Memory Keeper's Daughter, The
Edwards, KimOn a winter night in 1964, Dr David Henry is forced by a blizzard to deliver his own twins. His son, born first, is perfectly healthy. Yet, when his daughter is born, he notices immediately that she has Down Syndrome. He makes a split-second decision, and asks his nurse to take the baby away to an institution and never to reveal the secret. But Caroline, the nurse, instead disappears into another city to raise the child herself. So begins this story that unfolds over a quarter of a century in which these two families, ignorant of each other, are yet bound by that fateful decision.
Comments from Groups
Everyone in the group loved this book [rating it] 10 out of 10. Huge discussion around the impact of secrets, the impact of a handicapped child in a family and its influence on behaviour. Masterton 005 Those that read it were moved with the story. Lovely read, nice balance of two lives and enjoyed the detail of the writer. Reefton 001. Mixed reviews but created good discussion. Nelson 014. Easy to read, flowed well, page-turner, intriguing, good momentum. Nelson 001. Everyone enjoyed it but some felt it was built on an unlikely premise eg. documentation on certificates of birth, and death re the baby. Pahiatua 001 Everyone enjoyed this novel. It is a long book, but there were no complaints about that! The discussion questions are very successful in getting everyone to talk about the moral and character issues at the heart of the novel. Once you've accepted the initial event (the giving away of the baby), 'The Memory Keeper's Daughter' is a convincing study of the effects of concealment and lies on the life of the liar and those around him. Hamilton 029 A great read which was loved by everyone - it takes you on an emotional journey! Masterton 007 Most of our group found the book disappointing and a bit underwhelming. Many of us thought it was quite nicely written and thought provoking, but we felt that the characters were not well developed and somehow the parts did not hang together well. We thought that, overall, Caroline and her family had by far the better life, and that their life was more clearly depicted overall.... Pukekohe 001 A very enjoyable, and sad story. Everyone was angry with David for not giving Norah the choice - he was so wrapped up in his own memories of childhood ie/ his sister. We all thought Norah would have coped with Phoebe. Winton 002 Generally we enjoyed it. One commented that the story took strange leaps. One member found the writing beautiful, while a couple were irritated by it (and the main character), and found it a bit over written. All found it compelling however, and had to read to the end. Wellington 036 Recommended by all who read it. It lead to an interesting discussion - around secrets, intellectual disability, societal changes over the years, grief and loss. Christchurch 348 Most enjoyed the book and found it absorbing, and had no difficulty finishing it. Some found the subject matter unrealistic, and most felt it could have been much shorter without losing any important part of the story. All agreed that the character we were most drawn to was Al - certainly not Norah, David or Caroline or even Phoebe! Doubtless Bay A wonderful book. We did need to remember what the values were in the 1960s. It was a very intricate and fascinating story, with lots of 'what ifs'. Would like to read it again in 2-3 years. Christchurch 257
Pages
401
401
Year
2005
2005
Reviews
11-01-2024
The majority of our group enjoyed the style in which this was written. It was a real commentary on how Down Syndrome people were treated in the 1960s. An excellent read for most of us.
30-03-2023
A gripping story. Held attention to the end. Well-written.
18-11-2020
Everyone enjoyed this book. We thought it was well written with interesting characters. Like all other reviews we discussed secrets. We also discussed how times are so different now for people with disabilities compared to when the book was written. Made for an interesting discussion.
28-02-2020
The first chapter was enthralling and thereafter the group had mixed reactions. Some of us enjoyed the read, but most of us found the style of writing to be too romantic, even Mills and Boon-ish.
26-02-2020
This book was not enjoyed by the majority of the group. The medical details were implausible and the writing was overly descriptive about unnecessary details. The narrative was potentially interesting and reflected social changes at the time.
26-02-2020
Everyone read the book and all enjoyed it. An emotional story where hearts were torn about what is the right decision.
26-02-2020
As a group we thought this book gripped you from the beginning. Consensus was however that the ending left things feeling unresolved in some ways and faded in its ability to grip.
26-02-2020
A good read provoking much discussion within the group. Perhaps a little bit "American" for some of us, but strong story kept us reading.
26-02-2020
Many had read the book before so the tension in the plot didn't happen. Enjoyable book as characters developed fully, but it was too long. Discussion had about disability.
26-02-2020
We enjoyed this book despite the tragic content. There was some discussion around David's decision to give Phoebe to Caroline. We also talked about Rosemary's character and whether she was necessary to the plot; despite it being her that David confided in. The writing seemed better in the first half, and more drawn out. The second half seemed more rushed.
26-02-2020
Brilliantly written book - very lively discussion had on social change, moral issues, families dealing with Down Syndrome, then and now.
26-02-2020
Amazing book - emotionally raw in places, evocative, generated lots of discussion of the issues raised in the book. Tragic story. Well-written book, with a lot packed into it!
24-03-2019
Our group largely enjoyed this book. Some had read it before but were glad to read it again. One or two felt the language was overly descriptive but overall it's a good story and a good snapshot of that time, and we could reflect on how things have changed.