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.