The Memory Keeper's Daughter

One of Kim Edwards many strengths as a writer is her chacterizations. The novel is finely paced like a good tune and compelling. Edwards keeps the reader guessing, with her story of the gradual disintegration of a marriage after twin babies are born, a boy and girl. Their father a medic, who has to deliver the babies during a snowstorm, quickly recognises their daughter has Downs Syndrome. From the compelling first chapter it's obvious Dr David Henry is a perfectionist and controlling, who deeply loves his wife Norah. He's also a man holding secrets like lead weights, who never discusses his past. David makes the greatest mistake of his life by informing Norah, their daughter has died at birth. Caroline, the nurse present at the birth, becomes embroiled in his lie, which radically changes her life.

The period of the novel spans 1964 to 1989. Norah's grief and David's guilt is a double edged sword in their relationship. One the reader becomes embroiled with. What we have here, is the life journey of David, Norah, and Caroline the nurse, who remains central throughout. Love, tragedy, the burden of deceit, infidelity, courage and redemption, are key features. A superbly crafted novel, one which progresses each of the characters life transitions with some surprises.