Sinead O’Connor was a firebrand of an artist. Unafraid to stand up for what she believed in, she was often outspoken on issues of racism, sexism, and religion, and she wasn’t afraid of the consequences—which more often than not came quickly to her. It soon became commonplace to hear more about what she said than the music she made, which is a shame, as she made some fine music. The latest in the Penguin Random House The Last Interview series is dedicated to O’Connor and her powerful voice. 

The interviews here do a good job of showing how complex Sinead O’Connor was. Her 1991 interview with Rolling Stone finds her defensive and tense; an interview with Spin starts off the same way but finds her opening up and letting the reader get to know her. Later interviews taken in the 2000s find her reflecting on religion thanks to her Rastafarian album she had recorded, as well as its follow up, a largely religious affair. The last interview she conducted—with TV show The View—finds her reflecting upon her career in a conversation related to her just released autobiography. 

Sinead O’Connor: The Last Interview shows us who O’Connor was, and documents the passion and straightforward way she lived her life. This is an excellent addition to this fine series of books, as it documents a complex subject matter in all her unrepentant glory. 

Purchase: Amazon

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