An interesting read which provoked many different reactions in me. I can see where book clubs could have much to mull and discuss. Overall the book was a disappointment to me, as I was hoping for a primary focus on Down syndrome and the daughter, Phoebe. I would have enjoyed more chapters with Caroline and Phoebe, and indeed found their chapters to be the most engaging. I especially liked the chapters that detailed Caroline's advocacy efforts to have her daughter included. The chapters with Phoebe's birth family seemed to drag for me; as other reviewers have noted, Norah, David and Paul all seem quite depressed to me and not terribly likeable. I could empathize with Norah's pain, but not relate well to her coping strategies. Also, as the mom of a son with Down syndrome, I was hugely disappointed that Edwards did not give Phoebe her own voice in the story. I really wanted to read chapters directly from Phoebe's perspective. I think Phoebe's voice could have added a lightness or humor to an otherwise pretty intense and somber-toned book. However, all that said, I did find the book's general premise intriguing. The story is truly a family drama with dysfunction, miscommunication, missed opportunities and repressed emotions. I felt Edwards handled the info and perspective of Down syndrome in a respectful and interesting way. And I think Edwards did a fine job of keeping the tension going, on just how the secret would finally be revealed. Alas, I found myself disappointed in the ending as well. My mother thought David's handling of the secret and the ending to be realistic and she was satisfied. After all the melodrama of the previous chapters, I was anticipating a dramatic reveal and dramatic fallout. Nope. The ending wrapped some loose ends, but not in the way I had hoped it would.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
