1952 was not a good time to be an unwed mother in Ireland. Social conditions were such that it was almost unheard of for single mothers to keep and raise their babies. They were often "put away" in convents run by the Church where they were required to work for three years, often in brutal conditions, to pay for the cost of caring for them and their babies. But the truly heartbreaking part came at the end of the three years, for mothers were never allowed to keep their children. For all intents and purposes, the babies were "sold" by the Catholic Church to families overseas who wanted to adopt children. This is the story of one of those children...

The back cover says that this book is "The touching story of a mother's fifty-year search for her son." Well, no it's not. It also says "...(this) book delves into a woman's grief with restraint and sensitivity." Well, no, it doesn't. This book actually has very little to do with Philomena Lee. We meet her in the first few chapters and then we don't see her again until the last few pages of the book. This story is actually about her son, Anthony Lee (who became Michael A. Hess), and the events of his all too short llife. Do't get me wrong, it's still a very good book...it's just not what it says on the back cover...

I'll be taking this book with me to our monthly get-together at Cafe D'Amour this evening. If no one takes it home, it will stay on the shelf patiently awaiting a new reader.

Thanks K-i-s-m-e-t. This book is now sitting on the OBCZ shelf. You can find it at Cafe d'Amour, 685 Osborne Street, where you can also find delicious drinks and eats. They also have free WiFi.

This book is on a journey and has left the OBCZ shelf. Have a good trip little book and write home soon.