Philomena

In this moving story--the inspiration for the hugely popular film--narrator John Curless effortlessly moves between Ireland and the U.S. many times as Philomena Lee seeks her son. Curless captures many accents and personalities as he compassionately recounts this sad but uplifting story about a baby being taken from his young, unwed mother in 1950s Ireland. Martin Sixsmith provides copious details about Anthony Lee/Michael Hess, including his adoption and impressive career as a high-ranking member of the Republican party. Particularly fascinating is Curless's rendering of the many sides of Michael, which are missing from the movie. The conclusion is matchless: a note from Dame Judi Dench who reveals how honored she felt to play this brave and remarkable woman in the movie. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

April 1, 2014

Originally published in 2009, this is the true story of Irishwoman Philomena Lee and the child she gave up for adoption. Unlike the Oscar-nominated film of the same name, which focuses on the unwed mother's search 50 years later for her son, the book is concerned with the child's adult life and his struggles with his sexuality. Michael Anthony Hess, the toddler adopted by an American couple in 1955, grew up to become a gay Republican lawyer who died of AIDS at the age of 43. English actor John Curless provides a clear and well-paced narration, with a foreword by Dame Judi Dench (who stars in the film). VERDICT Of interest to fans of mother-child tales or family drama. ["Sixsmith's narrative, while emotionally compelling, lacks context and verges at times on the sensationalistic, with invented dialog and narration," read the review of the Penguin hc, LJ 9/1/13.]--Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll. Lib., Newburgh, NY

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