The Memory Keeper's Daughter

I'll have to admit that I didn't finish the book, although, I have read it before not too long ago so I still remember the story. That being said, here's what I thought:

The people in this book were seriously emotionally bogged down. Dr. Henry couldn't even come to terms with his past (granted not always an easy thing), and so he destroyed his marriage and his family. His way of "protecting" Nora destroyed everything he had worked so hard to achieve. I really didn't like Dr. Henry in this book. His idea that tossing his daughter aside and then lying to his wife that she died would save everything really made me upset.

Nora suffered a terrible grief. When I first read this book, I was appalled at her behavior. But now, since I've had a child, I can't imagine how she made it through the day. Still though, she was pretty selfish and took some serious risks to feel better, ie driving drunk with her son in the car.

Overall, this is a very thought provoking book. I always wonder what I would do if my child were born with Down Syndrome or another mental handicap. I agree with Jen that Phoebe was better off with Caroline. I think Caroline took care of her in a way that the Henry's wouldn't have been able to. She had the most stable mind to deal with child that needed so much attention.

I like this book, but it is a little depressing. My favorite part is at the end when Paul and Phoebe are at David's grave. I think that seen really shows how one decision can affect the lives of all the people you love.