Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The Memory Keeper's Daughter


By Kim Edwards. Published by Penguin Books, 2005.

On the night when his wife gives birth to twins, Dr. David Henry chooses to send away his daughter, born with Down syndrome. On this decision hangs the rest of their lives.
This book is beautifully written, drawing you into the characters' lives. It is a story of the decisions we make as individuals and how they affect our families. It is not a happy book, though it is not necessarily sad either. Though you'd like to condemn the main chararacter for his decision, you can't, because he is thoroughly human. An added interest is the life of the daughter, and the treatment she receives because of her Down syndrome. I am glad things have changed since 1964.
An engaging, thoughtful read.

6 comments:

Rhonda said...

Ahhh, I read it last summer and compared it to a nice piece of fluff. Ok, but nothing gripping.

Katie (Feuz) Nielsen said...

I really liked this book - I gave it to my mom when I finished and apparently she doesn't have an appreciation of literature as fine as you or me.

Sarah H said...

Is it based on a true story?

Jenny said...

I read this a while ago and LOVED it. Sarah - I don't think it's based on a true story.

Suman Family said...

hi jess. just a little fyi - there will be a tv movie on Lifetime based on this book on saturday 9pm, i believe. you should check it out.

Meg said...

Hi Jess-
Just browsing over your blog. Emma is growing up so fast! I always love looking at your blog, something always sparks my interest. I read, and quite enjoyed this book.
Take care-
megan waterfall wallace