Kinfolks: Falling Off the Family Tree - The Search for My Melungeon Ancestors

I enjoyed Alther's delve into her family's (though mostly her Virginian-born, Tennessee-bred, father's) genetic history. Along the way, she met up with crazy/interesting/possibly in-bred/definitely eccentric folk who made her journey, and ours, that much more interesting. I read both Kinflicks and Original Sin back when they were published, but this is the first book by Alther I've read in, oh, maybe 30 years. I'd love to read her back-list, but much of it seems to be out-of-print. Maybe if this book, her first book of non-fiction, proves popular (and profitable)her back list works will be republished. And, finally, it was so refreshing to read a memoir of someone who had a - reasonably - happy childhood.

The search for identity begins at birth and continues through life for most of us. Lisa Alther generously takes us along on a significant foray into her attempt to uncover the hidden part of her immediate ancestry in an attempt to learn more of who she is. A product of the mountain South, Ms. Alther has been subtly deprived of a rich part of her heritage because of a mysterious concatenation of extra- and intra-familial events. Her wish to discern and explicate these events and the forces which shaped them lead her and the reader on an illuminating journey. She writes with the droll wit of a wise and not yet jaded resident of many locales, geographical and cultural, and one ends up the better for her willingness to share the often dazzling characters in her family, life, and history. As a psychologist and Southerner manqué I recommend this memoir enthusiastically.

An excellent read. With nostalgic, poignant and funny stories of her childhood, Alther brings us to her present understanding of who and where she belongs in the world. I especially enjoyed the quirky interviews she had with people on her quest in the Appalachian Mountains for her six-fingered relatives. And seeing the varied results of the genetic testing makes me curious about my own family rumors of native American ancestors. It's a twice read book for me. Kate

The author spent many years researching her family tree. She presents this information along with DNA test results to show the kinship that all humans share. She uses humor and her genius for writing to present this wonderful story of her search for the truth. Ms. Alther's book is a masterpiece. Brenda

Making history come alive is a daunting task for any writer, but Lisa Alther achieves that goal with her usual grace and wit in Kinfolks, sweeping the reader along on her very own magical mystery tour as she explores her roots and the rich tapestry of Appalachia and its people. The very real characters encountered in this book are as varied and charming as are her fictional ones, and the historical details she incorporates in her personal odyssey are fascinating and provocative. And anyone who enjoys genealogy will be enthralled by the insights Alther has to offer. Kinfolks is laugh-out-loud hilarious, filled with anecdotes of eccentric folk and stories of childhood that will make you yearn for that enchanting time. Here's an opportunity to take a road trip with one of America's best storytellers. Don't miss the ride. I guarantee you'll love this book!