Echoes of Our Ancestors: A dark and powerful multigenerational saga about family, secrets and guilt

A Civil War–era secret carries consequences into the present day, raising the question of how long the past can shadow a family. Philip Richards struggles with self-blame over his sister's abuse by their grandfather. He avoids relationships, drinks heavily, and pursues dangerous activities to escape his guilt. When his father dies, two significant events occur: he meets Edith, a free-spirited poet, and discovers a manuscript—a stolen narrative documenting a Civil War relationship between his ancestor Russell and Fever, an enslaved woman who became Russell's wife. As Philip learns new details about his family history and identity, his understanding of who he is and where he comes from shifts fundamentally. However, fresh allegations emerge that bring past crimes into the present day. Echoes of Our Ancestors is a multigenerational saga exploring trauma, race, and abuse, and examining whether families can free themselves from the weight of their history.