voiceless.

The book delves into the early years of O'Connor's life, painting a vivid picture of a troubled childhood marked by violence and loss. By the age of 18, she had already endured more than most people do in a lifetime—living in a Magdalene Laundry, struggling with truancy, and grappling with the tragic death of her mother. These experiences, filled with pain and anger, profoundly shaped O'Connor's music and activism, fueling her passion to become one of the world's most potent protest singers.

Sherine meticulously chronicles O'Connor's rise to fame, including releasing her iconic second album, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," which catapulted her to global stardom. The album's success brought her fame and wealth, half of which she generously donated to charity—a testament to her deep compassion and commitment to social causes. Throughout her 36-year music career, O'Connor released ten studio albums, each reflecting her unyielding spirit and determination to speak out against injustice.

One of the most defining moments of O'Connor's career—and indeed her life—was her decision to tear up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live in 1992. This bold act of protest against child sex abuse within the Catholic Church shocked the world and effectively derailed her career. Yet, it also solidified her status as a fearless advocate for the oppressed, willing to sacrifice her success to expose the truth.

Sherine's biography goes beyond just recounting these well-known events; it also provides new insights through six exclusive interviews with friends and peers who knew O'Connor personally. These interviews add depth to the narrative, offering a more intimate look at the woman behind the public persona—a woman of immense courage, vulnerability, and unwavering conviction.

The Real Sinéad O'Connor is not just a biography but a tribute to an artist who lived unapologetically and left an indelible mark on the world. Sherine's writing is empathetic and unflinching, capturing the complexity of O'Connor's character and her profound impact on music and activism. For anyone interested in the life of Sinéad O'Connor, this book is an essential read, providing a comprehensive and heartfelt account of her extraordinary journey.

This was a great opportunity to learn more about Sinead O Connor, it was beautifully written overall.

A fascinating read, I had no idea of how much Sinead was involved in. A truly remarkable person, her story will stay with ne for a long time to come.