“The Lost Family” Gets to the Core Issues at Hand With DNA Testing and Family Secrets
Libby Copeland, author of The Lost Family
The first book of its genre to cover the pressing topic of DNA tests and the end of family secrets, Libby Copeland’s book The Lost Family provides an overview of the current DNA test landscape and a short history of how it came to be this way. “The age of DNA testing may ultimately be moving us toward a more expansive and inclusive understanding of family,” Copeland comments on her website.“
Her in-depth commentary provides her impression of the sculpting of the word “family.” Based on the stories she relates, Copeland makes the case that consumer DNA testing has changed and will continue to change families in the years to come. Recounting in detail the journey of one determined woman named Alice on her search for answers to an unexpected family mystery, Copeland covers the DNA topic in a way that is both clear and relevant to readers. Even those for whom DNA tests are not a common reason for thought or discussion, the application to their life is clear by the end: even if you aren’t directly affected by an unexpected DNA discovery, someone close to you will be. It’s only a matter of time.
Those who are unfamiliar with the current application of DNA in the realms of genealogy, health, and criminal investigations will have a better understanding by the end. It’s easy to follow and hard to put down, even if you have already read Copeland’s Washington Post article that inspired the book and know how the story of Alice ends.
Copeland’s natural talent for the written word—and her desire to take a deep dive into a complex topic and do justice in her coverage of all sides—shines through. Her past experience as a journalist is evident with the clever ways Copeland breaks down and explains concepts that are nuanced (how genotyping works, the significance of ROH, and the inner workings of investigative genetic genealogy, to name just a few). Not everyone writer is able to find their way to the core issues and wrestle with the different conflicting perspectives when family dynamics and shifting knowledge and balances of power. These made Copeland the perfect person to take a bite into this topic.
Below you will find a link to all of the major book reviews.
(Note that some of these articles linked below are on sites requiring a subscription.)
If you have been personally involved in a DNA discovery, here are some questions for you as you read. Send us your thoughts, and we’ll add them to the post!
What parts of the book do you find yourself drawn to? The individual stories, the science of DNA testing, the story of Alice?
Do you think you could ever share your story publicly like the people mentioned in The Lost Family?
Were there any stories that made you think, “I am glad that wasn't me?” Are there parts of your story that you would change if you could?
What does it mean to have a mainstream book being discussed in the general public that addresses the specific experience you have or are going through?