Like many others, I'd never heard of epigenetics before I read this book. And, I am not quite sure if I understand it now that I am finished — or even exactly how to describe this novel. It is the story of seven women, all of whom are connected to Afong May and suffer from trauma that spans generations. It is told not with any sense of chronology but from the viewpoints of the various characters at different moments in time. Although I really enjoyed Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, I found it hard to connect to this one in that I found it much too disjointed. Interesting, but too disjointed. Nonetheless, I applaud the author for his creativity!

Generational trauma is rough to read about and experience. This was a hard read for me. I think this would be a great read for a book club consisting of close friends so you’re able to really discuss this story and also your own family issues.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

An interesting mix of characters. Learned something new. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy.

I've never read the author's previous book but the premise of this was intriguing so I went into it with an open mind.

I loved the theme of epigentics and generational trauma, which I've been reading more and more about.

The author takes this growing field in science and describes several women from the same family and how their shared trauma affects the following generation.

My issue was keeping track of all the women and their voices; I soon became confused over who was who and doing what.

I found it hard to like or connect with anyone, though I understood their personal plight and the issues they had to contend with as women of color.

Also, I'm not a fan of romance unless it's essential to the story and the subplot where a 'stranger' from the past and throughout time 'stalking' the main character doesn't sound romantic at all.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to read The Many Daughters of Afong Moy, but it wasn't for me.

Jamie Ford's novels are always on my automatic-read list, and The Many Daughters of Afong Moy did not disappoint.
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view and the way they wove together, giving me lots of food for thought about memory, fate, and mental illness. The only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me was that I didn't find the last 25-50 pages came together quite as satisfyingly as I'd hoped. However, I'll still be recommending the book wholeheartedly.

The Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford is the perfect book for pure escapism. Ford tackles such an intriguing concept- that of generational trauma and genetic memories. That’s right, he goes there through a compelling and thought-provoking story of, as the title suggests, the many daughters of Afong Moy.

What made me love this book? For starters the premise is so fresh and different. It’s not a story that’s been rewritten repeatedly. It’s risky and bold, and maybe not for everybody, but it certainly worked for this reader.

This story has you thinking about your own memories, where they came from and why you recall them at certain moments. It makes you question the future and the science that will explain more about epigenetic inheritance.

Everything from mental illness, parenting, historical timelines, future timelines, science, dating, weather patterns, experimental therapy, the Flying Tiger nurses and the first Chinese woman to step on US soil is covered in this story. My advice, just dig in and see where you land with it. I found myself googling, exploring and trying to learn more about everything this book had to offer.

This is a hard book to review, as it's very detailed, but at the same time hard to explain without giving away too much of the story.

This wasn't what I was expecting, but that's okay because it turned out to be a great read. I had never heard the term epigenetics before reading this, though I had heard about generational trauma, and those traumas being passed down through our DNA. The way it is weaved throughout the book is compelling, with each woman experiencing the echoes of trauma of those who came before her, even if she doesn't realize it.

I had worried a bit about keeping track of each woman, since the book isn't told in chronological order, but this didn't end up being an issue as each chapter is told by a different woman, and they are all decent length with a lot of depth and characterization. I had a lot of feelings while reading this; I could feel each woman's trauma, and I had a lot of sadness when that trauma was revealed and the chapter ended. Each story kept me intrigued and engrossed in the book; I finished it very quickly once I got into it. The ending was also not what I expected, but I was very happy with it. It gave me a sense of hope - that even though we may experience trauma and sadness in our lives, that things can still turn around for the better.

My favorite read so far of 2022. Reminiscent of A Time Travelers Wife, the stories of the women in this book are beautifully written and woven together. The ending had me staying up late at night to finish it, and I kept thinking about it long after I finished it. Please go read this book! I absolutely loved it. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The concept behind this book is an intriguing one: Ford writes about several women in the same family, exploring epigenetics as a factor in character behavior. In the main narrative, a doctor seeks to explore patients' epigenetic past through technology, but this only seems to induce additional trauma in the woman who tries it. Epigenetics is a relatively new field, and I felt like the author didn't feel completely comfortable and knowledgable in writing about it. The overlay of romance and the "stranger seeking out" the main characters through time doesn't hold together well, and the result is less than stellar.

