The Many Daughters of Afong Moy has a fascinating premise, how are traumatic memories of our ancestors part of our genetic heritage? In this novel, Jaime Ford tackles this scientifically real and not yet strongly understood topic of epigenetics using the lens of Afong Moy- the first Chinese woman to live in the United States. We read from numerous perspectives, all of whom are the female descendants of Afong. 

I thought this novel had tremendous possibility that was squandered with heavy handedness and flat characters. By halfway, it became clear to me as a reader that the characters were making unlikely choices and experiencing every possible trauma in a way that felt unrealistic and upsetting without sufficient character growth. 

I am a fan of novels with multiple perspectives but I think Ford added a few too many for this narrative. By the time we circled back to another chapter from a character, it was hard to remember their story arc. Eventually the stories come together in a highly unbelievable and corny way. I would have loved to see this handled in a more subtle way, and unfortunately the characters I most enjoyed had perhaps the least time on page. 

I can't recommend this book, but I do respect the historical and scientific research that went into its writing and publication.