THE BOOK FAIR

Review:

“My Daughter’s Keeper”, centers on the uneasy relationship between a mother and daughter.  The story takes place in present day California.

 

Years before, after Elaine found herself unexpectedly pregnant, she took responsibility for her daughter, even though she was young, poor and not ready to be a mother.  Elaine remembers Olivia’s warmth, her need to be hugged, and the lack of affection she felt for her. 

Elaine, a pharmacist, supported Olivia by working in the small college drugstore in Berkeley, CA, which she was later able to buy.  Olivia grows up rebellious.  Finally dropping out of college all together, she heads south for Mexico and freedom.

Elaine meets Arthur, with whom she falls in love.  The two build a peaceful life together and consider marriage.

In Mexico, Olivia meets Jorge.  Sometime later, Olivia returns to the States.  Jorge follows, illegally crossing the border and tracks down Olivia down. 

Elaine disapproves of Jorge but is concerned for her daughter.  Jorge loafs, has expectations, is angry, resentful, and rough with Olivia.  Jorge demands a Green Card.  Unwittingly, Olivia drives Jorge to a meet for a drug purchase.

Elaine, witnessing her daughter face a world of trouble, seizes upon the chance to help her.

 

Light reading of politically based plot which advances narrative for illegals in U.S., coupled with the disdain of harsh drug laws.