My Sister's Keeper (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Jodi Picoult |
| Headquarters | New York , United States |
| Products | Novel |
| Website | www |
My Sister's Keeper marks the eleventh novel by American writer Jodi Picoult, released in 2004. The narrative follows thirteen-year-old Anna Fitzgerald as she initiates a lawsuit against her parents seeking medical emancipation after being asked to donate a kidney to her elder sister Kate, who is battling acute leukemia.
Summary
The plot unfolds in the fictional town of Upper Darby, Rhode Island, focusing on Kate Fitzgerald, who has been diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Anna was deliberately conceived as a savior sister to provide compatible umbilical cord blood for Kate’s treatment. While initially effective, Kate’s cancer returns repeatedly.
At the age of 13, Anna is confronted with the possibility of donating a kidney due to Kate’s kidney failure. This operation involves considerable risks for both girls. To avoid undergoing the surgery, Anna hires attorney Campbell Alexander to pursue medical emancipation, granting her authority over her own medical choices.
Their mother, Sara, formerly a civil lawyer, defends the family in court. The judge presiding over the case, Judge De Salvo, has recently experienced the loss of his daughter in a drunk-driving incident. He appoints Julia Romano as guardian ad litem to represent Anna’s interests; Julia shares a complicated history with Campbell, who has been diagnosed with epilepsy following a concussion.
Meanwhile, Anna’s older brother Jesse grapples with feelings of neglect and engages in delinquent behavior, leading to confrontations with their father Brian.
During the courtroom proceedings, it is revealed that Kate supports Anna’s decision and is prepared to accept her condition without pressuring Anna into high-risk surgery. Campbell experiences an epileptic seizure during the trial, prompting Julia to uncover the reasons behind their past breakup and rekindle their relationship. Ultimately, the judge rules in favor of Anna and grants Campbell medical power of attorney.
Following the trial, Anna hints at voluntarily donating her kidney but suffers severe injuries in a car accident. Brian rescues her at the scene. At the hospital, Anna is declared brain-dead; with Campbell’s approval, her organs are donated to save Kate. The family endures profound grief over the subsequent eight years; Jesse becomes a police officer while Kate pursues a career as a ballet instructor. The novel concludes with Kate reflecting on her feelings of guilt and her connection to Anna through the organ donation.
Characters
- Katherine "Kate" Fitzgerald – A vulnerable teenager diagnosed with promyelocytic leukemia. As the middle child in the Fitzgerald family, she struggles with the attention drawn by her illness. Kate finds moments of normalcy through dating Taylor, her first boyfriend. She values Anna’s donations and ultimately supports Anna’s medical emancipation lawsuit to protect her sister.
- Andromeda "Anna" Fitzgerald – Created as a "savior sibling" for Kate, Anna donates blood, bone marrow, and an organ to aid her sister. At thirteen years old, she seeks medically emancipated status to resist further medical interventions. Anna serves as the central protagonist.
- Jesse Fitzgerald – The eldest sibling who initially displays delinquent behavior but reforms after confronting his father.
- Sara Fitzgerald – The controlling mother devoted to preserving Kate’s life, often at the expense of attention to her other children. She eventually accepts Kate’s decision to let go and expresses regret.
- Brian Fitzgerald – Sara’s husband caught between supporting his wife and understanding Anna's refusal to donate a kidney. He testifies on Sara’s behalf during court and addresses Jesse’s misconduct. He struggles emotionally following Anna’s death.
- Julia Romano – Appointed guardian ad litem for Anna during the medical emancipation case; she advises Anna throughout the proceedings. Julia previously dated Campbell Alexander.
- Campbell Alexander – Attorney representing Anna who champions her right to bodily autonomy and obtains medical power of attorney on her behalf. He relies on a service dog due to his epilepsy, which also contributed to his breakup with Julia.
- Suzanne – Affluent aunt and Sara’s elder sister whose intense efforts to save Kate have strained family relations. She supports Anna and criticizes Sara's treatment of her daughters.
- Dr. Harrison Chance – Oncologist treating Kate.
- Judge DeSalvo – Presides over Anna’s case for medical emancipation.
- Isobel "Izzy" Romano – Julia’s twin sister and jewelry designer recently out of a same-sex relationship; she harbors resentment toward Campbell for leaving Julia.
- Taylor Ambrose – Kate’s boyfriend diagnosed with myeloid leukemia. Their relationship brings joy to Kate until Taylor's death is concealed by Sara, causing tension between mother and daughter.
Publication history
Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper was published by Atria Books in New York in 2004.
Critical reception
Katherine Arie, writing for The Washington Post, criticized several characters as unconvincing—describing Brian as "too perfect," Jesse as embodying "self-destructive tendencies," and Kate as "fragile and insubstantial"—yet ultimately praised the novel as an engaging and captivating read.
In 2009, the American Library Association listed My Sister's Keeper as the seventh most frequently challenged book in the United States, highlighting persistent issues with censorship in educational and library settings.
Adaptations
My Sister's Keeper was transformed into a motion picture by New Line Cinema, directed by Nick Cassavetes, and premiered on June 26, 2009. The film featured Cameron Diaz portraying Sara, Alec Baldwin as Campbell, with Sofia Vassilieva and Abigail Breslin playing the roles of Kate and Anna, respectively.
This cinematic version altered the original storyline by incorporating a different ending and emphasizing select subplots, marking a departure from Picoult's initial plot.