Book Review: Songbird by Lesley-Ann Jones (A Biography of Christine McVie)

Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie stands as one of rock’s most enduring and influential figures, known for her soulful voice, incredible songwriting, and her steady presence within the band that weathered storms both personal and professional. For fans of McVie and Fleetwood Mac, Lesley-Ann Jones’s biography Songbird offers a much-needed deep dive into the life and times of this enigmatic musician. In this heartfelt tribute, Jones shines a spotlight on Christine McVie, giving readers a detailed, if somewhat clinical, account of her journey from a girl in England to a legendary figure in one of the world’s biggest rock bands.

As a long-time admirer of both Fleetwood Mac and Christine McVie, I was excited to get my hands on Songbird. McVie has often been overshadowed by her bandmates, especially Stevie Nicks, so it was refreshing to read a biography that centers around Christine, exploring her personal experiences, creativity, and unique contributions to the band’s success. Lesley-Ann Jones does justice to McVie’s legacy, documenting her life with great detail and care, though the book does have its shortcomings, especially in terms of its narrative tone.

A Thorough Examination of Christine McVie’s Life

Lesley-Ann Jones approaches Christine McVie’s life with a thoroughness that fans will appreciate. From her early years growing up in England, to her early music career in the blues band Chicken Shack, to her transformative years with Fleetwood Mac, the biography paints a full picture of who Christine McVie was both on and off the stage. One of the things that stands out about the book is the attention given to Christine’s life before and after Fleetwood Mac, which is often glossed over in discussions about the band.

Jones delves into Christine’s family life and upbringing, highlighting the supportive environment that allowed her to develop her talents. Christine’s father, a concert violinist, and her mother, a psychic healer, are both important figures in shaping who she became. This part of the book was particularly illuminating, as it contextualizes Christine’s often grounded, calm demeanor—qualities that helped anchor the otherwise tumultuous dynamic of Fleetwood Mac.

When Fleetwood Mac is discussed, Songbird offers a mix of familiar stories and fresh insights. As a fan, I found it intriguing to learn more about the inner workings of the band, especially the often-overlooked contributions of Christine McVie. Known for hits like “Don’t Stop,” “Everywhere,” and “You Make Loving Fun”—my personal favorite—the biography does a wonderful job showcasing the breadth and depth of her songwriting skills.

Christine’s role as the calm center of the band is a theme that runs throughout the book. Unlike the fiery and sometimes volatile presence of her bandmates Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, Christine was often the peacemaker, the one who could balance the group’s energies. This is evident in the way Jones structures her narrative, carefully placing Christine at the heart of the band’s rise to fame during the recording of Rumours and beyond.

The Limitations of Tone and Style

While Songbird is informative and well-researched, I found the tone of the writing to be somewhat detached. Lesley-Ann Jones leans heavily on recounting quotes and documented events, giving the book a somewhat academic or journalistic feel. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this approach, it did leave me wanting more emotional depth. Christine McVie’s life is full of passion, creativity, and personal hardship—yet the biography often feels like it’s recounting events from a distance, rather than pulling the reader into the emotional core of McVie’s experiences.

In contrast, autobiographies often give readers direct access to the thoughts and emotions of their subjects, offering a more intimate view of their lives. Since Songbird is a third-person account, I expected more interpretation or emotional nuance from Jones, but instead, the book often settles for straightforward reportage. The writing is eloquent, but it sometimes fails to capture the essence of Christine’s emotional world in a way that feels satisfying. As a fan, I craved a deeper connection to her inner life and artistic motivations.

That said, perhaps this is a limitation inherent to many biographies. Having mostly read autobiographies, this difference in style may simply be a matter of personal preference. Nonetheless, I would have appreciated more narrative flair, or at least a stronger sense of Christine’s inner voice coming through the pages.

Familiar Stories and New Insights

One of the highlights of Songbird is that, while it does cover many familiar stories about Fleetwood Mac’s history—such as the drama-filled Rumours era and the band’s notorious interpersonal struggles—there are also plenty of lesser-known anecdotes that offer new perspectives. For example, Jones delves into Christine’s marriages, including her relationship with John McVie, the band’s bassist, and how their divorce played a key role in shaping the emotional landscape of Rumours. I appreciated these moments, as they give more texture to Christine’s life story, beyond just her role within the band.

Additionally, Jones’s research is evident in the appendix, which includes a comprehensive timeline of Christine’s life and a list of her best songs, including those outside of her work with Fleetwood Mac. These details will be a treasure trove for die-hard fans who want to explore every corner of Christine’s musical legacy.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Tribute with Room for More Depth

In conclusion, Songbird by Lesley-Ann Jones is a heartfelt tribute to Christine McVie. It’s a book that Fleetwood Mac fans will find rewarding, especially those who want to learn more about the often-overlooked contributions of Christine to the band’s success. The biography is thorough and respectful, and it successfully places McVie at the center of the story—a focus that is long overdue.

However, while I appreciated the attention to detail and the author’s evident respect for Christine McVie, I found the tone a bit lacking in emotional warmth. The biography often feels more like a collection of facts than a vivid portrait of a woman who lived a remarkable life. That being said, there are plenty of nuggets of new information to keep readers engaged, and the book does succeed in cementing Christine McVie’s legacy as one of rock’s great songwriters.

For these reasons, I would rate Songbird three stars. It’s a solid read for fans, but it left me wanting a bit more emotional connection and stylistic flair. Still, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to read this biography, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about one of Fleetwood Mac’s most essential members.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for providing this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.