My Sister's Keeper (novel)

My Sister's Keeper is a novel written by Jodi Picoult published in 2004. It tells the story of 13-year-old Anna Fitzgerald as she sues her parents for medical emancipation. The novel explores complex ethical issues, including the morality of genetically designing a child to save another child's life.

Plot

The story revolves around the Fitzgerald family, particularly the youngest daughter, Anna, who was conceived to be a genetic match for her older sister, Kate, who suffers from acute promyelocytic leukemia. Throughout her life, Anna undergoes numerous medical procedures to help Kate. However, when she is asked to donate a kidney to her sister, Anna decides to hire a lawyer and seek medical emancipation.

Themes

My Sister's Keeper delves into themes such as the ethics of genetic engineering, the complexities of family dynamics, and the boundaries of parental rights. It also explores the emotional and psychological impact of illness on individuals and their families.

Reception

The novel received critical acclaim for its handling of complex ethical issues and its emotional depth. It has sparked discussions about the moral implications of genetically designing children for the purpose of saving siblings.

Adaptations

The novel was adapted into a film of the same name in 2009, directed by Nick Cassavetes and starring Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, and Sofia Vassilieva.