Echoes of Our Ancestors

by Brenda Vicars

A dark and powerful multigenerational saga about family, secrets and guilt

How long can the shadows of the past hang over one family?

Phillip Richards puts little value on his life. He avoids close relationships and blames himself for the sexual abuse his sister suffered at the hands of their grandfather. To drown his sorrows and evade his guilt, Phillip drinks too much and engages in dangerous activities.

When his father dies, two more life-changing events take place. Phillip meets Edith, a free-spirited poet, with whom he feels an instant connection. He also comes across a manuscript, a stolen narrative that chronicles the Civil War relationship between his ancestor, Russell, and Fever, the slave who became his wife.

As new details about Philip’s family and his own identity come to light, his perception of who he is and where he comes from is turned on its head. But even as Phillip comes to terms with the issues that have loomed over his family for decades, fresh allegations bring the crimes of the past flooding into the present . . .

Echoes of Our Ancestors is a dark and moving multi-generational saga that explores themes of trauma, race, and abuse—and the question of whether, and how, we can free ourselves from the past?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Thriller

366 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2024

About the author

Brenda Vicars is mesmerized by the way long-forgotten ancestors influence our lives. She believes transgenerational trauma is a hidden river that runs through past generations and bubbles up into the present. This concept inspired her new novel, Echoes of Our Ancestors, published by Bloodhound Books, Cambridge, UK, July 2024.

She started composing poems and stories as soon as she learned to read, but most of her career was spent helping others write. She taught levels from middle school through college, including college English to inmates inside a Texas prison.

Her debut novel, Polarity in Motion, published in 2014 by Red Adept Publishing, topped Amazon charts. She says this book was inspired by the reality that the playing field is not level for all young people, and she wanted to bring disenfranchised voices to the page.

Reviews

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly ...what a book!

When I first started it did take me time to get into the story, but once I got to the manuscripts I dreaded putting it down. Historical fiction isn't a genre that I read often. Unfortunately with that genre I often struggle to get into the story. To be fair, I did have some initial troubles getting into this one but those manuscripts changed everything for me!

I loved going back and forth and seeing the connection between the characters past and present. Knowing where we come from is important but it's also worth remembering that we don't have to be defined by the past. In this story our MMC, was so quick to judge himself based on the sins of his family. He really didn't give himself much grace but I loved that there were other characters wanting justice and true understanding.

I definitely feel like this one was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. If you have personally experienced any sexual traumas, I would urge you to proceed with caution when grabbing this book.

Echoes of our Ancestors is one of the most emotional and powerful novels I've read in quite some time.



I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the concept of this with the dual timelines, flashbacks that uncover family secrets, and the manuscript was particularly gripping as it explores his ancestors lives and forbidden love.
It explores dark topics but in a powerful and emotional way so holds your attention and shows character flaws but also enlightenment.
It looks at themes of identity, racism, trauma and guilt, which is definitely thought provoking as it guides you through culture and heritage.
I enjoyed how Phillip was able to face his demons and change from despair to hope, with the help of Edith.
This is a reflective journey looking at what we inherit from our ancestors and how it can shape who we are and society as a whole.

[Jennifer DeMarco · Rating 4 out of 5]

How does the connections with our ancestors and the past influence the events in our future? Phillip blames himself for the anuse his grandfather and most men in his family perpetrated against women. This comes to a head when Phillip himself is accused of assault.

If you like dual timelines, redemption for past wrongs, and Kristin Hannah, you will love this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this. In the beginning the flash backs that occurred through reading a found manuscript were a little confusing, but as the story progresses it ties in nicely and provides insight to current events. This was a 4 star read and I definitely recommend!

[Jazzy Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although he was only young at the time, Phillip blames himself for the abuse his sister suffered at the hands of his grandfather and has been reclusive ever since. He also drinks more than necessary and can have blackouts where he cannot remember anything that happened, even though he may appear lucid to others. Phillip finds some papers written during the American Civil War and meets a girl during one of his blackouts - two events that slowly change the course of his life. Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook.

