We had a very nice evening, and our numbers grew as people braved the weather and traffic to get there. Wendy started the evening with a delicious baked Brie filled with fruit in the center. She had decorated the table with beautiful photos of Down Syndrome children and with photos of beach scenes, both so appropriately tied to The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards. For dinner Wendy served yummy BBQ ribs (the ribs were a tie to David Henry being a BONE doctor). Wendy rounded out her the meal with baked potatoes and salad. Later she served a wonderful Key Lime pie.
Our discussion of The Memory Keepers Daughter focused on several issues. We discussed the ethics of the choices different characters made. David certainly made choices that could not be reversed, and ultimately his lie destroyed his family relationships. He never cleaned up this mess. Everyone had to deal with it after his death. I had hoped that he would tell Norah the truth later in their lives, even though the damage was already done. We also discussed if Carolines choices were ethical, and we considered the dismal options available for Down Syndrome children during the 60s. Caroline certainly did a commendable job with Phoebe, but what kind of responsibility did she have ethically in keeping Phoebes existence from Norah? Ultimately, both David and Caroline made selfish choices, althoug h the consequences for each were different. Beginning the story in the 60s made the storyline feasible (Very little knowledge or options for Down Syndrome children was integral to the plot). I don't think it would be plausible today. We also discussed the ethics of prenatal care and options today. Greater medical knowledge has presented more options to be considered. This book certainly portrayed the how consequences are tied to our choices. Thank you Benee for leading an interesting discussion.
Marylynne
Our discussion of The Memory Keepers Daughter focused on several issues. We discussed the ethics of the choices different characters made. David certainly made choices that could not be reversed, and ultimately his lie destroyed his family relationships. He never cleaned up this mess. Everyone had to deal with it after his death. I had hoped that he would tell Norah the truth later in their lives, even though the damage was already done. We also discussed if Carolines choices were ethical, and we considered the dismal options available for Down Syndrome children during the 60s. Caroline certainly did a commendable job with Phoebe, but what kind of responsibility did she have ethically in keeping Phoebes existence from Norah? Ultimately, both David and Caroline made selfish choices, althoug h the consequences for each were different. Beginning the story in the 60s made the storyline feasible (Very little knowledge or options for Down Syndrome children was integral to the plot). I don't think it would be plausible today. We also discussed the ethics of prenatal care and options today. Greater medical knowledge has presented more options to be considered. This book certainly portrayed the how consequences are tied to our choices. Thank you Benee for leading an interesting discussion.
Marylynne
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