My god was that a good book. It had a slow start in the beginning but when you push through and get to the part where the main character phillip discovers the family manuscript, the book truly takes off.

"Echoes of Our Ancestors" is a compelling drama that delves into Phillip Richards' internal battle with his family's tumultuous past and the darkness within himself that he fears is a legacy. Over a decade, Phillip's journey through denial, guilt, and self-hatred is portrayed until a pivotal relationship leads him toward forgiveness, acceptance, and tranquility. The intricate dynamics between Phillip and his sisters further deepen the narrative. Brenda, the author, skillfully unfolds a complex tapestry of familial abuse, presenting characters whose imperfections render them relatable and human. While their actions may not always be excusable, they highlight the broader societal responsibility for collective guilt that cannot be attributed to a single person. The story poignantly traces the lineage of a family's present-day struggles with sexual assault, and emotional, and physical abuse back to the suffering endured by their ancestors who were enslaved in the South before the Civil War emancipation.

A hard read at times but eye opening at the same time, makes you think how much of the past shapes your life.
Original story and loved the closeness of the characters
Thank you netgalley