Jamie Ford’s The Many Daughters of Afong Moy is the latest pick for Jenna Bush Hager’s Today show book club.
Ford’s novel, published Tuesday by Atria, follows a poet dealing with mental illness who connects with her ancestors in an effort to make sense of her own trauma. A critic for Kirkus wrote of the book, “Ford raises fascinating questions, but a rushed ending too neatly ties up the answers in an unconvincing, sentimental bow.”
In an interview with Publishers Weekly, Ford said his novel was inspired by his interest in epigenetics, the study of how environmental influences can affect genes.
“Epigenetics has opened the discussion that we possibly inherit behavioral and psychological traits that impact how we react to pain, to other people, to love,” he said. “My book is about inherited trauma, but it’s also redemptive and hopeful. I call it my epigenetic love story.”
Hager praised the book as “one of the most beautiful books of motherhood and what we pass on to those that come after us and what we inherit” and “a book about strength and goodness.”
She had more to say about the novel on Instagram, writing, “This book highlights female grit and ambition, and shows how LOVE is the most powerful force of all. This book changed my life.”
Ford shared news of his book’s selection on Instagram, writing, “No big deal, just watching the @todayshow in the SLC airport and crying as @readwithjenna announces The Many Daughters of Afong Moy is the August pick!”
Michael Schaub, a journalist and regular contributor to NPR, lives near Austin, Texas.
