The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Product Details

Author : Kim Edwards
Binding : Paperback
EAN : 9780143037149
Edition : Reprint
Number of Pages : 432
Product Group : Book
Publication Date : 2006-05-30
Publisher : Penguin Paperbacks

ASIN : 0143037145

Customers who bought this goods also bought.

Customer Reviews

NOT a well written book (2008-09-06)

I have read a great many glowing reviews for this book. Well written, it is not, and it was very obvious to me that it was a first novel. The premise is good, and the whole concept that a single snap decision is the result of one's life experiences, and then in turn shapes the lives of one's self and one's family, is an excellent basis for a novel. But I found the writing awkward, and some of the scenarios less than believable. I challenge any man to find his wife's clothes on a beach, hear her with another man, and then go away and NEVER mention it????? And the adolescent son does the same? PUHLEASE???????Also, who has daffodils for wedding flowers in the fall???And where did the sister go in Paris: she vanished in a park with no explanation?This type of detail problem is what one expects from a Harlequin paperback, and not from a novel getting the reviews Memory Keeper's Daughter has garnered.

"Families have secrets they hide even from themselves..." (2008-07-30)

How appropriate I found this phrase printed on the back cover. As soon as I started the first chapter, my attention was held as if of by a spell, enthralling. Page after page, the story transcendently drowns you into a captivating and emotional whirlwind and there is no going back. 1964. Doctor David Henry and his wife Norah are happily married and expecting their first child. At the clinic after the labour pains begin, it is only after their healthy boy is born that they realise that another baby is on the way. A little girl with Down's syndrome. Norah is drifting in and out of consciousness due to the fatigue of labour and the anaesthetic she has been given. In the split second that follows this second delivery, David decides to secretly give his daughter away, asking nurse Caroline, who assisted on both births, to place the baby in an institution. To Norah, he tells her that their daughter was born dead. This secret, shattering decision by David, together with the grief brought along by this "death" and despite the joy that their newly born son represents, slowly but irrefutably has consequences that will forever be haunting. It lacerates the family. Leaving aside the historically-speaking-moment (middle 1960's), when David's despicable decision was taken, somewhat aligned, shall we say, with the ignorance and lack of knowledge about certain issues back then -not a justification, certainly-, something else led him to act as he did, something with deeper roots than one can imagine, buried in his soul. And what about the little girl? What happens to her? What will Caroline the nurse do? This is the beginning of the story. Nothing more can be said without spoiling what follows. A gentle yet piercingly moving narrative, together with the need to know, to understand, and reach an epilogue, make this book a page-turner. Flaws and qualities of each character are accurately and distinguishingly described. Some physical, emotional and surroundings-related descriptions could have been shortened a bit, and it is the only reason for my 4 (and ) stars rather than 5. I especially appreciated the way the author, Ms. Edwards, approaches the Down's syndrome subject, never too superficial, sentimental or patronizing and it is unavoidable not to compare this particular side of the book with nowadays, how things have changed for the better. People with disabilities are so much more understood and integrated, it is uplifting. On the whole, a lovely, lovely book, highly recommendable.

A memorable read (2008-05-28)

I quite enjoyed this book. I think you really have to open your heart and mind to this book to get the most enjoyment out of it.

Disappointing (2008-04-13)

The best part of this book is the plot, which can be read on the back of the bookcover. The book itself is dull and long-winded, and the writing lacks spunk, originality, or any glimmer of brilliance. There was also a number of typos scattered throughout, which I found sloppy on the part of the publisher. I guess if I didn't have a day-job and had all the time in the world, I'd be happy to see this book through to the end; but, alas, that's not the case, so this book, like its main character, is about to be abandoned.

Waste of Time (2008-04-10)

I was very interested in reading this book after I read the back cover. I should of stopped there and put it back on the shelf. It was drawn out and boring and so wordy. Save your money and your time and do not bother to read this book. The best part is the cover.

Look for similar items by category

• Subjects > Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers
• Subjects > Literature & Fiction > United States

Related Link