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Barefoot Pilgrimage
Andrea Corr’s Barefoot Pilgrimage is a compelling and honest memoir. In part, an exercise in coming to terms with and making sense of life and mortality following the loss of a beloved father; in part, a reflection on an unlikely journey with her siblings through the music industry; in part, a meditation on family, on music, and on creativity; and, in part, a shout-out for love and for hope. Illustrated with personal photographs and with original poems interspersed throughout the text, this is a very personal – at times very funny, at times deeply moving – book from an iconic figure in popular music.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published December 3, 2019
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198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 18, 2019
Ever since the news came out that Andrea Corr would be releasing a book I've been so excited! I've been a huge The Corrs fan since 1999 so obviously (of Corrs?) I had to get my hands on the book. So the release day came, the website said the book would be delivered that day and....it wasn't. My physical copy won't arrive until next week but I didn't want to wait. I'm not a huge fan of audiobooks but I decided to get the audiobook anyway since it was available right away and it's read by Andrea herself. And it was so beautiful to hear her read this book to me, it made it a whole different experience. Once the hardcopy of the book arrives I'll read it and compare the two, but I think the audio book is pretty great!
The book itself is very different from what I expected. I loved it, it's beautiful and poetic but it's not really your average memoir and I don't think it will be very interesting for people who aren't big fans of Andrea or the Corrs. The book feels almost like a conversation with Andrea, she's telling you about her life, her memories, she's reciting song lyrics. What it doesn't feel like it a clear liniar life story. Sometimes stories seem to trail off a bit, there are some passages where I'm not sure why some details are mentioned. It's such a small, intimate story, it feels like you're getting very close to her.
The language in the book is very poetic. It's beautiful for sure but in all honesty...that kind of language tends to put me off a bit sometimes. In this case not so much, since I love Andrea and her way of writing, but I think if this book was about anyone else it would have bothered me a bit.
The book is also so sad, in a beautiful way but still. It's heartwarming at times, but overall it's pretty dark. After finishing the book I went back and listened to Jupiter Calling, the Corrs' latest album, and this book and the album seem to have the same mood. Sadness, hope and beauty.
I'm looking forward to reading the book again, and I loved listening to Andrea speak about her life, thoughts and feelings. If you love Andrea's lyrics this book won't disappoint!
The book itself is very different from what I expected. I loved it, it's beautiful and poetic but it's not really your average memoir and I don't think it will be very interesting for people who aren't big fans of Andrea or the Corrs. The book feels almost like a conversation with Andrea, she's telling you about her life, her memories, she's reciting song lyrics. What it doesn't feel like it a clear liniar life story. Sometimes stories seem to trail off a bit, there are some passages where I'm not sure why some details are mentioned. It's such a small, intimate story, it feels like you're getting very close to her.
The language in the book is very poetic. It's beautiful for sure but in all honesty...that kind of language tends to put me off a bit sometimes. In this case not so much, since I love Andrea and her way of writing, but I think if this book was about anyone else it would have bothered me a bit.
The book is also so sad, in a beautiful way but still. It's heartwarming at times, but overall it's pretty dark. After finishing the book I went back and listened to Jupiter Calling, the Corrs' latest album, and this book and the album seem to have the same mood. Sadness, hope and beauty.
I'm looking forward to reading the book again, and I loved listening to Andrea speak about her life, thoughts and feelings. If you love Andrea's lyrics this book won't disappoint!
October 22, 2019
I’ve been excited for this book to come out since I first head about it months ago. I absolutely loved the Corrs as a child and have always been fascinated by Andrea Corr in particular given her ethereal beauty. For the most part I really enjoyed this fairly short memoir which I got through in two evenings. Being that Andrea is a songwriter I found the poetic aspects of the book hard to follow as I’m not of that mindset/nature at all, and preferred the more accurate and straight forward descriptions of events. However, I also appreciate that this poetic approach to a memoir is what makes it unique to her and clearly suits her personality. She comes across as extremely down to earth, humble, appreciative and actually quite funny in this memoir - and I felt very moved when she discussed her parents. A must for any Corrs fan!!!
