Family histories, when structured with passion for the research and eagerness for the truth, are so much fun to read. Reclamation is one of those books. Gayle Jessup White is not trying to make a statement or rewrite history, but tell the story of her own family and her path to prove the truth in a family rumor she overheard as a child.

The story of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings is one well-known in historical circles, but the struggle to prove African American ancestry beyond 3 generations remains one of the greatest challenges in genealogy. The author talks quite a bit about this issue in relation to her years of searching for her family line.

I can only imagine what it must be like to have delved so far into historical research that she now has the opportunity and honor to help others with the same research and in the same family. What a great read.

I really enjoyed this story, the experience spoke to me. I love History and I believe that this tells history in a interesting way that many will enjoy. People want to know History and experience that history through a great story and message. This book will answering many genealogical questions concerning the former President.

I was thrilled to be approved to read Reclamation. Stories like this are like me eating a bag of chips, I simply cannot stop nor get enough. White tells her family’s history while also researching the family lore they were descendants of Thomas Jefferson. It’s a mesmerizing read as the author plumbed different relatives and resources to ascertain the truth. I loved all the sleuthing, connections, and finds. The author discovered answers but also a new career. It’s a great addition to the cultural history of America as well as a great family history mystery story.

Reclamation was a wonderful work that fills much needed gaps. There are some who may feel that there is too much of Gayle's lift interwoven with the historical parts, but her story is also needs to be told. She tells of a upper-class Black life that we don't see enough of in books, movies or on television. It's also important to know how she came to appreciate her lineage. I enjoyed every page and I highly recommend this work to all!

I received a copy of Reclamation by Gayle Jessup White from NetGalley. I was looking forward to this story of one woman’s search which spanned over forty years, for her family history and legacy going back to Thomas Jefferson, architect of our Declaration of Independence and Sally Hemings, a slave.

I knew that Thomas Jefferson had slaves at the time of writing the Declaration of Independence with the ringing phrase, “all men were created equal… all white MEN, that is. I also knew that slave owners fathered children by slaves and these children would begin life as a slave. What interested me was the methodical approach, tedious process, and tenacity this author had to find her roots. It literally took years of research chasing down ambiguous clues.

I do think there is way too much filler in the first half of the book. It read more like an autobiography and was more of a distraction than helpful for me. There were a few points that were well made, however, I feel these could been brought into the story of her journey in a shorter and more subtle way. I almost DNF (did not finish) the book at that point. I’m glad I didn’t as that would have been a mistake. Her personal journey shines brightly and proudly. I cannot fathom this woman’s search for self growth and her own identity. Bravo!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amistad and to author, Gayle Jessup White for allowing me to read this poignant book. My review is posted on Goodreads.