The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Unabridged
Author: Kim Edwards
Narrator: Ilyana Kadushin
Genres: Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Date: October 2006
Length: 16 hours
Ratings:
Formats:
  • WMA
Abridged
Author: Kim Edwards
Narrator: Martha Plimpton
Genres: Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Date: June 2005
Length: 11 hours
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 3.5/5
Formats:
  • CD

Overview

On 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 sees immediately that she has Down's Syndrome. Rationalizing it as a need to protect Norah, his wife, he makes a split-second decision that will alter all of their lives forever. He asks his nurse to take the baby away to an institution and never to reveal the secret.

But Caroline, the nurse, cannot leave the infant. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child herself. So begins this beautifully told story that unfolds over a quarter of a century in which these two families, ignorant of each other, are yet bound by the fateful decision made that long-ago winter night.

A brilliantly crafted, stunning debut, The Memory Keeper's Daughter explores the way life takes unexpected turns, and how the mysterious ties that hold a family together help us survive the heartache that occurs when long-buried secrets burst into the open.

Reviews (16)

The Memory Keepers Daughter

Written by Anonymous on June 26th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This was the best book that I have listened to in a long time. The drive of Caroline to give her daughter the best possible life is truly uplifting. The struggles of the birth mother to deal with the "death of a child" , her rise to come into her own as a strong woman, and then dealing with finding out that her daughter was not dead but alive and living a very full life was truly inspirational. There are lessons here for all of us how a decision made in the heat of the moment can effect us throughout our lives.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Written by Anonymous from Park Forest, IL on June 4th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I was anxious to listen to this story because about a month ago I watched the movie that was aired on the CBS Hallmark Movie. I did enjoy the movie but the book, as usual, had much more depth to it. It makes a person really think about your choices in life. I highly recommend it.

Strangely wonderful

Written by Bob Stewart on April 15th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I just found out that I'd listened to the abridged version. Wow! It was pretty long at that! Very compelling, if strange, story. It was a bit hard to believe that such a thing could happen, but once I accepted the central premise I was hooked. Very well written and read.

Must Read List

Written by KJ on March 6th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 5/5

WOW, this book had it all: good plot holds through the entire book, with a great ending. I think this book will be a movie someday. If you have ever read “She’s Come Undone” by Wally Lamb, this book is right up there with his work.

The Memory Keepers Daughter

Written by Anonymous on February 22nd, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed the story although it was a little slow at times. Good message and definitely worth the read.

Memory Keepers Daughter

Written by Anonymous on January 15th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 3/5

The underlying theme was quite good but I found the story slow and often repetative at times.

Memory Keeper's Daughter

Written by Susan on December 11th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This story was absolutely beautiful - tragic, but beautiful. Ms. Edwards possesses an amazing ability to provide such detailed descriptions of every account in the story - whereby when listening to this story, you can see it too. Well done.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Written by Angela Jones on December 9th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 3/5

I liked this book but found it to be really slow. The characters were likable but not exceptionally so.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Written by Kimberly S. on September 18th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Excellent book! I could not wait to finish. It shows us how one decision made in a moment affects everything we do for the rest of our lives.

Memory Keeper's Daughter

Written by Barbara Necastro on July 6th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Loved this book! Couldn't put it down! Very well written. I would recommend it to everyone.