November 11, 2023
(Slight spoilers)
This was the first book as an adult I'd listened to rather than reading myself, and it was definitely worth it. Andrea uses different voices for every person she introduces in her touching memoir, and the melodic quality of her singing voice translates just as symphonically into her narration. This wonderful, often heartbreaking, book touches mostly on the deaths of her parents and the trials of becoming more than just an Irish family band. I loved listening to this book so much I want to buy the physical copy as well.
This was the first book as an adult I'd listened to rather than reading myself, and it was definitely worth it. Andrea uses different voices for every person she introduces in her touching memoir, and the melodic quality of her singing voice translates just as symphonically into her narration. This wonderful, often heartbreaking, book touches mostly on the deaths of her parents and the trials of becoming more than just an Irish family band. I loved listening to this book so much I want to buy the physical copy as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2021
Such an talented artist and warm human being - amazingly touching autobiography - and there's more to come!
April 15, 2025
A beautifully written book that reads like a series of prose poems - a memoir trying to capture the feeling of memory. Subtle in parts but revealing too. Andrea is a woman who owns her success but also her vulnerabilities. This story is mostly about what it’s like to not have your parents alive anymore, about the preciousness of life, and the desire to capture what you remember before you too are no longer here. If you’re a Corrs fan, you’ll adore it. But you’ll also enjoy it and be moved if you like to read memoirs that are a bit different and poetic. The Corrs’ last album Jupiter Calling has the same mood - trying to capture the beauty and pain of life in one container. Beautiful, and highly recommended.
November 1, 2019
'I did not sit down at all, nor consider a destination. I just obeyed the pictures as they came. The questions. The fleeting moments. The present into the past. The present because of the past and back again with a few human, mad-gene detours along the way'
– Andrea Corr, Barefoot Pilgrimage
Andrea Corr, member of the successful Irish band The Corrs, made a decision to write her memoir in 2017, following the passing of her Dad in 2015. As the years passed she became almost fearful that their story would never be told. Her beloved Mum had died eighteen years previously and Andrea felt it was now time to tell their story in her own incredibly unique way.
Barefoot Pilgrimage was published on October 17th with Harper Collins and is described as ‘a very personal – at times very funny, at times deeply moving – book from an iconic figure in popular music.’
Barefoot Pilgrimage is an extremely personal and very poignant memoir. Andrea Corr has compiled an account that explores The Corrs’ journey through their frenetic years as musicians while also taking the reader down memory lane with anecdotal stories of their years together in the family home. Andrea’s mother was very central to those early years and her relationship with her husband and children is so very moving. Andrea now looks back on her mothers life, her parenting, her desire to work outside the home in later years, through her own now more mature eyes. As a mum now herself, Andrea feels a very strong connection to her own mother. Andrea comes to recognise the person her mother became before her tragic passing eighteen years ago. Her father’s grief following her death is palpable and Andrea gentle and sensitive descriptions of that time are profoundly emotional.
Scattered throughout the pages are poems and rather alternative turns of phrase. At the beginning I found some of the language a little unusual but after awhile Andrea’s quirky sense of humour began to make sense and I adjusted to her rather unique style of penmanship.
Andrea takes us with her on her journey through the music years, the heights they reached, the social circles they inhabited and the mania of their lives at the time. She refers to her father and each of her siblings with very apparent affection. The Corrs, music aside, are a very tight family. Their love for each other is clearly evident but, more importantly, the respect they have for each other is remarkable. As each member made decisions that best suited them at certain moments , the remainder of the group had their back. The Corrs’ talent as musicians was evident to all and this family support kept them grounded at all times in an industry that has witnessed many tragedies over the years.
Barefoot Pilgrimage is quite an extraordinary read. Andrea Corr’s poetic abilities shine through on every page with the randomness of verses littering the chapters. There is a very pensive nature to many of the paragraphs filled with nostalgic references to days gone by. There is an air of melancholy over much of the writing and an unexpected level of intimacy in the portrayal of many of the sentiments conveyed.
