My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult (2004)
Summary of the Book
My Sister’s Keeper is a 2004 novel by Jodi Picoult. It tells the story of Anna Fitzgerald, a teenaged girl who must decide if she is willing to donate a kidney to her ailing elder sister, Kate. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of the two sisters and their parents, and it delves into the ethical and moral implications of the situation. This novel addresses many topics including medical ethics, family dynamics, and the struggle to find balance between the needs of individuals in a family.
The story begins with the introduction of Anna, who is thirteen years old. She was conceived to provide a donor kidney for her older sister Kate, who has battled acute leukemia for much of her life. Anna is tired of being used as a donor for her sister and decides to file a lawsuit against her parents for medical emancipation. This sets off a series of events that will forever change the lives of the entire family. Throughout the story, Anna must struggle to find her own identity while also standing up for what she believes is right.
My Sister’s Keeper is a story of family love and loyalty, as well as an exploration of the moral dilemmas that arise in such a situation. Each character is faced with difficult choices, and must decide what is best for their family as a whole. The novel also examines the ethical issues surrounding medical decisions, such as the individual rights of each family member and the pressure that is placed on the family when faced with such a tough decision.
Interesting Facts about the Book
- My Sister’s Keeper was a New York Times Bestseller for 21 weeks in 2005.
- The novel was adapted into a feature film in 2009.
- The novel was awarded the 2005 New England Booksellers Award for Fiction.
- My Sister’s Keeper was Jodi Picoult’s ninth novel.
- The novel has been translated into over 30 languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the main character in My Sister’s Keeper?
A: The main character in My Sister’s Keeper is Anna Fitzgerald, a thirteen-year-old girl who has been conceived to be a donor for her elder sister, Kate. Anna must decide if she is willing to donate a kidney to her ailing sister.
Q: What is the theme of My Sister’s Keeper?
A: The theme of My Sister’s Keeper is family love and loyalty, as well as an exploration of the moral dilemmas that arise in such a situation. Each character must decide what is best for their family as a whole and grapple with difficult choices.
Q: When was My Sister’s Keeper released?
A: My Sister’s Keeper was released in 2004. It was a New York Times Bestseller for 21 weeks in 2005 and was adapted into a feature film in 2009.
Q: What is the genre of My Sister’s Keeper?
A: My Sister’s Keeper is a work of contemporary fiction. It is a story of family love and loyalty, as well as an exploration of the moral dilemmas that arise in such a situation.