Kim Edwards' The Memory Keeper's Daughter captures readers with its poignant narrative and deep exploration of family secrets and emotional impacts. The novel's compelling writing and intricate character development are widely praised, though some critiques highlight occasional melodrama and uneven pacing. Overall, it’s a moving and thought-provoking read.

Readers who appreciate emotionally rich narratives and complex family dynamics will enjoy The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. Comparable to Ann Patchett's Bel Canto and Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper, this novel appeals to those who favor poignant stories exploring personal secrets and their lasting impacts.

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards, published in 2005, tells the story of David and Norah, whose lives are forever altered when David secretly sends their newborn daughter Phoebe, born with Down's Syndrome, to be raised by his medical assistant, Caroline, while telling Norah that Phoebe died at birth. This secret deeply affects their marriage and family dynamics over the following decades as David's silence creates a barrier between him and his family. The book contains themes of grief, loss, and familial separation.

Melancholic / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Emotional / Contemplative

Kim Edwards

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Memory Keeper's Daughter reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Memory Keeper's Daughter | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Memory Keeper's Daughter and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “1964”

Part 1 The Memory Keeper's Daughter Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “1965”

Part 2 The Memory Keeper's Daughter Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “1970”

Part 3 The Memory Keeper's Daughter Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “1977”

Part 4 The Memory Keeper's Daughter Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “1982”

Part 5 The Memory Keeper's Daughter Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “1988”

Part 6 The Memory Keeper's Daughter Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “1989”

Part 7 The Memory Keeper's Daughter Part 7 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Memory Keeper's Daughter Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Memory Keeper's Daughter Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Memory Keeper's Daughter Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Memory Keeper's Daughter Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Memory Keeper's Daughter Essay Topics

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Memory Keeper's Daughter?

Reading Age

Book Details