Barefoot Pilgrimage is quite unlike any book that I have ever read and to be honest I am not so sure I will ever read a book quite like it again. It is a contemplative read of introspection, of nostalgia, of love. It is unconventional in every way, it is very authentic, it is Andrea Corr.
– Andrea Corr, Barefoot Pilgrimage
Andrea Corr, member of the successful Irish band The Corrs, made a decision to write her memoir in 2017, following the passing of her Dad in 2015. As the years passed she became almost fearful that their story would never be told. Her beloved Mum had died eighteen years previously and Andrea felt it was now time to tell their story in her own incredibly unique way.
Barefoot Pilgrimage was published on October 17th with Harper Collins and is described as ‘a very personal – at times very funny, at times deeply moving – book from an iconic figure in popular music.’
Barefoot Pilgrimage is an extremely personal and very poignant memoir. Andrea Corr has compiled an account that explores The Corrs’ journey through their frenetic years as musicians while also taking the reader down memory lane with anecdotal stories of their years together in the family home. Andrea’s mother was very central to those early years and her relationship with her husband and children is so very moving. Andrea now looks back on her mothers life, her parenting, her desire to work outside the home in later years, through her own now more mature eyes. As a mum now herself, Andrea feels a very strong connection to her own mother. Andrea comes to recognise the person her mother became before her tragic passing eighteen years ago. Her father’s grief following her death is palpable and Andrea gentle and sensitive descriptions of that time are profoundly emotional.
Scattered throughout the pages are poems and rather alternative turns of phrase. At the beginning I found some of the language a little unusual but after awhile Andrea’s quirky sense of humour began to make sense and I adjusted to her rather unique style of penmanship.
Andrea takes us with her on her journey through the music years, the heights they reached, the social circles they inhabited and the mania of their lives at the time. She refers to her father and each of her siblings with very apparent affection. The Corrs, music aside, are a very tight family. Their love for each other is clearly evident but, more importantly, the respect they have for each other is remarkable. As each member made decisions that best suited them at certain moments , the remainder of the group had their back. The Corrs’ talent as musicians was evident to all and this family support kept them grounded at all times in an industry that has witnessed many tragedies over the years.
Barefoot Pilgrimage is quite an extraordinary read. Andrea Corr’s poetic abilities shine through on every page with the randomness of verses littering the chapters. There is a very pensive nature to many of the paragraphs filled with nostalgic references to days gone by. There is an air of melancholy over much of the writing and an unexpected level of intimacy in the portrayal of many of the sentiments conveyed.
Barefoot Pilgrimage is quite unlike any book that I have ever read and to be honest I am not so sure I will ever read a book quite like it again. It is a contemplative read of introspection, of nostalgia, of love. It is unconventional in every way, it is very authentic, it is Andrea Corr.
December 4, 2019
A beautifully written book that reads like a series of prose poems - a memoir trying to capture the feeling of memory. Subtle in parts but revealing too. Andrea is a woman who owns her success but also her vulnerabilities. This story is mostly about what it’s like to not have your parents alive anymore, about the preciousness of life, and the desire to capture what you remember before you too are no longer here. If you’re a Corrs fan, you’ll adore it. But you’ll also enjoy it and be moved if you like to read memoirs that are a bit different and poetic. The Corrs’ last album Jupiter Calling has the same mood - trying to capture the beauty and pain of life in one container. Beautiful, and highly recommended.
January 13, 2020
I read this book in two sittings. Captured by the first chapter by Andrea's wonderful way with words - her honesty, her bravery and deeply personal, raw prose was captivating. This book is more like a private memoir of the author's thoughts and feelings whilst being catapulted into world-wide fame, yet still maintaining her own innate sense of individuality. Andrea's book made me cry. Other parts I found myself nodding my head in recognition, but mostly I felt touched. Touched at how she allowed us a glimpse into her very soul, in her own beautiful and breathtakingly honest portrayal of her journey through life, death, loss and love.
