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Suzanne
Rating:
Review
This thought provoking story is about a dreadful lie which ultimately ruins the liar's best intentions. David is a doctor and a photographer, the "memory keeper" of the story. Faced with the double shock of unexpected twins, one of whom has Down's Syndrome, David orders his nurse Caroline to hustle newborn Phoebe away to an institution, believing this is best for everyone. He tells his wife, Norah, that their daughter died at birth; she never knows the difference, having been "put under" during childbirth, as was common in 1964. Later the same day, a second life changing decision is made, by Caroline, who can't bring herself to leave Phoebe at the institution after all. She decides to raise her herself, as uncommon as that was at the time. The story shows us their separate lives: Caroline and Phoebe's struggles through life are more hopeful ones than David and Norah's. David's terrible lie never goes away, tormenting him as he reconsiders his decision over and over again through the years, and the gigantic secret festers and prevents him from getting closer with Norah. Norah's life evolves with the growth of women's power throughout the 1970's, and David also gains new perspectives via photography, but sadly none of this growth helps bridge their emotional distance from each other. I was glad to have Caroline and Phoebe's lives shown parallel to David and Norah's – it makes for a compelling read.
Best Line:
"David's only a doctor," she added. (pg. 48)
Kim
Rating:
Review
This book was recommended to me by a golfing buddy, and I'm glad for it. Beginning in 1964 with Dr. David Henry and his wife, Norah, awaiting the birth of their first child, and the manner in which David describes seeing Norah for the first time one year earlier sets the tone for this beautifully written tale. Norah's labor begins, and when the couple is unable to make it to a hospital during an unexpected snowstorm in their town, the good doctor calls Caroline Gill, a nurse from the clinic where he works to meet them there and help deliver the baby. Not knowing his wife is carrying twins, after baby Paul is born, Phoebe is right behind him, but has the undeniable traits of Down's Syndrome. In a split decision, David tells Norah that Phoebe died during birth, and he then gives the baby to Caroline, telling her to take the newborn to an institution outside of town. Instead, Caroline abruptly leaves town with Phoebe, and raises her as her own. The rest of the book deftly alternates between David, Norah, Paul and Caroline's lives and history, confirming that a decision made in haste, coupled with a secret, can have heart-wrenching results. I was barely into this story when I began telling people about it, and I look forward to reading Ms. Edwards next book, The Dream Master.
Best Line:
"No matter what you say, marriage changes everything, and it's always women who make the sacrifices, no matter what anyone says."
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