Product Description
The first story collection from the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Memory Keeper’s Daughter

With The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, Kim Edwards touched hearts across the nation. In this, her first collection of stories—now with three new stories added—she explores the lives of those who exist on the fringes of society: a fire-eater, an American and his Korean war bride, Madame Curie’s maid, and others. Though their tales vary dramatically, each comes up against the barriers of place and circumstance in the most universal of experiences: the quest to discover and understand the elusive mysteries of love. Transporting readers to exotic locations, this beautiful collection reinforces Edwards’s presence as an extraordinarily gifted writer.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 3.5 based on 10 reviews)

Details are sublime

This book had better writing than "Memory Keeper", and I am shocked at the reviews to the contrary. Highly recommended.
September 02, 2008

All the same

Reading the back cover of this book, I expected an intriguing and exciting collection of short stories focusing on people in extraordinary situations- it promises stories of fire-eaters, trapeze artists, and Marie Curie's cleaning lady, among others.
After the first few stories, however, it became clear to me that the author had in mind a few stock plot turns that she somehow incorporated into almost every story. Yes, the settings and characters differ, but nearly each story has one of two endings. Although it is commonly accepted that there are certain elements present in most stories , this book takes the common elements to an extreme. Perhaps if one were to read one or two of these stories, they might be more enjoyable. Twelve, however, is too many.
August 14, 2008

There is a reason this book was $3.99

It is awful. A bunch of sad stories that do not make much sense (Rat Stories? Come on). If this book could hold its own weight it wouldn't need to ride the coat tails of Memory Keepers Daughter.
April 29, 2008

Great book!

I read "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" first, and absolutely loved it! So I bought this book, hoping that this one will be as good. And it is! I saw this book at Border's, and I was going to pay the $14.00 cover price for it. But I decided to wait, and thankfully I did, because the price here (I think I paid $3.60 or so for it) is much better. But I will say that it is worth the cover price. I thought this book was new....but it actually was published I think 1997.

Some of the stories ended in a way I had think about them for a few times before I actually got it, but they all are written beautifully. Each story is about a character, rather then plot, which is awesome. You get to know each one, indentify with some, and really feel what they feel. And if you've got kids, short stories are the way to go! My kids like to talk to me when I read LOL So this way I can get done with a story quickly and then go do what I need to do and come back later.

All in all, I highly recommend it. Also, buy "The Memory Keeper's Daughter", its awesome!
April 23, 2008

Enchantment and hardship blend in some outstanding surveys.

Kim Edwards' short stories in SECRETS OF A FIRE KING receives actress Bernadette Dunne's fine acting skills and smooth voice as they offer insights on individuals living on the edge of society, from a fire-eater and a juggler to a cleaning woman whose life is entwined with Marie Curie's. Love, enchantment and hardship blend in some outstanding surveys.
September 03, 2007

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