This book was written before the DNA evidence showed the Jefferson male/Hemings link. Certainly, there are detractors who now that DNA confirms a Jefferson link no want to blame it on Jefferson's brother or nephews. Gordon-Reed is a lawyer and she breaks down each argument against this link. Interesting read.

History from the other side. Sent me on a quest to read slave narratives and other first sources of the era.

All one could possibly want to know about the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. Recent DNA findings aside, I had no idea that it was a continuing controversy. Gordon-Reed is a lawyer who presents the argument for the relationship as if someone had taken the affair to court. Certainly a thorough document, but the vehicle becomes long and tiresome - amazing the amount of angels dancing on the head of this particular pin.