A family saga told through the daughters of Afong Moy back through time and propells them into the future. A different type of story as Ford uses eugenics or memories of Dorothy to trace the lives of the other daughters back in time. Ford brings to life these women in their specific time frame along with the men they love and writes like you are there, he is so descriptive. The Chinese heritage is told through a bit of poetry and eastern philosophy. An enjoyable read through these women's eyes.

Wow another great book by this author. I won't say I understood everything that went on in the story, but I was fascinated by the premise of this story.
In this story we follow six ancestors of the Moy family, Faye Moy, a nurse in China , Zoe Moy, a student in England, Lai King Moy, a girl quarantined in San Francisco, Greta Moy, a tech executive, Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to set foot in America, and Dorothy Moy , the main character in this story.
The story deals with epigenetics, which I don't really understand, even with looking it up, but in the story it seems to be about traumas passes down from one generation to the next. And how that is affecting the main character. Also each generation, seems to have a stranger searching for her in each life.
This is a book one needs to read to figure out for yourself what is going on. I really loved this story which is original and with a great cast of fascinating character to read about. A great piece of Historical Fiction.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this book.

This is my first book by Jamie Ford. And all I can say is wow.. I did not know what to expect, and I did not know what I was getting into. This book spoke to me on such a deep level. The trauma the pain that we carry from those who came before us. I feel that and I pray I do not pass that on to my children. The characters in this book or so relatable and so realistic my heart went out to them. I cried with each tragedy. I don’t know that I would say that it was a happy ending, but it was a positive ending it provided hope.

I thought the premise of the book sounded interesting. I’ve always thought if you can share family genes, why not shared memories too.
The book jumps back and forth which I just didn’t care for. For me it just wasn’t interesting enough to keep my interest.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I loved this book and think it will be in my top 10 for 2022. I’ve been interested in epigenetics and intergenerational trauma since reading The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel Van De Kolk which, incidentally, the author mentions in his Acknowledgements. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. I was so thrilled to receive an advance copy of this book and thank Atria, the author, and Net Galley profusely.
This book is very ambitious, and, after reading the Author’s Note I was along for the ride. It is a sweeping multigenerational female saga that is based on historical fact. I love to learn something new via fiction and I had never heard of Afong Moy. This book will educate many on the history of Chinese immigrants. I also learned some science, quite a bit about Buddhism, technology, climate change and was introduced to a wonderful educational institution called Summerhill. The Acknowledgements section is a lovely summary of where this all came from with further readings suggested. The author also mentions where he got some of the elements of his plot and quotes.
The book is set up in three acts and the story is told in seven different time periods (1834-2086) by seven women who are all related. I must be honest and say I really appreciated the Dramatis Personae page which I consulted often to determine where each woman fit in the family tree. This is not linear, and the reader must be quite awake to fill in the blanks of the story. I can see how some reviewers found it a bit disorienting, but I thought it made me sit up straight and pay attention, so I didn’t miss anything.
Ford’s writing style borders on the poetic and I will never forget certain descriptions that are so insightful – carbonated hormones being one that comes to mind. Although there are seven characters, I felt like they were all one. I don’t think the author added too many distinguishing features to each woman’s persona. It was like each was a product of her time in history. I loved the concept that if trauma can be inherited why not strong positive characteristics too? Each woman experiences horrific events, and I did have a sense of dread throughout. They were all very strong women but it seemed they got weaker as the generations progressed to the point where our main character doubts her sanity. Ultimately, we return most often to Dorothy and end with her daughter’s story n the future. There is hope! I love the ending. Ford does tie everything up and puts a bow right on there, but we are left with lots of lingering questions and what ifs. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. The only weak link for me was I did not quite get what the Doctor was doing with all the high-tech medical procedures and medication. I read parts of these scenes twice but to no avail. Maybe that’s the point? We’re not there yet but it’s coming.
Excellent read!

I really enjoyed this book about multiple generations of a woman and how their experiences effect future generations. So much oppression, abuse, love, and intellectual stimulation. Are memories genetically imprinted for offspring? These characters demonstrated that it is certainly possible. While reading I always tried to tie the chapters together, but each one would be interesting, from a historical/future fictional perspective, on their own. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Epic and enlightening! Ford has woven a story of many generations so seamlessly, one is completely in awe of the storytelling alone. BUT the story itself is incredible for the epigenesis throughout the generations of women, it breaks your heart, you root for the daughters of Afong Moy, but the message in the end whops you over the head! This is a MUST read for anyone who loves women's fiction, historical fiction, fiction fiction, you name it.

