The Other Side of the Rainbow: The Autobiography of the Voice of Clannad

by Maire Brennan, Angela Little

Raised in county Donegal, Ireland, Máire began her musical career with family band Clannad. Along with sister Enya, and the other members of Clannad, Máire has always fiercely guarded her privacy. Yet in recent years - largely due to a new self confidence and discovery of Christian faith - Máire has begun to share a testimony that has inspired thousands of fans on both sides of the Atlantic. We follow her life - from idyllic innocent childhood in county Donegal, through the highs and lows of "success" in the public eye, the personal torment of successive relationship breakdown, and the consequences of promiscuity and drug and alcohol indulgence. Ultimately this is a story of a woman whose dream became a nightmare, and yet throughout the trauma a still small voice continued to whisper her name. In seeking out that voice she finally found her love and security she had craved all her life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Ireland, Christian

Paperback

First published October 19, 2000

Reviews

[Nienke Witteveen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very honestly written autobiography by Máire. It took me a while to get my hands on a copy, since the book is out of print and couldn't be found as an e-book either. Finally, I resorted to order it second hand from the UK via Amazon. Glad I did though.

I was raised with Clannad's and Máire's music and always wanted to know more about their background. Their music is of timeless beauty. Now I know more about the stories and history behind the band and the music. Máire's story is one of courage and overcoming her fears. It is also a story that features the changed times of how we relate to each other. She had been born in a time when shame was still a very real thing, which made her hide from her true passions and feelings.

I met Máire and Aisling last year at one of her concerts and am very happy to have finally read her backstory. It's been a treat. Certainly a must-read for the fans.

[Lynne Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having long been a fan of Clannad, I was interested to see what Maire Brennan would write about her life. It definitely pulled no punches, and I appreciated her honesty throughout its pages. It was a good read.

[Reading Through the Lists · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Shame dies when stories are told in safe places." -Anne Voskamp

Máire Brennan has told her story, and it is the best kind: of getting lost and being found, of wandering away and slowly, painfully finding home. Unlike many others, she has shown that her joy, her creativity, and her passion came not from the dark weariness of the world but in the finding of God, her family, and the beauty of the world.

God has reawakened her heart and soul.

God has brought her home.

Shame dies when stories are told in safe places. So thank you, Máire, for telling yours.

[Don Mance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of redemption. I love Maire's solo work and her work with Clannad. I enjoyed reading her account of the highs and lows of addiction and fame.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Took a bit of time to get into it but so insightful into Marie’s life and really enjoyed it overall.