December 8, 2022
Wow, I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. A beautiful string of stories about sorrow, love, and gratitude. Andrea is funny, insightful and moving. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook - Andrea's reading is just wonderful. The accents and voices she uses, as well as the emotion
discernible when she speaks, made the stories come alive.
discernible when she speaks, made the stories come alive.
October 23, 2019
From Dundalk and having grown up and fallen in love The Corrs and Andrea. I couldn’t wait to read this. The book has a very original style to it.
Funny, witty and an extremely beautiful tribute to her family, the band and her extraordinary life.
Funny, witty and an extremely beautiful tribute to her family, the band and her extraordinary life.
February 12, 2020
Grew up with The Corrs and loved their music. Different style of writing which took a while to get used to but enjoyable and heartfelt story about her parents and brother and life in the band.
April 21, 2023
An unconventionally told biography, Andrea seems to dart about her life, without taking a breath. She has a very dreamlike, rhythmic quality to her writing, which makes you feel like she’s talking to you as a friend.
The writing also comes across as very lyrical, but can often lend to being almost told in riddles! My head was spinning at times, with trying to keep up with her train of thought and occasionally, I felt like there were lots of in-jokes - something that maybe only her family or close friends would understand.
It goes into some detail about her time with her brother and sisters, during their musical career, but not as much as I hoped - so if you’re looking for the gossip, you won’t find it here. No tales of debauchery or being led down the path of ruin by Mick Fleetwood!
It is heavily laden with grief as well - from the loss of her other brother, Gerard, while still a toddler, to the loss of her parents later in life, to her miscarriages. But at the same time Andrea doesn’t seem to focus on it too heavily, it’s touched upon and then she’ll move on, to keep the book light and flowing.
Ultimately for me, unfortunately there was no substance to this biography. Sure not every memoir has to be filled with sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, but this was just a little too on the light side for me to fully get on board with.
The writing also comes across as very lyrical, but can often lend to being almost told in riddles! My head was spinning at times, with trying to keep up with her train of thought and occasionally, I felt like there were lots of in-jokes - something that maybe only her family or close friends would understand.
It goes into some detail about her time with her brother and sisters, during their musical career, but not as much as I hoped - so if you’re looking for the gossip, you won’t find it here. No tales of debauchery or being led down the path of ruin by Mick Fleetwood!
It is heavily laden with grief as well - from the loss of her other brother, Gerard, while still a toddler, to the loss of her parents later in life, to her miscarriages. But at the same time Andrea doesn’t seem to focus on it too heavily, it’s touched upon and then she’ll move on, to keep the book light and flowing.
Ultimately for me, unfortunately there was no substance to this biography. Sure not every memoir has to be filled with sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, but this was just a little too on the light side for me to fully get on board with.
December 24, 2020
"That memory was the first door. The first room...So many of the rooms I loved...Other rooms of course I was happy to write myself out of as swiftly as possible and scramble in the dark for another door."
I grew up in the 90s when the Corrs' music was all around. I was interested in reading about Andrea Corr's journey in life. This is an unconventional autobiography. Told chronologically but as a series of vignettes or rooms as Andrea Corr calls them. Interspersed with her memories are poems by her father and old family photos. The reasons for writing this memoir are given in the prologue directed at the reader and I felt writing was part of the grieving process. There is a lot of love and tenderness towards her parents and for family life.
Andrea Corr is a songwriter and I found parts of this autobiography hard to follow because she writes in song lyric (in my opinion). Riddles. Decipherable to a few. There are chapters with decent prose in it and I felt it could have been a better book if she had decided to write in prose for the majority of the book. She has the potential to be a good writer.
2 stars.
