"The extraordinary story of an extraordinary woman . Philomena's tale is special. It reveals a remarkable human being with astonishing fortitude and a truly humbling willingness to forgive. I hope Philomena's heroic search and her courage in allowing her story to be told will bring comfort to all who have suffered a similar fate." - Judi Dench, from the Foreword "A searingly poignant account of forced adoption and its consequences." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Riveting . Sixsmith chillingly recounts . this mother-and-son saga.

" - Publishers Weekly "Emotionally compelling." - Library Journal "A powerful testament to the strength of the bond between mother and child." - Shelf Awareness "Heartbreaking . a story that needed to be told." - The Independent "Delves into a woman's grief with restraint and sensitivity." - Independent on Sunday   "The touching story of a mother's fifty-year search for her son." - Sunday Times (London).