[Shelly Saucedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So interesting from the start & kept you the entire way through. I was surprised how emotional I was at the very end & didn’t realize tears were falling from my eyes. Great book!

[Cathrine "Capi" · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reinforced to me the "if you don't like it from page one, keep reading a while, you may change your mind!" I was about 65-70 pages in and just NOT feeling it -- well, rather, feeling detached and just not like I was in the mood for "a dark and powerful multigenerational saga about family, secrets, and guilt", as noted in the book's description on Amazon (I'd been reading a few heavy political nonfiction books and needed something light -- this wasn't light!). But I kept reading, and when Sabine's manuscript was found and Philip and Edith were reading it, I became mesmerized. Sometimes learning family history is very enlightening, and explains behaviors and feelings that are otherwise inexplicable. I found parts of it choppy and difficult to read and process in the context of the story, but others flowed and ultimately explained those other parts...hard to express, really, but even the most seemingly inconsequential portions were important pieces of the big picture. It explains so much of current feelings on race and how we, truly, are all just part of the same family. Definitely worth the read!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a part of a writing group with the author, and have read snippets of earlier drafts of this book over the course of the past few years, so I was eager to see how all of the pieces fit together, and to read the finished product. This book did not disappoint, and in fact, it held my interest so well that I sat on the couch determined to finish it despite being on vacation in a beautiful place where I usually spend my days hiking.

Each aspect of the storyline - both the past that is a memoir written by an ancestor of the book’s main character, and Philip’s own story - is intriguing in and of itself. Some events are troubling and difficult to read about, but in the context of the entire story, they are important and add an important dimension.

The characters are each interesting in their own light. Philip and his journey from a difficult home life, his sisters who were left behind, Lupe, Rosa and their warm family that embraced him in his teen years, Edith and her own questions about identity, as well as Feevah, Seth and the other characters in Sabine’s memoir.

The theme of wrestling with our country’s legacy of slavery and racism as well as how this also affects families and descendants both black and white, carries through the story in powerful ways that offer new insights about the implications that are with us still. I highly recommend that you read it for yourself.

[Suzie Diaz de leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The word that was in my head from the start to the finish.....INTRIGUING! Did not let down at all. Loved it.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, absolutely riveting! The book is particularly captivating when it delves into the past. It's an amazing read with so many layers to explore. The intricate storytelling and richly developed characters kept me engaged from beginning to end. Each chapter unveils new depths and insights, making it a truly immersive experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and multi-dimensional novel.

[M Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this and thought the history and Philip’s reactions to it were well done. It is a nice story with a great voice. Not only for Phillip, but for all of the characters past and present. I am going to read Polarity in Motion next. Thanks Brenda, for taking me out of my own head for a while.

[Crystal Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing ARC read from Bloodhound Books. I absolutely loved this book. The way it flowed between past & present. The writing style kept me engaged & the way it shows that no matter how far generational trauma flows through the blood in your veins, it can and will be broken if the desire & willingness to look at those hard truths is there. It's so easy to fall into a pattern of avoidance & it's hard to sit with not only your demons but the demons of the past. As this book shows, those demons can and will be conquered, and you will be better for it & so will future generations.

[Carol Engler · Rating 1 out of 5]

30% in and I honestly have had enough of the creepy sexual abuse story and abusive nature of this book.
DNF

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, is powerful.
The uncomfortable storyline and topics of the manuscript and the current day family trauma and healing journey that also everyone is on is written with great depth and feeling. Guilt, shame and self destruction at the forefront of the family dynamics.
Not only struggling with ancestral demons and shame but also carrying this into their own lives. Determined to break the cycle of fractured souls Philip comes close to losing everything. But the love of his family and friends solves the memory loss of the night in question, and as a family through the words of the past they all come together acknowledging the past and the present fractual pieces of themselves.