I grew up in the 90s when the Corrs' music was all around. I was interested in reading about Andrea Corr's journey in life. This is an unconventional autobiography. Told chronologically but as a series of vignettes or rooms as Andrea Corr calls them. Interspersed with her memories are poems by her father and old family photos. The reasons for writing this memoir are given in the prologue directed at the reader and I felt writing was part of the grieving process. There is a lot of love and tenderness towards her parents and for family life.
Andrea Corr is a songwriter and I found parts of this autobiography hard to follow because she writes in song lyric (in my opinion). Riddles. Decipherable to a few. There are chapters with decent prose in it and I felt it could have been a better book if she had decided to write in prose for the majority of the book. She has the potential to be a good writer.
2 stars.
February 22, 2025
Beautifully written! Andrea’s talent as a writer is undeniable—she should grace the world with more books. Even if she were to write about the most mundane topic, her lyrical prose would still make it utterly captivating. Her stream-of-consciousness style felt intimate, like a heartfelt conversation with a dear friend. Beyond the inspiring content, I found myself deeply moved simply by the beauty of her words. She is effortlessly witty and profoundly heartwarming. I laughed, I cried—then cried even harder—only to end up smiling, lost in thought, staring at the ceiling after turning the final page. I was left yearning for more.
This book arrived just days after I attended their concert—how had I not known of its existence before? It deserves far more recognition. I am a fan with a debilitating desire for the world to know of this book’s existence.
I read this in one sitting for 5 hours. I'll be listening to the audiobook, which she narrated herself, while rereading the book. I would like to hear how she tells the story through her own voice.
This book arrived just days after I attended their concert—how had I not known of its existence before? It deserves far more recognition. I am a fan with a debilitating desire for the world to know of this book’s existence.
I read this in one sitting for 5 hours. I'll be listening to the audiobook, which she narrated herself, while rereading the book. I would like to hear how she tells the story through her own voice.
October 16, 2025
I didn’t know this book existed so when I spotted it in a local library I was intrigued. I have always enjoyed The Corrs’ music but didn’t know much about their origins.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read, lyrical and poetic. However, the language used meant that some sections went over my head / were a little difficult to follow.
Some really beautiful and important thinking points.
“But what is the point of human life if we, who are fortunate, do not endeavour to help those who suffer?”
I can still never understand why any artist, let alone an Irish artist accept an MBE though…..
Overall this was a really enjoyable read, lyrical and poetic. However, the language used meant that some sections went over my head / were a little difficult to follow.
Some really beautiful and important thinking points.
“But what is the point of human life if we, who are fortunate, do not endeavour to help those who suffer?”
I can still never understand why any artist, let alone an Irish artist accept an MBE though…..
November 11, 2019
'The Corrs' are one of my favourite Irish bands and Andrea Corr has written a very contemplative, unconventional memoir. This is an honest view behind the curtain into the life of a beautiful, talented, funny Irish family. I only give three stars because it's written almost as a stream of consciousness with little regard to structure and can therefore be a difficult read.
April 6, 2024
Very enjoyable book. Didn't know Andrea could be so witty, and and what she has been through in her life was a revelation. Both funny and harrowing, Andrea has totally poured herself into this book and that's what makes it so good. I probably would have preferred it as a straight memoir rather than with the poetry, but that's not necessarily a criticism as it's still a great read.
September 3, 2024
A delightfully dizzy, warm and ephemeral memoir. This book is lyrical (as one might expect from a singer-songwriter/musician) and probably polarizing, as a result. A fan will more than likely enjoy this more than a casual reader. It felt like a conversation with an old friend (an old friend who loves to read her father’s poetry and tells stories at the breakneck speed of a Gilmore Girl) .
November 14, 2019
It's mostly a stream of consciousness of Andrea Corr, so sometimes it's a bit hard to keep up with it. An interesting reading, but I must say, only to Corrs fans!
September 20, 2020
A wonderfully written book full of honesty, love, loss and smiles. Written in a style that feels raw and takes you the reader on a journey. A must read.
September 15, 2021
Contemporary, creative work written with feeling and soul.
