The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

I just finished The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. I could have sworn my mother or sister had recommended it to me. However, when I went to talk to them about it, neither remembered reading it. It was pretty good.

The story follows a man who gave up his daughter because of her 'affliction' with Down's Syndrome. His decision forges the other characters lives for twenty odd years, as he can't bring himself to reveal the truth to his family. Depressing and compelling at the same time, Edwards crafts magnificently human characters. I wouldn't regularly pick up something so emotionally driven but this book actually brought me to tears at points.

The novel doesn't have many talking points. The themes and issues the face the characters are almost regular, with the exception of one unremarkable kidnapping. They are completely relatable, but not thought provoking or complex. Just somewhat sad.

However, it did give me a lot to consider about what families who have special members face with regard to getting older, estate planning, and the detrimental effects of keeping secrets.

A good read, although don't finish the book in an airport and risk publicly weeping.

It starts in the 60's and gradually makes it way up to the late 80's. It follows this family through twenty-some years of their lives rather fluidly.