| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Books |
| Genre: | Literature & Fiction |
| Author: | Kim Edwards |
In 1964, David Henry, assisted by Caroline, his nurse, helped his wife, Norah, gave birth to twins, 1 boy and 1 girl. The boy (Paul) was perfect and healthy. However the girl (Phoebe) was born with Down’s Syndrome. In order to spare his wife and his new son pain, David made an immediate and fateful decision. It was a decision that, once made, could not be redeemed nor remedied.
David requested Caroline to immediately take the child to an institution where imperfect children were “put away“. He then told his wife the little girl had died at birth.
Caroline was far too kind hearted to obey David’s orders, instead of abandoning the baby daughter in the institution, she took the daughter to another city and brought her, Phoebe, up by herself. When Caroline allowed David to know that she had chosen to raise his daughter, he sent her money and tried to find her, but Caroline hid away from him, as she was thinking whether should he have a place in his daughter's life or not.
For over 25 years, the family looked very perfect from the outside, but they were not. David was distant from Nora. His son, Paul felt unloved, and Nora had been mourning for the loss of her baby girl, till a long kept secret was revealed
A very touching and sad story. Initially I was so angry with David. How can he be so cruel and selfish. It's difficult to feel sorry for him, but again, the author does a good job getting inside of him of showing us his pain. He was never living in a happy life ever since he had made the decision.
It is true that in this reality modern society, there are many of such cases (known or unknown) happening. New born babies (for many reasons) being given away, thrown away or buried alive.
Quotes to share:
"You missed a lot of heartache, sure. But David, you missed a lot of joy."
"The love was within her all the time, and its only renewal came from giving it away"
Coincidence - I finished this book about 3 weeks ago. I found it interesting. I think it also showed the good side that the daughter with down syndrome was able to lead a normal life thanks to the efforts that Caroline made. My own son is autistic and through the years (he is now 38 years old) I have had contact with parents of handicapped children. David made a wrong decision definitely and I think his wife Nora would definitely been able to raise her daughter. As a parent with a handicapped child, you basically grow to the trials that are put on you - it is not easy, but when you see how your child makes his own way through life afterwards it is worth all the effort you have given. A good book and for people with handicapped children certainly an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteYes, I also believe that Nora definitely would be able to look after her daughter herself...every parent wants the best for their child. Really feel so glad that Phoebe is doing so well.
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