Family Tree

Karen White assumes the persona of Dana Clark as the new mother is confronted with questions about her ancestry after the birth of her baby daughter--who has skin much darker than that of anyone else in the family. Dana's birth father is a mystery she's never tried to solve. Her husband's family tree leads back to the MAYFLOWER, and her father-in-law has written a soon-to-be-released book about the Clark family's illustrious heritage. He feels threatened by the possibility of the public learning that he has a mixed-race grandchild. White's vocal manipulation vividly portrays Dana's anger when her husband demands a DNA test to prove paternity. White's polished performance captures the rising family tensions with a skillful delivery that leads to a satisfying conclusion. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

October 23, 2006
When Dana and Hugh Clarke's baby is born into their wealthy, white New England seaside community, the baby's unmistakably African-American features puzzle her thoroughly Anglo-looking parents. Hugh's family pedigree extends back to the Mayflower, and his historian father has made a career of tracing the esteemed Clarke family genealogy, which does not include African-Americans. Dana's mother died when Dana was a child, and Dana never knew her father: she matter-of-factly figures that baby Lizzie's features must hark back to her little-known past. Hugh, a lawyer who has always passionately defended his minority clients, finds his liberal beliefs don't run very deep and demands a paternity test to rule out the possibility of infidelity. 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 (Looking for Peyton Place
) smoothly challenges characters and readers alike to confront their hidden hypocrisies. Although the dialogue about race at times seems staged and rarely delves beyond a surface level, and although near-perfect Dana and her knitting circle are too idealized to be believable, Delinsky gets the political and personal dynamics right.

Caucasian couple Dana and Hugh Clarke are shocked with Dana gives birth to a baby with African-American features. The situation compels Dana to search for the father she has never known and forces Hugh's prominent WASP family to come to terms with their own bigotry. Narrator Becket Royce renders every emotion in this dramatic novelâ from the joys of motherhood to the sorrows of grief. Royce's performance of the reserved upper-crust Clarkes is convincing as they evolve from cold and distant to sympathetic and complex. Although abridged, the story never stalls, and Royce capably keeps pace as each family's secrets are uncovered. K.M.D. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

April 15, 2007
In Delinsky's latest novel, a well-known, happily married white New England woman from a legendary family delivers a beautiful and healthy baby with distinct African American features. The appearance of Elizabeth, the striking daughter of Hugh and Dana Clarke, leaves her parents perplexed and the entire Clarke family shocked and outraged. Hugh is from a rich and prominent family whose ancestry extends back to theMayflower . The birth of their first child should be a wonderfully happy time, but Hugh and Dana are struggling with questions of race, family, and trust. Hugh's family is certain Dana had an affair and wants her to take a DNA test, which causes tremendous strain on the marriage. Then Hugh demands that Dana find her biological father, because he is convinced their baby's African features stem from Dana's side of the family. As the novel evolves, Hugh and Dana gradually piece together the facts, discovering startling secrets from their pasts. Read by Karen White, Family Tree questions the choices people make in times of crisis, as well as the meaning of identity and unconditional love. Though the writing seems pretentious at times, this page turner is nonetheless recommended, especially for Delinsky fans.Carol Stern, Glen Cove P.L., NY

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