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Philomena

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Philomena

By: Martin Sixsmith
Narrated by: John Curless
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Summary

Falling pregnant as a teenager in 1952, Philomena Lee was sent to the convent in Co. Tipperary to be looked after as a fallen woman. She cared for her baby for three years until the Church took him and sold him, like countless others, to America for adoption. She spent the next 50 years secretly searching for him, unaware that he was searching for her from across the Atlantic.

©2009 Martin Sixsmith, foreword: 2013 Judi Dench (P)2013 Recorded Books LLC Parenting & Families Relationships Women Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing Emotionally Gripping Inspiring Thought-Provoking Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

Now a major film starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Because it is based on a true story. There are so many coincidences that took place mother and son which would really make you believe in Telepathy.

What did you like best about this story?

That the mother was so forgiving to all the nuns who hurt and deceived her and how she has so much faith after 50 years.

What does John Curless bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He really brought out the feelings of the different characters in this book

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes if you had the time.

Any additional comments?

Great true story, Sad and funny and amazing and a lot more details in the book than was in the film.

Brilliant story and very heartwrenching facts.

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My God I loved this book. I ordered it after watching the film with Judy Dench.

The story of Irish sexual love has been captured perfectly. A cloud of shame followed the Mother’s and children all their lives. Shunned shamed and scarred, all to perpetuate a myth of Catholic sexual purity.

Thank God those days are gone in Ireland. Unfortunately in Africa, South America, and the Philippines, history is repeating itself.

He’s told our story

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What did you like most about Philomena?

Thought at first it was a bit dry, but actually enjoyed listening to facts about some real meaty Irish issues and American politics

What was one of the most memorable moments of Philomena?

Don't want to give away the plot

Which character – as performed by John Curless – was your favourite?

Mike

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

finding out Mike had thrown it all away :(

Any additional comments?

brilliant, but don't know if it's worth watching the film, I would imagine it'll be totally different to the book

Not much in it about Philomena!

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Any additional comments?

This story shows the inhumanity of the Catholic Church in Ireland. To treat young mothers and their babies in this way is unforgivable. Listen to the book but expect to be made angry.

Heart wrenching

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i found this book informative and emotional, i had no idea how bad the Republicans were when it came to treating gay people. and although i knew of the nuns in ureland and around uk running baby homes this put another perspective on that. i am glad i listened to this book as it allowed you to get to know the characters so well.

an emotional book

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