Family Tree
by Barbara Delinsky
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Book Reviews of Family Tree
Book Review: Brings up some interesting questions
Summary: 4 Stars
Dana Clarke had a difficult childhood because she never knew her father, and her mother died when she was young. She cannot believe her good fortune in marrying Hugh Clarke, a man from a prominent family, whom she loves very much. However, when their daughter is born with African-American features, skeletons begin to rattle in the closet. Both Dana and Hugh begin to re-evaluate their attitudes and they suffer the suspicions of Hugh's family who wonder if Dana has had an affair with her African-American neighbor. Decisions are made, feelings are hurt, and the Clarke's relationship seems to be permanently damaged. Dana delves into her past and discovers some family secrets which have been hidden for many years. Hugh's father, who has always been an advocate for minority rights, must also examine his motives and attitudes and evaluate how pure they are. This is a book which causes the reader to examine his own attitudes and to begin to see subtle prejudices which have crept in over the years. It is based on an interesting premise, which is developed well by author, Barbara Delinsky.Book Review: I expected more
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm a huge Barbara Delinsky fan, but FAMILY TREE simply didn't live up to my expectations. As another reviewer said, I couldn't identify with these characters. The premise was fantastic -- in fact, my first thought upon reading about the book was, I wish I'd thought of it first. :) I especially had problems with Hugh. From the moment he insisted upon DNA testing, I disliked him, and nothing he did after that redeemed him in my eyes. Dana, too, gave me problems. Why she acted the way she did about finding her father mystified me. And the way she behaved AFTER she found him made me dislike her, too. In fact, no one in this book behaves in a reasonable or sensible way. And no one is very likable.
The prose is pure Delinsky -- clean and spare -- always great. But it's really frustrating when I plunk down cash for a hard cover novel by an author I expect to really enjoy and then the story and characters disappoint big time.
However, I'll still keep buying Delinsky in hopes that FAMILY TREE is simply an exception to her usual skillful and enjoyable stories.
Book Review: Do you know your origin or are you sure of it?
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was an eye opener for me. I'm from the black race and I've never thought about how a white person feels if they found out they're mixed with black until this book. I must say this was a daring step the author took because it touches on so many details in life we keep hidden. We never dare think of others and how it may impact their future lives when we keep hidden secrets, but if you read this book it will challenge you to react differently. I've never, ever read a book so touching and compelling on racial issues and family situations, like this book. If there is a book to read and keep this is it,no dust will gather on this one. It's a great gift for all races. It's something one can pick up from time to time to reflect on the little intracies of life. We say we're one thing but if searched real carefully we'd surprised ourselves of what we'll find in our hearts and our family tree. Fear of the unknown holds us back from many things, but this book will make one search and dare to question the unknown. This is an excellent read, I truly enjoyed every minute of it.Book Review: A highly recommended Barbara Delinsky book
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one of Barbara's best. The story line grips you and holds you all the way through the book. Her characters are real, have depth, and develop through the turmoils of the story. It is a fast read but only because you do not want to put it down. It will keep you reading until you get the end. I didn't want to put it down.
It is not a romance story so if you want lots of romance and sexy scenes, you are not going to get it in this book. On the other hand, it is a love story. Love between husband and wife and parent and child and love or lack of love with other family members.
I don't think the added story line about Earl took away from the story but rather added to it in that it kept you guessing. And the story line with Corinne was not a distraction either. It showed another angle of love and trust among husbands and wives.
I highly recommend this story and if you haven't read Barbara Delinsky before, start with this one and then read "Together Alone" and then "For My Daughters" and keep on going. She is great author.
Book Review: Mixed Heritage
Summary: 5 Stars
"Family Tree" by Barbara Delinsky delves into the secret heritage of a proud New England family when a baby is born with distinct African features. Dana Clarke has never known her father, in the beginning she and her husband suspect the unknown as the racial factor. Hugh Clarke is driven to prove his child to his family, who will not accept a mixed race child and her mother. Dana sees his act of DNA testing as a betrayal of their relationship.
Research though closed doors and family secrets uncovers many surprising factors in the lives of both sets of their parents. This story of the blending of racial boundaries across generations is told with grace and style.
Nothing is a it seems, which keeps the reader turning the pages as love and trust must be regained before the young couple and their lovely daughter can move on to become another generation on the family tree.
Nash Black, author of "Qualifying Laps," "Sins of the Fathers," and "Taxes, Stumbling Blocks & Pitfalls for Authors 2007."