I felt all the emotions with this book, I laughed and I cried and I was shocked into tears. The shocking truths and lies of the 1800’s manuscript will leave you wondering how far the world’s moved on?

This book is a powerful tale of love, shame, history, ancestral trauma and healing. A book like Iv never read before and will I have no doubts be with me for a very long time after I have finished.
I will be checking out Brenda’s previous books and look forward to more books from this author.

I would highly recommend however some people may wish to check for trigger warnings first.

[Narinder Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long can the shadows of the past hang over one family?
Echoes of Our Ancestors is a dark and moving multi-generational saga that explores themes of trauma, race, and abuse—and the question of whether, and how, we can free ourselves from the past.

The way the past is interleaved with the present story is perfect! I loved the complexity of Phillip's character and the internal struggles he faced with those from his past. He was truly such a wonderful character that you cannot help but root for.

There are some really hard themes of abuse and slavery dealt with in this book and the author does so authentically. She manages to demonstrate that humans are flawed and even when they are trying to deal with real life problems, they don't always get it right.

I wasn't sure where this book was going to take me, having read the blurb quite quickly, but I am extremely glad I went on this ride. It's a book that leaves you feeling like you don't want it to end

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a strange story. I definitely didn’t get pulled in quickly and was tempted to put the book down in favor of other things.

There are 2 storylines, one being a historical fiction one. I found the historical fiction interesting initially. The present day story had interesting parts but then I found it melodramatic. I wasn’t buying the ancestral curse storyline that permeated. Several times I rolled my eyes. The story just felt forced to me.

One thing that does redeem the book is that it is written well. So in that respect it is easy to keep reading. But the story itself just did not resonated with me. Convoluted with way too many characters and themes that were not necessary to drive the story forward.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and it's also a genre that I don't very often read, but there was just something about this blurb that drew me in and made me want to give this a go.

So I tend to shy away from much historical fiction, but I found that this was much more a family saga storyline.
The characters were intriguing and very well presented from the start.
As we follow Philip on his journey, it really does make you stop and consider all of the different aspects of the revelations he discovers.

I loved the writing style which grabs you from the start, pulling us into Philip's world and fusing his past and present together.
The storyline flows well and although the pace is quite steady, the content really does hold your interest throughout.

This was an enjoyable read and left me reflecting on both Philip's journey and with thoughts about the effects my own ancestors have had on our lives.

[Megan Goebel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has an interesting premise but some parts were just odd and it was hard to overlook.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echoes of Our Ancestor AUDIO by Brenda Vicars is a complex and engaging story of a man who is riddled with guilt over the fact his sister was molested by his grandfather when she was twelve and he fifteen, and, in his eyes, he failed to respond. He ran away from home, managed to get himself a decent education as well as skills, and became a part of a migrant community near the border. When he was in college, he proposed to Rose, the sister of his friend but she and her parents disappeared. He spent years looking for her in Mexico until he finally heard she had married. He floated from construction job to construction job, always a valued employee, and he drank at night. Sometimes he had blackouts. He got called home because his father died and in the process of finding the will, he found writings of a great-uncle, that soured his world even more. He had secured the love of a good woman, Edith, but he never could get a grip on his life as he was swept up into an even bigger mess.

This was a long and complex story. It’s theme was inherited trauma, which I am not sure I completely buy. I do believe that nurture has a lot to do with it and if a traumatized person is “nurturing” a child, the child will be affected by the trauma. This is a story told in two timelines, one in the form of a lost manuscript. It is also the story of family., friendship, and love. I thoroughly enjoyed the listen, although I thought the ending was a little “woke” and a bit of a cop-out. It was compelling, full of family problems, and deaths. The story unfolded well and gently invited the listener to keep going. Thanks Brenda Vicars for a good read (listen)!

