Why did it take so long for the limitations of ancient DNA research to be exposed? There had been some criticism beforehand, but it was swallowed up by the flashy headlines in the media that our view of the earliest history of mankind had to be completely rewritten. The blame for this not only lay with journalists, but also with a number of scientists who grossly exaggerated the relevance and reliability of their research, out of ambition and possibly also to get more funding for their work. Swedish archaeologist Anna Källèn, (Stockholm University) lists all the criticism here. And she does so with verve: “a few scientists and scholars who have exploited the symbolic value of DNA to tell sensational stories have been rewarded with major research grants, prizes, and public visibility. And those evangelical claims that DNA offers a perfect window onto the past have gained purchase in the popular press and have the greatest impact on broader audiences.” Källèn does not claim that archeologic genetics is worthless, on the contrary, but she is particularly offended by the absolute certainty with which (some) genetic researchers send their claims out into the world, while in reality that research is subject to all kinds of limitations. Ultimately, it turns out that it is mainly methodological limitations, the interpretation and the narrative translation of that research that determine the strength or weakness of this research, just like in all other historical research. Källèn explains it clearly. This is a welcome relativization of a new field of research in historical science. Although the disadvantage of such a publication is of course that it does not immediately provide a corrected substantive picture. More in my History account on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6875957959. Thanks for the ARC from Netgalley and the publisher.

I found the information in the book very accessible. It explains very well the use of ancient DNA and its pitfalls. As such, I think the book is important due to the widespread use of genomics in many areas. However I found the tone too literary with the use of too much jargon; I prefer more conversational tones. Overall, this book is well worth reading. Thank you to Netgalley and University of Chicago Press for the advance reader copy.

Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis has revolutionized our understanding of the past, but this book reveals how these scientific findings are shaped by storytelling, political agendas, and the limitations of current methodologies. The author explores the ethical implications and potential misuse of aDNA narratives, questioning which stories we should accept as factual and the responsibility of scientists in shaping public perception.

This book offers a fascinating look at aDNA, both the science and the narratives around it. The author stresses that the evidence of aDNA is often scant and insufficient to support the stories told about it. The book is interesting and easy to read—and a good reminder to embrace skepticism.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Trouble with Ancient DNA: Telling Stories of the Past with Genomic Science by Anna Källén is a thought-provoking exploration of how genomic science shapes our understanding of history. Källén, an expert in archaeology and ancient studies, delves into the complexities and ethical considerations of interpreting ancient DNA (aDNA) findings.

The book examines how scientific discoveries are often intertwined with storytelling, influenced by contemporary methodologies, technologies, and even political interests. Källén’s narrative is both insightful and critical, questioning the narratives we construct about our ancestors based on genetic data. She highlights how certain aspects, such as sex, eye color, and skin color, are often sensationalized, overshadowing the broader and more nuanced stories that only aDNA can tell.

This book helps bridge the gap between scientific rigor and accessible storytelling. Källén uses case studies, such as the analysis of Cheddar Man and ancient migrations, to illustrate how aDNA research can be both enlightening and misleading. She emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and the potential misuse of genetic data in shaping historical narratives.

Källén’s writing is engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts understandable for a general audience. She skillfully balances technical details with broader reflections on the implications of aDNA research. The book also addresses the responsibilities of scientists and storytellers in ensuring that the narratives constructed from genetic data are accurate and ethically sound.

The Trouble with Ancient DNA is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, history, and ethics. Källén’s critical perspective encourages readers to think deeply about the stories we tell and the evidence we use to construct them.

This is a public service announcement in book form! My grand takeaway is that the average person (myself included) just doesn't know enough about DNA (ancient or otherwise) to avoid being duped by certain media-propagated narratives (dare I write "fibs"?). Headlining cases like the Viking warrior found to be female following aDNA analysis simply illustrate the mental models we have about the ancient world and ourselves. I appreciated the references to Donna Haraway's situated knowledge: we are imperfect and biased and we need to acknowledge this. I laughed at the idea of a "violent matriarchs in central Europe trafficking male sex slaves" ... but the author is right: DNA doesn't tell us the full story or any story, really. This is all "genetic astrology" (Mark Thomas). At the same time, the author sometimes dances around the problems she's trying to raise, often through vague references ("a despot in a country not far from where I sit") or endless philosophical questions. I didn't quite understand what she was going for about race and science. I felt that I had to do a lot of work to fill in the gaps. For instance, "can we say that a population has 'died out' while maintaining that the science has nothing to do with the construction of race or racial typology?" What the author's saying here (after several re-reads) is "no." If DNA cannot be used to define race, then it can't be used to undefine race. I suspect that others will have similar trouble parsing this otherwise worthy and needed text.

The Trouble with Ancient DNA discusses how information from DNA can be incomplete which in turn can create stories of archaeological finds that are false/misleading. There is discussion of the limitations of interpretation of DNA at the present and where it has led to discoveries which cannot be confirmed. Real world examples are used and does it answer the question: is ancient DNA really useful at this time?

This book is a critique of our growing obsession with DNA as the ultimate key to the past. Bridging the gap between geneticists and historians, Källén skillfully exposes how easily ancient DNA findings can be oversimplified, misrepresented, and sensationalized. With clear explanations, she challenges the notion that DNA alone can tell us everything about our history and identity.

Källén’s insights remind us that while DNA is a powerful tool, it is not a magical answer to the complexities of the human story. The Trouble with Ancient DNA is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the intersections of science, history, and identity.