55 pages • 1 hour read
Laurie Halse AndersonThe Impossible Knife of Memory
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Laurie Halse Anderson's young adult novel, The Impossible Knife of Memory, high school senior Hayley Kincain navigates re-adjusting to traditional school life while coping with her father Andy's severe PTSD from his military service. Together, they face internal and external battles as Hayley builds new relationships and confronts long-buried memories, revealing the profound effects of trauma and the strength of family bonds. The novel discusses substance use, suicide, and violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Laurie Halse Anderson's The Impossible Knife of Memory is highly praised for its realistic portrayal of PTSD and the struggles of a teenage daughter caring for her war-veteran father. The characters are compelling and the narrative is emotionally resonant. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the resolution somewhat predictable. Overall, it's a poignant and impactful read.
Who Should Read The Impossible Knife of Memory?
Readers who enjoy emotionally intense narratives and themes of trauma, healing, and resilience will be captivated by Laurie Halse Anderson's The Impossible Knife of Memory. Fans of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why will find a compelling and relatable story that resonates deeply with young adult fiction enthusiasts.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
HL720L