By Sandy Amazeen Oct 9, 2007, 1:59 GMT
The discovery of a genetic flaw typical of the Jewish population that predisposes women to breast and ovarian cancer in the author’s family made matters of race, religion, DNA and politics personal. Entine first examines the often sticky question, “who is a Jew” before launching into a wealth of fascinating history about the people, DNA research and isolated population groups. Mixed into the occasionally less then solid science, are some myths including the Exodus and the Lost Tribes along with a few general misunderstandings regarding members of other religious groups that dilutes what could have been an excellent read. The assorted genetic markers that stalk particular segments of the population are quite interesting and reveal some surprises, not the least of which is a common ancestry of Palestinians and Jews. The last chapter raises the controversial topic of racist stereotypes, acknowledging race as a valid if imprecise means of discussing different ethnic groups and challenges readers to balance issues of unity and separation.
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