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.

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.

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.

Emotional / Melancholic / Challenging / Suspenseful / Hopeful

- The Impossible Knife of Memory is Laurie Halse Anderson's first novel to address the contemporary issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a familial context, particularly focusing on its impact on a father-daughter relationship.
- Laurie Halse Anderson, celebrated for her previous works dealing with challenging topics, conducts extensive research to authentically capture the emotional and psychological nuances in her fiction, as reflected in The Impossible Knife of Memory.

**Hayley Kincain**  
A 17-year-old high school student and the protagonist who navigates her senior year in a traditional school after being homeschooled on the road by her father.

**Andy Kincain**  
Hayley's father, a veteran grappling with the aftermath of his military service, which impacts his ability to parent effectively.

**Finn Ramos**  
A charismatic and independent high school student who is Hayley’s first boyfriend, known for his wit and aspirations for academic success.

**Gracie**  
Hayley’s outgoing and supportive best friend, who stands by her as she returns to town and navigates high school life.

**Trish**  
Andy’s ex-girlfriend who was a mother figure to Hayley in her early years and returns showing personal growth and a desire to reconnect.

Laurie Halse Anderson

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Impossible Knife of Memory reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Impossible Knife of Memory | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Impossible Knife of Memory and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Impossible Knife of Memory Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-25

The Impossible Knife of Memory Chapters 1-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-42

The Impossible Knife of Memory Chapters 26-42 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 43-59

The Impossible Knife of Memory Chapters 43-59 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 60-77

The Impossible Knife of Memory Chapters 60-77 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 78-94

The Impossible Knife of Memory Chapters 78-94 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Impossible Knife of Memory Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Impossible Knife of Memory Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Impossible Knife of Memory Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Impossible Knife of Memory Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Impossible Knife of Memory Essay Topics

The Impossible Knife of Memory

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Impossible Knife of Memory?

Reading Age

Book Details