For the Love of My Mother

by J.P. Rodgers, John Rodgers

A truly gripping tale told by the son she thought she'd lost forever, For The Love of My Mother is a story of triumphing over poverty, of hope when there seems to be none, and a tribute to a mother's love for her son.
Bridie Rodgers was just two years old when she was arrested for begging on the streets of Dublin- she was to spend the next thirty years of her life locked away in institutions.
The orphanage came first, then after being raped and falling pregnant she was sent to a home for unmarried mothers. After giving birth to a son, John, Bridie's child was taken away from her, and she was sent to one of Ireland's infamous Magdalene Laundries. This was only the beginning...
They took her freedom.
They took her innocence.
They took her child.
But they couldn't take her spirit.

Genres: Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Reix · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book could have been awesome, but the problem is that it is really boring. The author writes hundreds of pages to tell his mother's story, but in 100 or 200 pages he could have told the same, without lot of boring details about every action that took place in the convent where his mother was imprisoned for 13 years, just because of being raped and getting pregnant as a result.
Anyway, the author's mother, Bridie, deserved a book. It's one of the best examples of real mother love.

[Judi Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and true account of a tough childhood brought up in care, giving up her son for adoption, the magdalene laundry and reuniting with her son again. In her sons own words.

[Peggy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sure is an Irishman, why tell a short story , when you can tell a long one!

[Amber Meller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

[Carol Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

People are so mean!!! Putting a 2 year old in baby jail.

[Susan Hone · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good read

[Taylor Kolberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on a brief BBC article on the subject of Ireland's forced adoptions and while not the most gripping writing I've ever read, this was an extremely interesting and personal look into a horrific practice I never knew existed. Especially as a parent, it was easy to relate to JP's mother and get fervent hope she would be one day reunited with her son. I would encourage those who don't know to look into the history of the Magdalene Laundries. This personal account is a great place to start.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This true story follows the tragic tale of a young girl in Ireland. Birdie is found at a young age begging in the streets. She is sent to an orphanage and then at 16 years old she is sent to live with a family as a nanny and servant. The mistress of the household is cruel to her, she runs away and is hiding in the barn. One of the farm hands finds her and rapes her. She becomes pregnant and cannot stay in the household. She is sent to a home for unwed mothers. When the baby is a year old, he is taken away from her and adopted to an Irish family. She is sent to Magdalene laundry, where she is basically a slave. It was very distressing because the reasons some of the other girls were sent to the laundry were because one fell in love with a protestant, one stole a coat when she was freezing or one showed too much interest in boys. After many years, Birdie escapes and starts a life of poverty. Her one hope is to be reunited with her son. This story is poignant because it is written by her son. After many years of separation, mother and son are reunited. This story though sad, shows the staying power of hope and love. Thanks to Kitty Back for lending me her copy of the book!

[Liza scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good read. John Rodgers tells the story of his mothers life, from being raped to having to give up her baby and her time in one of the infamous magdelene laundrys.A heartwarming read about one women who never gives up hope on being reunited with her son.

I especially enjoyed the ending and the outcome ,I must admit the middle of the book was long winded and i wanted to reach for the fast forward button in some places but i still enjoyed the book and the story

although this is not one of my favs still worth a read

[Kerry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am probably going to sound quite harsh here but I did not enjoy this book at all, and I think that it is because there are so many of them out there. I remember reading a boy called it and the ones that followed and I didnt enjoy them either that was when I was much younger, so I thought I would give this one a try as I had enjoyed a couple of others however it was just the same and to be fair bord me from the first chapter far to long winded for my liking sorry.

[Dora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was quite a good read but to be honest could have been condensed to a third of the size. It went on and on and on! I finished it though and was pleased it had a happy ending. Have read quite a few books about the Magdalene laundries and the very hard work those poor girls had to put up with. Every time I read one of these books I still cannot understand why more girls didn’t escape.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a very good read, about the magdalene laundries in ireland.

[Sharon Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book, so emotional, and written from the heart. Its so sad, but lovely that the story has been told. Recommended.

[Katie Ryback · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. not too sure what to say other than a brilliant read about one womans love for her son and the hope that she never lost of finding him.... told by her long lost son. an amazing journey

[Judi Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and true account of a tough childhood brought up in care, giving up her son for adoption, the magdalene laundry and reuniting with her son again. In her sons own words.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Great storyline.

[Dorothy Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad, hard to imagine life

The descriptions of life are hard to comprehend but I'm sure they are true. So many young women were locked away, treated like slaves in nunnerys. Rodgers story of his mother's life, and his life, exposes what the Catholic church did to so many women.