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A review by carolpk
Ancestor Trouble: A Reckoning and a Reconciliation by Maud Newton
In a synopsis of Ancestor Trouble, I read that in early 2019 about 26 million people had a DNA test. I was one of them. Though my results were fairly straight forward, I was quickly hooked on the surprising news some persons received. These unexpected results can often change lives. Even the expected can lead us to information about family that we never knew.
Many books on DNA and genes focus on biological inheritance that shakes the family tree. What is different in Maud Newton's telling is how she digs deep and rips into the guts of genetics and heredity. Add to this, her own family story, often as the title states, troublesome. Her father, a lawyer with lots of problems, her mother, who initially sounds like most mothers I know, eventually is conducting exorcisms. What struck me immediately is the reason given as to why this couple married; they believed they'd have smart children. At least that part is fulfilled with Ms. Newton. Following her tree back generations, Maud explores many colorful ancestors, one who was accused of being a witch, another who could had been married thirteen times. I thought it was something when I came up with a four timer in mine. I truly don't know how she managed to cover all she did exposing not only the good of her heritage but parts of it that many of us wouldn't be brave enough to share. In addition she begs the question of privacy amongst the many companies that hold our DNA and ancestry information. She discusses and divulges ome things that will give me pause to reconsider.
Ancestor Trouble: A Reckoning and Reconciliation is powerful and is one that can easily be read again. My sincere thanks to Random House, Author, Maud Newton and Edelweiss, for entrusting me with this digital ARC.
Many books on DNA and genes focus on biological inheritance that shakes the family tree. What is different in Maud Newton's telling is how she digs deep and rips into the guts of genetics and heredity. Add to this, her own family story, often as the title states, troublesome. Her father, a lawyer with lots of problems, her mother, who initially sounds like most mothers I know, eventually is conducting exorcisms. What struck me immediately is the reason given as to why this couple married; they believed they'd have smart children. At least that part is fulfilled with Ms. Newton. Following her tree back generations, Maud explores many colorful ancestors, one who was accused of being a witch, another who could had been married thirteen times. I thought it was something when I came up with a four timer in mine. I truly don't know how she managed to cover all she did exposing not only the good of her heritage but parts of it that many of us wouldn't be brave enough to share. In addition she begs the question of privacy amongst the many companies that hold our DNA and ancestry information. She discusses and divulges ome things that will give me pause to reconsider.
Ancestor Trouble: A Reckoning and Reconciliation is powerful and is one that can easily be read again. My sincere thanks to Random House, Author, Maud Newton and Edelweiss, for entrusting me with this digital ARC.