As an amateur genealogist, I was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, it was too esoteric for me. The writing style did not draw me in.

A powerful, science based refutation of the "evolution" (forgive the pun) of eugenics to nationality and culture discourse. The author comes out swinging in the introduction and the book is petal to the medal for the rest of the short book. I was very impressed by the authors frank discussion of culture in realistic terms instead of easily quantifiable datasets.

Just because something can be measured, doesn't mean it should or that it's useful!

I personally would have enjoyed a bit more of the science included in the book text and general expansion of some of the threads and ideas. All parts are well referenced, but I would have liked to not have to go seek out all the reference material for some further background on specific genetic details.

Overall, a powerful book that I hope gets read by scientists in diverse fields. I definitely recommend this as a primer to Sapiens or Eve and similar more in-depth texts that don't handle this nuance well or at all.

The Levant has long been the crossroads of empires and civilizations. They have left their marks etched into monuments and papyri across the region, but their signs also exist in the DNA of the people who originate there.

This is the first book I have read that relied on genetics to describe the history of a people, and I really learned a lot. The first 2/3rds of the book is a look into the history of homo sapiens and the first migrations out of Africa 90,000 years ago -- of which the Levant was one of the first stops. Zalloua shows how climate fluctuations affected migration from Africa and back until humans cought on and stayed about 60,000 years ago.

Through genetics he traces interactions and inter-breeding with Neanderthal groups and the migrations over the Zagros Mountains and further eastward into Asia and beyond (Australia and the Americas). It is a fascinating and detailed look at human history.

Zalloua's interest in genetics is highly personal. He is Lebanese, and he relates that he found in his own DNA the traces of both Crusaders and Arabs. He relates research he conducted for National Geographic to find evidences of Phoenecian heritage in sites across the Mediterranean -- a study which led him to find a close genetic relative in Sicily, of all places.

The last 1/3rd of the book focuses on the history we find in the history books. Zalloua shows the rise of empires, although he is focused on genetics more than on conquerors. As a historian, his account isn't convincing (I found an account of Hebrew history that differed from the accounts in the Bible and other histories of that era), but it connected his genetic research with mainline history nontheless.

Zalloua dismisses the idea of "culture conflict", a lends through which many interpret the Levant today. He shows, genetically, that there has been very little intermixing and conversion among the different religious communities of Iran: Christians stem from Greek and European immigrants to the region, Muslims from Arab and African lines. He also includes interesting accounts of the genetic history smaller Maronite and Druze communities there.

If you're reading for a unique insight on history, Ancestors: Identity and DNA in the Levant will provide it. I recommend it more for those with a scientific bent, though, not those trying to fill in gaps in their understanding of the cultures and empires that rose and fell along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.

Special thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouse for providing me with an advanced galley in return for this honest review.

**Book Review: *Ancestors* by Pierre Zalloua**

In *Ancestors*, renowned geneticist Pierre Zalloua embarks on a profound exploration of identity, culture, and migration, particularly in the context of the Middle East. As the popularity of genetic testing surges, Zalloua's work serves as a crucial reminder that our understanding of ancestry is often oversimplified.

Drawing from his own experiences growing up in Lebanon, Zalloua delves into the complexities surrounding what it means to be "indigenous" to a land, especially in a region as historically rich and contested as the Levant. He challenges the notion that genetic ancestry alone can define one's identity, emphasizing the importance of history, culture, and the lived experiences that shape who we are.

Through a narrative that spans 100,000 years, Zalloua intertwines genetic research with the historical movements of people in the Levant, offering insights that are both enlightening and provocative. He deftly illustrates how the interplay of genetics, culture, and ethnicity has evolved, especially in a region marked by its diverse populations and turbulent history.

Zalloua's writing is both accessible and thought-provoking, making complex genetic concepts digestible for a broader audience. He urges readers to reconsider their perceptions of ethnicity and identity, promoting a more nuanced understanding that transcends simplistic genetic markers. His arguments are supported by a wealth of research, yet they resonate on a personal level, as he reflects on the real-life implications of these discussions.

*Ancestors* is not just a scholarly work; it is an invitation to engage with the ongoing conversation about who we are and where we come from. Zalloua's insights prompt us to reflect on the significance of our personal histories and the cultural narratives that inform our identities.

For anyone interested in genetics, anthropology, or the intricate tapestry of human history, this book is a must-read. Zalloua's compelling analysis reshapes our understanding of ancestry and identity, making *Ancestors* a pivotal contribution to the discourse surrounding heritage in the modern world.

Rating: 4/5

Ancestors: Identity and DNA in the Levant by Pierre Zalloua delves into the fascinating connections between genetics, history, and identity in the Levant, one of the world's most historically complex regions. Zalloua, a geneticist, expertly navigates how DNA can reveal deep ancestral roots and shed light on the interwoven history of the people in this region. Through a mix of scientific research, personal stories, and historical insights, he traces the movements and intermingling of populations over time, offering a fresh perspective on modern concepts of identity.

This book fits comfortably in the non-fiction genre, blending science and history with a moderate length of about 300 pages. The pacing is steady, balancing in-depth scientific discussions with engaging historical narratives. The feel is both educational and reflective, as Zalloua invites readers to explore their own heritage while understanding the shared genetic connections of the Levant.

Zalloua guides readers through both personal and scientific discovery. He combines complex genetic concepts with personal anecdotes, creating an intimate and informative reading experience. Uncovering hidden pasts and blending science with storytelling comes through strongly, making it appealing for those who enjoy explorations of identity and history.

One of the book’s strengths is how it makes complex genetic science accessible to non-experts, providing insight into how DNA reveals the migration and interconnection of populations in the Levant. Zalloua’s writing style adds needed relatability. However, the scientific language may be a bit challenging for readers unfamiliar with the terminology, and the historical depth might feel overwhelming for those not well-versed in the region's history.

Readers who are fascinated by genealogy, DNA testing, or the intersection of science and identity will find this book particularly engaging. It's also well-suited for anyone interested in Middle Eastern history and anthropology.

"Our genes are like silent witnesses, recording the paths our ancestors took, the battles they fought, and the love they shared. In the Levant, these stories intertwine like vines in a vineyard, revealing a rich tapestry of human history."