The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

Format: eBook
Pub. Date: 5/30/2006
Publisher: Penguin Books
Type: Fiction ~ Library Book
Pages: 401
Read: 12/9/2012
Rating: Liked it ♥♡

This book is not my usual. In fact I normally avoid reading fiction that essentially has no plot and is just about people. The only reason I got this book was because I was trying out a new book app on my iPhone. I was quite surprised when I started reading it, and kept reading it until I finished.

Synopsis: In 1964 Dr. Henry delivers his twins, the son is perfect, the daughter has Down’s Syndrome. Dr. Henry sends his daughter away, the general feeling at that time was people with Down’s Syndrome were ‘retarded’, had numerous health problems, could not be productive members of society and died young. His actions are understandable, inexcusable, but understandable. He asks his nurse to take the baby to an institution and tells his wife the baby dies. The nurse disappears with the baby and raises her as her own.

This book teaches a lesson about the folly of prejudging people and how the best intentions can lead to one being bit on the backside so to speak. It does this without being preachy, it just tells the story of how Dr. Henry’s life and marriage fall apart, and how Caroline finds love and a fulfilled life with the baby that was supposed to die. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.