Early Chapters Discussion: Reaction

[clarepayton]

The story begins with a joyous event that also introduces uncertainty into Dana and Hugh Clarke's marriage. What did you make of their reaction? What about it seemed expectable? Were you surprised at the level of anxiety that Lizzie introduces into their lives?

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Note: This discussion topic is particularly suitable for readers who have only read the first part of Family Tree, through Chapter 8. If your comment reveals an important plot twist from later in the book, consider posting in a separate thread.

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[kiakar]

Of course this tension had to happen. This was not expected. I do not have knowledge of the statisces but I know this is not something that happens alot, that I know anyway. They were expecting a girl or boy that shared the idenity of themselves. This totally had to be the largest shock of their lives. But you have got to get over it. This little girl will be very sensitive to negative feelings that are felt about her. In some instances she cries when the conversations get heated. The parents have to face it. This can happen and trust and love one another to make the marriage last.The trust to know this is their child.And there should be no rhymn or reason into what genes she carries,she is who God made her. That makes her the little adorable baby that she is.

[BarbaraDelinsky]

Know what the original title of FAMILY TREE was? THE UNEXPECTED. You hit on the right thought, kiakar.

As for statistics, believe it or not, we don't know what the exact odds are of a child like Lizzie suddenly appearing. I worked with geneticists on this one, and though they had different opinions, the one thing they agreed on was that the premise of FAMILY TREE is possible. How possible? We don't know that, any more than we know the odds of one brown-haired parent and one blond-haired parent giving birth to a red-haired child.

[kiakar]

Barbara, I have a friend who had blonde hair and her husband had black hair, dark skin and they had a pale skin bright red headed little girl. But thank goodness her husband trusted her and didn't demand to be tested as her father. I do not know of a case, but have heard of it happening like in your book. It seems with my friend, her grandmother had red hair.

[johanna49]

As for statistics, believe it or not, we don't know what the exact odds are of a child like Lizzie suddenly appearing. I worked with geneticists on this one, and though they had different opinions, the one thing they agreed on was that the premise of FAMILY TREE is possible. How possible? We don't know that, any more than we know the odds of one brown-haired parent and one blond-haired parent giving birth to a red-haired child.
Barbara

Barbara,
I am glad you clarified this point that Lizzie could be born with African American features. You did that by through your wonderful genetics research.

[BarbaraDelinsky]

Research is a really important part of every book I write. Yes, I write fiction and am protected to some extent by the disclaimer on the copyright page, but my readers take me seriously. So I work with professionals, in this case geneticists. If I say something factual, I want to be right. Mind you, a scenario doesn't have to be probable, only POSSIBLE. And Lizzie's appearance certainly is possible.

I also found it fun doing this research what with all the advances in DNA science of late. Being able to monitor what percentage we are of African, Asian, European, and Native American ancestry -- wow.

I also have to say that I'm a little confounded. DNA tests now are inexpensive, non-invasive, and fast. Why haven't they been done on Anna Nicole's little girl and the three (or is it four) guys claiming to be her father? I hate to think it's because the tabloids don't want this story to end ...

[kiakar]

barbara, this is so true; I guess the state or judge where the child lives can't order the tests to be done. Poor little girl! Wonder what her life will be like. Wonder who would make the best father. And Anna's mom , with the mess Anna was, maybe she should just bow out of the picture all together. Something didn't go right with that. So maybe the lawyer would be good to raise her. But who really knows. Just pondering the notions of this scenioro.

[clarepayton]

was enough for me. I accepted your explanations in the narrative that it was possible this could occur. I think you chose a fascinating subject, which raises all sorts of issues and ideas for us.