Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Shane Lynch was a founder member of Irish boy band Boyzone and his autobiography takes us on the journey that finds him in the band, the heights of success and the struggles that brings. Written with a frankness and humour which makes this a very readable book, his wide eyed wonder at how his life has turned out translated to me as a reader. I was left wondering how this barely talented school dropout managed to become famous. The Chancer seems an apt title. It's all here though and in the end you can't help but love the old rogue. Through the challenges of fame, a broken marriage and realisation that despite all the trappings of success, his life was still empty. At the height of his success Lynch recalls how dabbling in the occult left him with serious problems and it was the reality of the dark side that pointed him firmly towards God. From pop success to the breakup of the group to decisions about what he would do post boy band, he tells the whole colourful story.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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