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Belonging

A Memoir of Place, Beginnings and One Woman's Search for Truth and Justice for the Tuam Babies

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Belonging

By: Catherine Corless, Naomi Linehan - contributor
Narrated by: Caitriona Hinds
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About this listen

One woman, the secrets of a small town and a quest for justice that rocked a nation.

Catherine Corless could not have known where her interest in local history would lead her as she began researching the Tuam Mother and Baby Home in Galway in 2010. Uncovering no less than 796 missing burial records of children born there, the stark truth of their place of rest became clear: a disused sewage tank on the old home site, where two boys had once stumbled upon bones.

But who were these lost children, and what had happened to them in the care of the Bons Secours order of nuns?

Determined to know more, Catherine's painstaking research led to a quest for justice that continues still, as, often against fierce resistance, she brought to light a terrible truth that shocked the world, impacted the Vatican and led to a Commission of Investigation in Ireland.

Part memoir, part detective story, Belonging is both a personal account - of identity, beginnings and Catherine's search for her own mother's lost story - and a recounting of her forensic crusade on behalf of the lost babies of Tuam. It speaks to the tender love of a mother and her child, to the unforgettable screams that echoed through the corridors as babies were taken against the parent's will and to a mystery that continues to this day, as so many still search to know where, and to whom, they belong.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Catherine Corless (P)2021 Hachette Books Ireland
Biographies & Memoirs History Ireland
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A must read.

Very sad story about the Tuam babies. Catherine told it so well with such love in her hearts.

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The explanation we all need to hear

A must, albeit very difficult, read/listen for everyone who grew up in Ireland. It will shake you to the core, make you angry beyond words, educate you on the horrendous ways human beings were treated by the catholic church and how, even to this very day, the systemic abuse was and is being covered up by the state.

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the world needs more Catherines and Aidans

what a truly remarkable story, one womans journey to fight the wrongs of the past. a fight for justice and fairness. when I look at my 2 children born before marriage i think how lucky i am to have them in my life, the only difference between my children and the Tuam babies is 50 odd years. ps Aidan just sounds like such a supportive husband, loved the if your life together. my father is in recovery with 34 years and he is my hero for working so hard to stay alive. I hope some day Catherine our paths would cross as you are someone I would want my children to aspire to.

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Excellent

Excellent narration of a very powerful story. A great start to my audible book journey.

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great

Great book I really enjoyed it. would recommend this to others for sure. Great

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Well read and thoughtful insights

I love that the information was how Catherine got to where she was as it really helps to understand her campaign

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Wonderful

So much sadness, fighting spirit and a fight for justice within this book. Babies, unmarried mums living under the Catholic Church nuns in Ireland was always going to be a bad mix. Babies dying and denied burial, youngsters forced into adoptive situations which were totally unsuitable all because they were born out of wedlock. This book needs to be listened to…and the babies need a proper burial.

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powerfull

loved it!! incredible story loved by an incredible lady. I was lost in the story great writing

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Tragic story

This book is absolutely fantastic. Giving a voice to children who had their voice stolen by church and state. Catherine Corless’ determination, grit and fearlessness is outstanding. Her words in the final chapter about the playground had me in tears. I thank her for exposing the cruel treatment of the women and children and for fighting for justice for them. I only hope the babies get a proper funeral and burial soon.

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A shocking and sad tale

I don’t have strong enough words to describe how amazing I think Catherine Corless is. She’s gone even higher in my estimation having just finished this book, I had no idea just how far she has gone to ensure the right thing is done for poor families. Well worth a read.

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