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218 reviews for:
Philomena (Movie Tie-In): A Mother, Her Son, and a Fifty-Year Search
Martin Sixsmith
3.49 AVERAGE
218 reviews for:
Philomena (Movie Tie-In): A Mother, Her Son, and a Fifty-Year Search
Martin Sixsmith
3.49 AVERAGE
Why is the title Philomena? Stuck with this because of the popular movie; waited to see the connection to Philomena and it was limited. I should have just read the ending first and saved a lot of time. It makes me wonder what else was made up in this story. I didn't see the movie and won't for sure now.
Such a heart-wrenching story. As with the movie, the book provoked many emotions, but mostly outrage at how poorly people treat each other when placed in a position of power
Read this because I saw the movie first. This book is about the life of the son whereas the movie was a fictional account of the mother's search.
If the author had called this a novel that was "inspired by true events" the criticisms others have already voiced would be rendered moot. But he didn't. So I will join the chorus.
1
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The author invents dialog he cannot have heard, although I'm willing to believe he interviewed sources who told him about conversations that occurred decades earlier. But invented dialog (particularly when it sounds wooden) detracts.
2
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His attempts to add "authentic detail" can be just ludicrous. For example, the author has Mike Hess riding DC Metro's blue line to Arlington in 1974. But the Metro, which did not open until 1976, at first consisted of just a few stations on the RED line. I know because I was there.
Here are two things the book does that are worthwhile:
1
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It reveals the sanctimonious greed of the Irish Catholic Church, which kept "fallen women" in a state of virtual slavery while selling their children for profit.
2
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It convey the isolation, agony, longing and guilt that gays -- especially Catholic gays -- felt and probably still feel.
This are good messages. But I'm left wishing that Philomena, Mike, and Mary had a more skillful storyteller.
1
--
The author invents dialog he cannot have heard, although I'm willing to believe he interviewed sources who told him about conversations that occurred decades earlier. But invented dialog (particularly when it sounds wooden) detracts.
2
--
His attempts to add "authentic detail" can be just ludicrous. For example, the author has Mike Hess riding DC Metro's blue line to Arlington in 1974. But the Metro, which did not open until 1976, at first consisted of just a few stations on the RED line. I know because I was there.
Here are two things the book does that are worthwhile:
1
--
It reveals the sanctimonious greed of the Irish Catholic Church, which kept "fallen women" in a state of virtual slavery while selling their children for profit.
2
--
It convey the isolation, agony, longing and guilt that gays -- especially Catholic gays -- felt and probably still feel.
This are good messages. But I'm left wishing that Philomena, Mike, and Mary had a more skillful storyteller.
Susan your review answered one question that was constantly on my mind as I read Sixsmith's fiction: HOW could Mike be such a success at work if he spent most of his time cruising leather bars? The answer I get is that, contrary to the story, Mike (1) was in a stable and supportive relationship and (2) worked long and hard hours with your able assistance.
This book had so many ups and downs. There were parts where I would be able to read tons of pages in one sitting, non-stop. But there were also moments where I got so bored I got distracted too easily. I chose to read this book, because of one purpose. I wanted to know about Philomena and her son. However, this book was more about her son's life, and as valuable and interesting it was, it wasn't what I thought of. I'm gonna watch the movie now, and apparently it's better.
Spoiler
The images at one point spoiled the book. There was an image, that showed Michael Hess had died. It was about 150 (?) pages ahead, and it got me annoyed.
Couldn't finish. Disinterested in picking it up again after I had to put it down.
I recommend seeing the recent film before reading the book, something I wouldn't normally do. I caught Philomena on a plane back to the US from Amsterdam. I was interested in the story and thus, decided to read the book. What an interesting and thought provoking story it turned out to be, in my opinion. However, be warned that the movie and the book are two completely different stories, with the book being a bit misleading. I'm glad I watched the movie first because it introduced me to the story of Philomena and showed me how she found Michael. The book mostly focuses on Michael and his life, something I was more interested in after watching the movie. I was initially apprehensive though, after reading poor reviews of the book, including some that questioned the book's factual basis. I cannot vouch for the truthfulness of the book, but I found myself very into it. The story explores the legal issues in Ireland regarding adoption, what unwed mothers had to endure at that time, and the emotional repercussions that come with taking a child from its mother at such a young age. As someone who's always been interested in adoption, I thought it was fascinating to read about Michael's adoption and how it was handled so differently than it would have been today. The story follows Michael's frankly tragic childhood and adulthood. It explores his political career and the difficulties that came with being a gay man during the 70's, 80's, and 90's and being a member of the Republican National Party. The book not only captures Michael's story, but the atmosphere of the country at the time. Again, this is something that I personally found very interesting. I enjoyed reading about the AIDS epidemic and how different life was for people who identify as gay. Be warned though that not every reader may be as interested. This book is definitely more of a portrait of Michael and the world he grew up in, with a strong focus on his sexuality and political career. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it and the themes the book explored.
If you have watched the movie, READ THIS BOOK TOO!! This is more of a companion story as opposed to a basis for the story told in the movie.