A powerful book that looks at the darker side of human experiences (TheMemory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards)

Member Name: carlz2001uk

Product:	TheMemory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards
Date:	14/08/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very powerful storyline

Disadvantages: Very emotional!

I read this book quickly and silently, unable to imagine the pain that one family could go through. The powerful storyline and the strong emotions in this book make you cry and question the prejudices that many people face.
An astonishing book that is well worth anyone's money, but has to be read when your in the right frame of mind!

Synopsis

One winter's night in 1964, Norah Henry goes into labour with her husband David (an orthopaedic surgeon) by her side, and David's nurse Caroline. Norah is expecting twins and soon delivers a healthy baby boy, Paul. After some complications David sedates Norah but soon realises that something isn't quite right. A little girl soon follows, and David is quick to realise that the little girl he has just named Phoebe, has Downs Syndrome. He tells Caroline to take Phoebe to an institution straight away and reluctantly she agrees, and when Norah wakes up, David tells her that their baby girl died during birth.

Meanwhile Caroline finds herself unable to abandon Phoebe as her father has, and decides to take Phoebe as her own. This book as you can imagine is full of emotions, and a continual sadness as Norah tries to come to terms with the loss of her daughter. It also tells the story of Caroline who is determined not to hide her daughter away as some would wish.

It is hard to read this book and not think of it as a present day setting, however with the prejudices Caroline and Phoebe are facing, it is important that the book is read in the context it is meant.

This book in places is harrowing and is certainly not an easy read. It is full of emotions and scenarios which as a mother I found difficult to grasp or even want to. However, it is definitely worth a read, but have the tissues handy!

Kim Edwards has also written a collection of sort stories called The Secrets of a Fire King, The Memory Keeper's Daughter is her first novel.

Paperback version: 401 pages
£2.75 at Amazon for a used copy, or check out your local library!

Summary: Well worth a read