PHILOMENA A Mother, Her Son and a Fifty-Year Search

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 reveals how honored she felt to play this brave and remarkable woman in the movie. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2014]