THE BOOK FAIR

Review:

The expose of Irish children sold for profit by the Catholic Church.  The book is divided into four parts:  The orphanage, the adoption, Mike’s adult life and illness and his search for Philomena, his birth mother.

The Catholic Church made a business of both condemning unwed mothers as pariahs in society, then selling their children abroad, mainly to citizens of the U.S. while collecting the profits.  The Church forced unwed mothers into their grasp, then forced them to sign over their children for adoption.

In the 1950’s, Philomena was one of these victimized mothers and Michael Anthony Hess, her son, was one of the children sold for profit.  Michael Anthony’s adopted sister was another, who was bought with him, by the same American family, Doc and Marge Hess.

After his adoption, Michael held onto warm memories of his mother, the place he lived before, and though young when separated from his mother, he never truly lost those memories which came to him throughout his life.

Philomena began the search for her son beginning shortly after his forced adoption, but confronted a brick wall as the abbey refused any help or information as to his whereabouts.

In adulthood, Michael becomes a successful political activist.  He attends Notre Dame University.  In October of 1985, Mike appeared before the Supreme Court to present the Republican Party.  He felt he had arisen.

Over the years, both mother and son continue the search for one another.  Michael’s unconventional, multi-partnered life style, and heavy drinking, eventually leads him to illness.

 

Excellent writing; fascinating story.