Curtis Michael Holland was the reader and he could have been better, although he did seem to relax as he got into the book. He hesitated, almost as if he was having difficulty knowing how to read. His voice was good and he fit Philip’s persona well. It was an enjoyable listen, overall.

I was invited to listen to Echoes of Our Ancestors by Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #DreamscapeMedia #BrendaVicars #CurtisMichaelHolland #EchoesOfOurAncestors

[Hannah Nussbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what happens with a secret from so long ago. Will say there is some sexual abuse in this story a note for people who don’t like to read about it. This story also deals with slavery and racism. It leaves you thinking overall a good book.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One cannot enter this book lightly or think it is a beach read. The story, which builds in intensity, is an excellent look into the reality of slaves in our history and the generational impact that exists from that time still today. Brenda writes with clarity and honesty, bringing up emotions of both sympathy as well as horror. How many times does this story play out today that is not even known? Trauma impacts more than the victim and lasts longer than is known. I recommend the book to be read with open eyes and a heart that is open as well. I appreciate that Brenda did not shy away from the difficult topics within. I highly recommend the book.

[Ann Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book in a giveaway from Goodreads. The writing isn't bad but the character development is very much lacking. For a book to be good for me I must love the characters and I just did not care love or even like the characters in this book. This is why I am giving it 2 stars.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really convoluted and confusing story lines…..

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read about 100 pages and just felt it was too repulsive. Abuse, snakes, alcoholism made it cringe worthy but not page turning worthy.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brenda Vicars tells a story meant to illustrate how trauma carries forward - unresolved - continuing a pattern of harm and trauma from old to new generations (transgenerational trauma). Overall in a fairly entertaining story, she succeeds but I found this a really mixed bag of a book because it was so obvious throughout that we were being "taught" something and the characters became caricatures at times because of it. And it can be hard to believe some of the things that happen. One historical fiction part of the novel was actually offensive in terms of a relationship between a man and a woman of very unequal status. It glorified a particular relationship while recognizing that in other settings such a relationship would be abusive. I kept thinking Vicars would clarify this because so much of what her characters do and say is meaningful and leads to appropriate and interesting results. But no. It just hung out there as a love story that by it's very nature was not okay or realistic.

Phillip Richards left home at 15 because his grandfather assaulted his 12 year old sister and the family did not protect her. He's all grown up and a super-capable employee of a guy who builds plants. He travels and seems to be an electrical engineer. He finds from his younger sister, the one that was four years old when he left, that his father is dying. It's been twenty years since he saw him and she convinces him to go home. There, he finds both sisters at the hospital, friction arises between Philip and the victim sister, he is convinced to go get his father's will and in the trunk where it was hidden, he finds a manuscript that lays bare a family story that is both fascinating and troubling. The novel focuses on a variety of things. In Philips case, he can be a black out drunk. He has been a wanderer. He lost the first "girl/woman" he ever loved and searched for her for years before moving on. He has unresolved shame over not protecting his younger sister and he hates his father. His mother already died when his father is dying. He incurs the wrath of a woman at a local bar. He meets another woman he feels a genuine connection to, but it is really contrived and seems to be so she can open his eyes to the manuscript he found and think deep thoughts. Shit happens. He gets in serious trouble. He finds people who care. He begins to work on himself in a new way. Etc. etc.

This is NOT to say I didn't find this book entertaining, which is why it has such high ratings. For some reason, I was hooked on a lot of Phllip's back story, I was hooked on the story in the manuscript with the asterisk about the inappropriate relationship and I was into the community he was working in and the bar crowd. I did not find interesting or very believable the woman whose wrath he incurred or the trouble he gets into and I found a lot of his interactions with the new woman totally unrealistic and badly written. Also, in this case, I did not like the narrator who chose a kind of whiny smarmy tone for the book. Not the worst I've ever heard at all but I think he made some bad choices on the voices he used and it got on my nerves. Like most narrators I'd range from A - to A+ and this person was a B. So not a deal breaker. All in all, there were moments this book was absolutely a five star book and it was well written and engrossing and then it wasn't. And I cannot bring myself to say the whole package wound up four stars for me. So it's a 3.5 rounded down.

