Song of the Sparrow by Tara MacLean

 

Published by Harper Collins on March 14^th, 2023

352 pages

I read the paperback version

Back Cover

An astonishing memoir about how song saved a life Singer/songwriter Tara MacLean has had an extraordinary musical career. From being discovered singing on a BC ferry to touring with Dido, Tom Cochrane and Lilith Fair, her solo albums and those with the band Shaye have touched legions of fans. But she hasn’t, until now, disclosed the details of how the power of song saved her from a childhood filled with danger. From her earliest days in the backwoods of Prince Edward Island, Tara was surrounded by nature, the songs of her musician father and the love of her actor mother. But love was not enough to feed their growing family, nor were the Wiccan, then evangelical Christian teachings her parents followed.

Poverty and uncertainty were constant companions, as were the dangers that began to enter her world. Predators can come in many forms from even the most trusted circles, and Tara soon learned that a young girl is never safe. It was only through Tara’s inner strength and the sanctuary she found in singing that she created a refuge and a future for herself.  

Song of the Sparrow is a daring, heartbreaking and provocative memoir of a life filled with music, told with the same raw, open and elegant poetry that Tara’s fans have come to expect. From Tara’s childhood in PEI through her teenage years in BC to her meteoric rise in music, Song of the Sparrow reveals her remarkable strength and shows that a song and a wide-open heart are the best weapons for fighting monsters. Don’t miss Tara’s new album, Sparrow, which is being released concurrently with this memoir.

My reviews

It’s not the first time I read a memoir by a singer, but this one hit me harder than some other. I discover this singer after my first breakup when I was fourteen and her song If I fall helped me to get through it. It’s still a song that is important to me now and I listen to it every time I need to remember why I have to keep writing. To be honest, I didn’t follow her career after that, but when I rethink about that period, I checked her social media and I discover that she wrote a book.

 There is a warning at the beginning of the book about child abuse, self-harm, addiction and domestic violence and I am glad they did it, but it’s not the first time I read a story where the person got abuse or had to go to hell before being a happy person. I think they are the most inspiring and make me to want to create a better life. This memoir might not be for everyone, but I learn a lot about the author and the music world. It’s amaze me how harsh and beautiful it can be in the same time.

You have no idea how happy I was when I learned she was a Canadian singer. I thought I didn’t listen much Canadian music, but she mentioned a few singers in the book that I didn’t even know they were from my country.  Same thing about Life is a Highway, which is my road trip song.

Some part of the book made me want to cry, but I am glad I read it and not only because of everything I learned, but I was touched by Tara MacLean words. If you like music as much as I do, I recommend it.

Excerpts

Predators groom their victims to think they are the only ones, that everyone else is safe, that they are "special" to them. (p.39)

In a world where everything is crumbling around you, humour is essential and life-affirming. Her laugh is one of my favourite sounds of all time. No matter what was happening we were able to find joy amid the suffering and comedy in tragedy. (p.44)

A song might be heard by one person or by every person. It’s doesn’t matter, as long as it’s heard. It’s isn’t complete until then. (p.55)

"When you write a song, you always have to write somethin’ true." (p.74)

People came from all over the world to see the world-class theatre and concerts, especially the wholesome and beloved tale Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. (p.88)

I was finally going to me Sarah McLachlan in person. I was invited to sing two songs, and I asked Stephen to accompany me, as well as Sarah’s drummer. (p,179)

"Tara, we know you can sing, but can you tell a story? Take us down into the bare places, and then when it’s time, let it fly." (p.187)

"Have no expectations. If you have no expectations, then you will have no fear, and your song will always come from the source." (p.189)