9/23/11

Review: The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards


The Memory Keeper's Daughter
I heard about The Memory Keeper's Daughter for a long time but I haven't had the chance to read it until last Saturday. I expected a powerful book but this one was above all my expectations.

During the book, we learn about series of events that followed one decision; one person's decision. Doctor David Henry delivers his twins in a stormy night; the boy comes out first and later the sick daughter. His critical decision- sending his daughter to an institution, in order to prevent his wife's sorrow- is the beginning of a lifetime that contains lies and secrets, longings and regrets.

Caroline is the nurse, she is the one to take the newborn to an institution only to discover the horrible place she has to leave her in. She listens to her heart, keeping the baby until she decides to raise her on her own.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter left me with tears in my eyes while reading about all the people's lives it includes. The plot tells us about two different places, two different families; the first is Doctor Henry and his wife's, the second is Caroline and the baby's. The plot is full of hidden and seen themes about personal and social morals, about humanity and deeds people do when they're under so much pressure. Allegedly, we know what's right and what's wrong. We can easily blame the bad person in the story. However, even for him, you can develop pity and identification.


"The road to tell is paved with good intentions" symbolizes the morals the book talks about. David's intentions, which were explained in detail, can be understood in different ways. Nothing is only white nor only black. 

I sank into this book for a long Saturday, read non-stop and hoped it'll stay great until the last moment. The amazing writing, the direct confrontation with the hard subject, and the variety of characters that were characterized and developed really well, made it the masterpiece it is. I can't not to recommend on it! 

*I translated my Hebrew review. I hope I don't have mistakes. 

I'd love to know what you think about the book. Tell me in the comments. 
Rose. 

2 comments:

  1. I loved the way you described it: The road to hell is paved with good intentions. This is definitely one of the best stories ever written! Shows the great mind of the gifted writer. Btw, keep up the good work, I haven't read all of your posts yet but I'm sure they're just as good. P.S. Emma Becker brought me here (she insisted I'd mention that).

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Max!
      It is definitely one of the book which stays with you for a long time.

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