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Can I Speak to Josephine Please?

By: Sheila Brill
Narrated by: Sheila Brill, Miriam Margolyes
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Summary

Theirs was an unlikely life together. Sheila gave birth to Josephine on 11th May 1993 and for twenty-three years they co-existed in a loving mother-daughter relationship, but one with a difference. Josephine suffered catastrophic brain injury at birth, never spoke to Sheila, rarely smiled and was barely able to see the faces of the people who loved her.

Without a how-to guide, people around Josephine strove to make her life better through years of multiple medical procedures, tortuous therapies and uncomfortable equipment. But this isn't a misery memoir; it's the story of a person who touched the lives of so many people - a bright and beautiful young lady who could work the room despite her enormous limitations. She brought out the best in people. Expect to cry, expect to laugh, but don't expect to be indifferent to this story.

©2024 Sheila Brill (P)2024 Sheila Brill
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What listeners say about Can I Speak to Josephine Please?

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Honest, heartfelt and beautiful

This is a brutally honest account of the reality of parenting a child with profound learning difficulties but in speaking her truth Shelia Brill also provides a voice to a much neglected group in society. A wonderful book.

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Truly inspirational

This is a beautifully told true story that will resonate with so many who have been through something similar - and even those who haven't.

It's poignant and thought provoking and touches you in a way that gives you a real insight into the world inhabited by Sheila and Peter Brill and their daughter Josephine.

The one thing that shines out more than anything is the sheer strength of their love for Josephine. Along with their determination to fight on her behalf so she could live her best life.

This stays with you long after the end.

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Honest. Heartbreaking. Beautiful.

Sheila recounts the life of her wonderful daughter Josephine. This account is brutally honest as Sheila is unafraid to share her unabridged feelings when it came to mothering and caring for a severity disabled child. As an educator I found it fascinating to listen to what things helped the Brill family and what alienated them. Will be recommending to others. Thank you for sharing your story Sheila.

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