Family Tree

Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky

What was this book about?

Hugh grew up the child of two affluent people. He has always known his history, his ancestors, and in fact his father has made a living from it. Dana on the other hand was raised by her grandmother after her mother died, and has never known her father (or even who he was). She embraces Hugh’s history as her own because she has never really had one.

They couldn’t be happier – they are expecting their first child – but imagine their surprise when the child is born and has African American features. There has to be some African American blood in her from somewhere.

Of course that is when the finger pointing begins. Dana just loves her child and doesn’t understand the big deal. But feels forced to figure out her history. Her husband’s history is well known. But even within Hugh’s family hard feelings begin to be had. Hugh even doubts whether he is the baby’s father. What should be a happy occasion has turned into something much more.

What did you like/dislike about the book?

In some ways it scares me. That something that should be such a happy time can be shattered by a bunch of bigoted and evil people. I really don’t know if I could forgive my husband if he started to doubt that our first child was his, just based on what she/he looked like.

What genre would you consider this?

Fiction

Overall: B, I enjoyed it overall.