The Memory Keeper's Daughter: A Novel by Kim Edwards
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Book Reviews of The Memory Keeper's Daughter: A Novel
Book Review: As Close To Perfect As You Are Likely to Find
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the best book I've read in a long time. For a first-time novelist, Edwards really has a firm grasp on effecive writing techniques. Some book club discussion items:
1. Who is the "Memory Keeper?" There are two obvious choices -- Caroline and David. Both are defensible. I have my preference.
2. Who was David really trying to protect in giving Phoebe to Caroline?
3. When did the tragedy at the heart of the story really occur?
My only quibble with the book -- and I hesitate to mention this, the book is so good -- is that I think Edwards dropped Rosemary from the story too early. Rosemary had a potentially vital role to play at the end. While she was clearly correct in her view that it was not her place to tell Norah the truth regarding Phoebe, she could have helped Norah deal with her anger once the secret is revealed by telling Norah what she knew. This could have helped Norah better understand David and his demons.
I especially like that Edwards did not tie everything up in a bow. While I can't reveal exactly what I mean, suffice it to say that Edwards has created very real people, and a very true ending.
And I feel so very sorry for David.
Book Review: Word of Mouth correct - this is a must read!
Summary: 5 Stars
In the very first chapter the story unfolds, we learn that Dr. Henry helps in the birthing of his child which actually ends up being twins. First, a perfect boy is born and then after his wife passes out from exhaustion a second child, a lifeless girl with downs syndrome is born. In a haste decision, Dr. Henry gives the girl to his nurse, Caroline to take to an institution telling his wife that the girl was dead at birth.
Caroline Gill visits the institution and can not leave the child in those circumstances so she keeps the child for herself and flees the town never to be heard from again.
The story follows the Henrys' and Ms. Gill through the years and we are told how that one haste decision affected all those involved for the rest of their lives. Chapters alternate between Ms. Gill and Dr. Henry, who are living with the secret as well as Mrs. Henry and her son, Paul who are left to mourn a daughter and sister that was taken from them.
I stumbled across this book in the bookstore and bought it immediately and started it right away. I enjoyed the book throughly and hope that Ms. Edwards can produce a great sophmore novel to follow up a fantastic debut novel.
Book Review: Excellent plot, if a bit unfair
Summary: 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book!
It's story is poignant and induced a sense of compassion for the family, particulary David. David who is haunted forever by his decision, even more so than Norah, who believes her child dead, but is unable to move on.
I realize that if this story were true, society would have seen what David did as horrible, an atrocity committed not only against his own family, but his abandoned daughter as well. However, on that vein, if I were to have one criticism, is that Norah, got off too lightly. I mean, she never knew her child was still alive. As far as she knew, Phoebe was dead, and David really was trying to make their family/marriage work, meanwhile she was off having one meaningless affair after another. Yet, her character was portrayed as much more of a victim. In my opinion, they were all victims, and no one more so than David, who constantly payed for his decision, and did come to regret it and make ammends if albeit too late.
...and after all my rambling, I still want to recommend it to everyone. The author's prose is brilliant, and invokes such a strong sense of compassion in the reader.
Book Review: Connected
Summary: 5 Stars
I have never entertained the thought of 'if I had a choice what would I have done'. I came to the end of the book, looked at my beloved Brian who has severe intellectual disabilities and have no regrets. The book does force those of us as parents with children with special needs to ask that hard question. I read it without trying not to judge someone who set in the period it was set in, his fear although he is a doctor, is understandable. What I celebrated more was the woman who chose a better life for 'the memory keeper's daughter' and accepted, and was herself transformed by the decission to support and nurture a child with special needs.
The discovery of photos of young girls long after the death of the doctor, reveals that you make choices you cannot go back and they haunt you.
Well after reading the book I sent an e-mail to all the parents in my parent support group (we get together once per month to celebrate the achievements of each of our special children and to cheer each other on) and we are all reading the book for a book club meeting in March.
Book Review: Highly Recommend This One
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this book while looking around Barnes and Noble. Although I had never read anything by this author the synopsis on the jacket flap sounded promising. Since it was new I had to pay full price for the hard cover. I was hoping that I didn't make a foolish, impulsive decision. I couldn't be more wrong, thank goodness. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down. Ms. Edwards's writing was delightful and her characters were very engaging. When I chose this book, I was also hesitant because there didn't seem to be much dialogue. I realize now, the reason for that is the beautiful and compassionate way that the author describes her characters and their innermost thoughts. Her descriptive style reminded me of J. California Cooper. I became very entangled in the family and all their feelings, and just when you think you have figured out the plot there are many wonderful twists and turns. This is the kind of read where you are left mourning when it is over and think of the characters for days after!