For the Love of my Mother tells the true story of Bridie Rodgers, who abandoned by her family as a toddler, ends up in the much criticised Irish Catholic institutions. As a teenager, Bridie receivers her first taste of semi-freedom by taking the position of housekeeper and child-minder for a well off family. However, when she is raped by a member of the working staff, Bridie finds herself once again in an institution and this time there is more to lose than just her freedom. When she and her new-born son are separated by the staff she finds herself with a one way ticket to one of the Magdalene laundries. For thirteen years she works in the laundries and watches as her fellow 'residents' embark on one failed escape effort after another. In the meantime, Bridie never falters on her one true desire, to be re-united with her son.

For the Love of my Mother is written by Bridie Rodger's son. At times I found myself wondering if the words and descriptions being used were actually those of Bridie's or if her son had taken the liberty to adapt the story to keep it flowing and interesting. This was particularly the case with the detail provided of her early years making one doubt how accurate it all might be. Also, the author's decision to refer to himself in the third person even during the recall of his adult years was a decision that grated on me.

Overall, an interesting read but not one that had me putting off other things in order to get to the next chapter. ( )