Family Tree

By: Barbara Delinsky

Narrated by: Karen White

“FAMILY TREE is warm, rich, textured, and impossible to put down.”
–Nora Roberts

Dana Clarke has always longed for the stability of home and family–her own childhood was not an easy one. Now she has married a man she adores and is about to give birth to their first child. But though her daughter is born beautiful and healthy, no one can help noticing the African American traits in her appearance. Dana’s husband, to her great shock and dismay, begins to worry that people will think Dana has had an affair.

The only way to repair the damage done is for Dana to track down the father she never knew. Dana’s determination to discover the truth becomes a poignant journey back through her past that unearths secrets rooted in prejudice and fear.

Barbara Delinsky’s FAMILY TREE is an utterly unforgettable novel that asks penetrating questions about race, family, and the choices people make in times of crisis–choices having profound consequences that can last for generations.©2007 Barbara Delinsky; (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

“The old and illustrious New England Clarke family has a new member and she is not what the family envisioned. Elizabeth Clarke, a beautiful daughter born to Hugh and Dana, possesses definite African-American traits, leaving the parents puzzled and the extended Clarke family scandalized. Now, on what should be a joyous occasion, the birth of their first child, Hugh and Dana are struggling with issues of race, family, and trust. Delinsky often writes with insight about complex family matters, and here adds thought-provoking concerns about race in America to the mix in a novel that will stir debate and inspire self-examination.”—Booklist “Delinsky’s family saga explores how a white, upper-middle-class New England couple would react if the wife gave birth to an African-American baby. Delinsky vigorously takes on thorny racial assumptions and admirably allows her characters to acknowledge and correct their biases. Fail-safe delivery of an issues-packed story perfect for reading groups.”—Kirkus Reviews“When Dana and Hugh Clarke’s baby is born into their wealthy, white New England community, the baby’s unmistakably African-American features puzzle her thoroughly Anglo-looking parents. By the time the Clarkes have uncovered the tangled roots of their family trees, more than one skeleton has been unearthed, and the couple’s relationship – not to mention their family loyalty – has been severely tested. Delinsky smoothly challenges characters and readers alike to confront their hidden hypocrisies [while getting] the political and personal dynamics just right.”—Publishers Weekly“Loyal readers who have followed Barbara Delinsky’s writing for many years will not be surprised at the depth of characterization in FAMILY TREE. Delinsky’s latest is well suited for fans of the serious themed books of Jodi Picoult, Anita Shreve, and Jacquelyn Mitchard. Full of complex and fascinating family dynamics as its characters are forced to come to terms with issues such as faith, race and loyalty, FAMILY TREE is thought-provoking and memorable. After 26 years of publishing and 19 New York Times bestsellers, Delinsky will be ‘discovered’ by a new generation of readers.”—BookPage“Family Tree is warm, rich, textured, and impossible to put down.”—Nora Roberts“Delinsky delves deeper into the human heart and spirit with each new novel.”—Cincinnati Enquirer

Wonderful

Barbra Delinsky is a very passionate writer.

Not great literature but will generate discussion

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator was awful. Accents were way off. Characters who were from New England were given country bumpkin accents. Child voices were overplayed. Usually a poor narrator can be ignored after getting into the story. Not this one. It was all I could do to keep listening.

Any additional comments?

The book is one that will generate discussion about race and identity at book groups and for that it serves its purpose.

Eye Opening for whites but not for non-whites.

This line says more than any other in the book, "Life is a chronological chain made up of links of Change. Each new one aims the whole in a slightly different direction."
When we see with our eyes and feel with our heart, we make change in our lives.

I AM NOT

Interesting things happen when what you profess knocks at your door and takes up residence. What will you do when your " I AM NOTS" pay an unexpected visit.

Great story evolves

This book started off a little on the slow side for me. As the story began to unfold, I had a difficult time putting down my MP3 player. I wanted to hear more and to see what happens to the characters involved. In the end, I really enjoyed listening to the story and wanted to hear more.