Afong Moy is sent against her will from her native China to America. Here, with her “outsider” Asian features and. bound feet, she is treated as both a curiosity and freak. Abandoned, she gives birth in a dirty alley. From here we meet six generations of female descendants. All share her sadness and heartbreak. It would seem they share her strength and courage as well. It is through Dorothy’s memories we experience the events of their lives; it is through Dorothy that we find resolution. According to family wisdom, each generation is built upon the ruins of the past. The structure of Jamie Ford’s novel can be confusing in places; the characters are not presented chronologically. One must pay close attention to both the character’s name and time period to stay focused. There are multiple references to water; heavy rains and ocean crossings among them. One of the “daughters” quotes another as describing people as “bubbles” in a stream. This work reminds us of the importance and inter-connectivity of those who go before us and those who follow.

This book was truly a stunner in many ways, and I thank #NetGalley and #Atria Books for an advance copy. Very much appreciated—a unique and complex read. The writing and characterizations of the various related women are superb and their stories dramatic and immersive . Jamie Ford explores the theory of epigenetics as it relates to inherited trauma through the stories of “the first Chinese woman in America,” Afong Moy, and her female descendants. Dorothy and her young daughter Annabel are the most advanced, time-wise, of the “daughters’” described, and Dorothy has some form of dissociative disorder, while Annabel appears to be displaying similar early behavioral issues.

Thus, Dorothy seeks psychological help of an innovative, experimental variety after losing teaching jobs through mental episodes. Her therapist is Dr. Shedhorn. To me, Dr Shedhorn’s discussion with Dorothy, of her experimental process which putatively uncovers past-lives experiences affecting the patient’s present was especially fascinating. My family history involves several tragedies as do that of many others, I’m sure, so the notion of preventing tragedies in future generations was highly intriguing.

The individual daughters’ stories and heartaches are detailed and cover many time histories, which contribute to complexity for a reader; one almost needs notes to keep track of the characters and how elements of their stories are later changed for the better.

Despite the complexity, I loved the wordsmithing and expression of Mr. Ford and will be thinking about this book for a long time. In sum, it is a masterpiece and fascinating.

3.5 stars
The premise is interesting, but I wasn’t sure if it was for me. I’m a fan of Jamie Ford’s books and I love how he honors his great grandfather by writing about about Chinese people and how there usually are real events or people from history that serve as inspiration for his stories. I had never heard of epigenetics until this novel, but because it was written by Ford, I decided to give it a chance. It’s a science and there are numerous articles you can find on the web explaining it, articles which discuss the shared trauma aspects of it. I’ll leave it at that rather than trying to explain something I don’t quite understand.

It is, though, an intriguing topic and Ford’s wonderful story telling capabilities are reflected in the stories of multiple generations of women, focusing on their shared trauma. What worked for me was the characters, the historical and cultural reflections and their connections, their personal stories and, yes their shared trauma. I was taken by Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to come to the US. Her story is interesting and sad. What didn’t work for me was the way in which Dorothy Moy in 2045 makes that connection with her ancestors through an experimental treatment. I just couldn’t wrap my head around what happens and suspend my disbelief. I found it difficult at times to get what was happening. Because I did find some of the things that I loved in those earlier novels in this one, I’ll round up to 4 stars and I will continue to look for what Jamie Ford writes.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Atria Books through Edelweiss and NetGalley.

Wow, this book sucked me in with its multigenerational narrative of seven women. It’s sounds like a lot of people of follow, but Jamie Ford is incredible at pacing this novel, giving the reader clues that connect their stories. I’m terms of large themes, this novel traces intergenerational trauma, starting from the (inspired by real life) Afong Moy, one of the first Chinese women in the US. Made a sideshow spectacle, it’s clear how Afong’s fear, shame, and desire to escape carries in the bloodline well beyond her. In its most modern chapters, Ford explores the world of epigenetics—-introducing a clinic to help one descendent understand (and untangle) all of these generational memories. Dorothy, the artist-mother trying to better herself for her daughter, was one of the most compelling to me—-heart-wrenching at many points.

Without spoilers, the end of this book asks for a sudden rush of the imagination, which surprised me, but there’s a trust that Ford establishes with the reader that made the letting go worth it.

Get this on your lists!