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.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2013
Duration: 15 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781470392819
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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