FAQs

• What is the main theme of My Sister’s Keeper?
• • The novel explores complex ethical dilemmas surrounding family, medical autonomy, and sacrifice. It questions whether it is morally justifiable to infringe on one child’s rights to save another, as Anna Fitzgerald sues her parents for medical emancipation to avoid donating a kidney to her leukemia-stricken sister, Kate.
• Who is the speaker in the prologue of My Sister’s Keeper?
• • The prologue’s speaker is revealed later in the story, and their identity is intentionally ambiguous at first. This narrative choice invites readers to reconsider assumptions about the characters and their roles in the central conflict.
• What are the major emotional turning points in the book?
• • Key moments include Anna’s decision to sue her parents, revelations about Jesse’s (her brother’s) troubled behavior, and the family’s grappling with guilt and love amid Kate’s illness. The climax involves a shocking twist that reshapes the story’s moral landscape.
• How does My Sister’s Keeper compare to the movie adaptation?
• • While the book and film share the core premise, the ending differs significantly. The novel’s conclusion is more morally ambiguous and tragic, whereas the movie opts for a more streamlined resolution. Readers often debate which version is more impactful.
• What discussion questions are commonly raised about the book?
• • Book clubs often explore:
• The metaphorical significance of Brian’s (the father’s) profession as a fire chief.
• The psychological complexities of Jesse’s behavior.
• Whether Sara (the mother) neglects Anna and Jesse in her focus on Kate.
• The ethical implications of creating a “designer baby” to save another child.
• Why is My Sister’s Keeper considered controversial?
• • The novel sparks debate due to its exploration of bioethics, parental authority, and the limits of sibling sacrifice. Some critics argue it oversimplifies medical realities, while others praise its emotional depth and thought-provoking scenarios.