October 25, 2023
Great but humble woman. Wish book was much longer with more memories and stories of people around her. More detail. Like the band, but happy book didn’t focus too much on the actual music.
March 23, 2023
Lovely memoir of a band big in my youth. Love listening to Andrea's Irish lilt and poems and tales of a life of musical stars 🌟
April 5, 2025
Not knowing a tremendous amount about the Corrs other than a handful of their hits, I thought I'd see what they were about. Turns out they are "about" quite a bit.
This book is far from a "how we got famous" memoir. It's a poetic review of the life of Andrea Corr from her own perspective. In a creative way, Andrea relates her anecdotes in her own storytelling style. She focuses on key events, but doesn't dive deeply into narrative at any point. The evolution of their biggest American hit, "Breathless," is barely a mention. For this, I really feel like I got to know Andrea a little bit. I also learned about her own creativity, strengths, and insecurities. That's an accomplishment.
My only challenge with this book is discerning the core narrative within the vignettes. Some vignettes are made clearer based on Andrea's personal narration. Others are completely obscured. Maybe if I were a bigger fan before reading the book, it would've been more apparent.
All that said, I really appreciate this book. I'd absolutely recommend to any partial or deep fan of the Corrs. Without some tie to the band or their history or their music, I'm not sure if the book would connect as much. For me, I can't wait to listen to all the music I've missed!!!
This book is far from a "how we got famous" memoir. It's a poetic review of the life of Andrea Corr from her own perspective. In a creative way, Andrea relates her anecdotes in her own storytelling style. She focuses on key events, but doesn't dive deeply into narrative at any point. The evolution of their biggest American hit, "Breathless," is barely a mention. For this, I really feel like I got to know Andrea a little bit. I also learned about her own creativity, strengths, and insecurities. That's an accomplishment.
My only challenge with this book is discerning the core narrative within the vignettes. Some vignettes are made clearer based on Andrea's personal narration. Others are completely obscured. Maybe if I were a bigger fan before reading the book, it would've been more apparent.
All that said, I really appreciate this book. I'd absolutely recommend to any partial or deep fan of the Corrs. Without some tie to the band or their history or their music, I'm not sure if the book would connect as much. For me, I can't wait to listen to all the music I've missed!!!
November 20, 2019
I found the book hard to get into as it hasn’t been written in the usual autobiographical style but it really left an impact on me. Essentially it is a love letter to a beloved mother and father, family and friends and life. Thank you Andrea for conveying your love of your parents and life in such a tangible way. I listened to the music you mentioned while reading the book. Beautiful. Heart like a wheel. 😰
January 15, 2020
Its a beautiful book. Its so poetic and lyrical. I usually am all about a strong plot, love a good story or a yarn. This book didnt have that clear path or arc but I absolutely adored it. This book is like a collection of memories that were mysterious but very revealing at the same time. I am going to read this book again and again. Loved it so much.
Not for you if you are looking for that book that dishes all the dirt on what goes on on tour etc etc
Not for you if you are looking for that book that dishes all the dirt on what goes on on tour etc etc
March 31, 2022
It’s clear that Andrea loves her family, music and the English language but this book is so poetically written that the meaning is sometimes obscure. I love photos in a memoir, and there were several included, but why were the captions in a list at the end rather than by the photos themselves? Andrea was open about some aspects of her life but I didn’t really get to know her through this book.
August 3, 2020
I admit it took me a while to get used to her style of writing but once I did, I fell in love with her style. It's very lyrical and poetic and beautiful, exactly like her songwriting style.
Loved all of the Corrs stories, of course, and I got a kick out of her including Sharon's socks story!
Loved all of the Corrs stories, of course, and I got a kick out of her including Sharon's socks story!
February 27, 2020
Really enjoyable read. Her style is very poetic and inspiring. The only downside was the parts about the music industry that pass over the head of those uninitiated. Overall a great read.
March 21, 2020
The content was interesting, but I wasn't a huge fan of her writing style, it was too stream of consciousness for me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews