Dia Kristy read and liked Katy's review of Slaves in the Family:

"I could not put this book down as the author described searching for and meeting the African-American descendants of slaves who were owned by his own ancestors. Excellent slice of history! "

Dia Kristy read and liked Gail's review of Slaves in the Family:

"I bought this book in Charleston at the gift store in the Aiken house. Reading it while in South Carolina gave a good context for the historic sites I was seeing. It's taken me a little under a month to finish. At times it was slow moving, but th...more I bought this book in Charleston at the gift store in the Aiken house. Reading it while in South Carolina gave a good context for the historic sites I was seeing. It's taken me a little under a month to finish. At times it was slow moving, but the book was at its best when Ball described conversations with people. He did an amazing amount of research to trace back bloodlines. This is an important book. I felt confused my the end where he goes to Sierra Leone to find the descendants of the slave traders. This was the only part of the book where Ball seemed to have an agenda. He connected so well with Americans, and not at all with the Africans. The ending felt forced. (less) "

Dia Kristy read and liked Catherine's review of Slaves in the Family:

"I had a personal reason for reading this book. I (a white woman) found out that my great grandfather was the son of a black woman & white slave owner) that had worked and her family had worked on a plantation for decades. I have tried without resul...more I had a personal reason for reading this book. I (a white woman) found out that my great grandfather was the son of a black woman & white slave owner) that had worked and her family had worked on a plantation for decades. I have tried without results to find more of their lives. This book is about a descendant of a slave owner contacting the descendants of the slaves that worked the plantation. Although not particularly well written, this strikes at my very core and I feel more connected. I want to feel and know my great,great grandmother and her heritage and reading this book is a good first step in that pursuit.(less) "