[Thebookhermit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was hard for me to review! Not because I didn’t like it, but because I struggled to find the words to really do it justice.

Echoes of Our Ancestors is a haunting story about generational trauma and how secrets, lies, and cycles of pain can echo from one generation to the next. At its core, this book is about breaking those generational curses. It’s a reminder that the sins of the father are not the sins of the son, though we often carry them anyway, letting them shape our lives in ways we don’t even realize and believing the lie that “if they were like this, I will be too.”

Philip spends his life burdened by the guilt of leaving his home and sisters and mom behind after his grandfather SA his sister dinah. He begins to believe he's no different from the rest of the men in his family as he has followed the same path of alcoholism as the generations of men in his family before him have.

When his younger sister calls to tell him their father is dying, he returns home seeking closure and discovers a manuscript detailing a Civil War Era relationship between one of his ancestors and an enslaved woman named Feevah.
Feevah’s story is utterly heart-wrenching and adds so much depth to Philip and his sister Dinahs story. Though the main focus is Philip I did see a resemblance of attitude that Dinah and another one of their ancestors shared. Every character in this book has their own flaws showing how imperfect they really are making them incredibly relatable.
The author Brenda Vicars did a phenomenal job weaving the past and present together in a way that had me turning the pages, eager to understand more.
There’s so much to unpack about this book. It's not a lighthearted read! It tackles incredibly heavy and potentially triggering topics such as racism, abuse, alcoholism, SA (including of a minor), slavery, grape, and generational trauma. It’s raw, honest, and heartbreakingly reflective of real-life pain from both the past and present. That said, I believe Brenda Vicars handled these topics with care. She doesn’t linger on being overly graphic about the above content, but the emotional weight still hits with the impact it deserves.
While the pacing starts out slow, the emotional depth and purpose behind this story are undeniable. I’m giving it 4 stars for now, though I wouldn’t be surprised if I came back and changed it to 5. Because even though this book is painful, books like this matter. They don’t offer escape they offer reflection, connection, and sometimes even healing for those who’ve lived through similar darkness.
I do want to add that this is a book you have to pay very close attention to because it has a dual timeline with a numerous amount of characters.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Echoes of Our Ancestors Brenda Vicars delivers a powerful narrative centered around Philip Richards, a man grappling with guilt and the dark history of his family. The story begins by highlighting Philip's inner struggles, particularly the trauma from his sister's abuse, which deeply affects his life.

Vicars skillfully illustrates Philip’s self-destructive behaviors, such as alcoholism and reckless choices. These actions are not just rebellion; they reveal a man trying to escape his painful heritage. His complex character makes him relatable, and I am sure that readers will root for his quest for redemption.

The character of Edith, a lively poet, introduces hope into Philip's life. Their evolving relationship offers a counterbalance to his struggles and emphasises how love can lead to healing and self-acceptance.

The novel also features a dual narrative that includes a historical manuscript about Philip’s ancestor, Russell, and Fever, a former slave. This adds depth to the story as it explores themes of race and power, providing insight into how history shapes identity.

Echoes of Our Ancestors showcases Vicars' talent for addressing heavy themes with sensitivity. Her lyrical yet grounded writing captures the weight of history while offering hope for the future. This multi-generational tale encourages readers to reflect on their own legacies and the shadows they may carry. A compelling and insightful read, it's a must for anyone interested in the connections that tie us to our ancestors.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This isn’t my usual genre of book and I honestly didn’t know where this book was going to take me, but I wasn’t disappointed at all. As you can guess from the title, the book explores the journey of what we can inherit from our ancestors. This is a dark and moving multi-generational saga that explores themes of identity, slavery, racism, trauma and guilt, which is definitely thought provoking as it guides you through culture and heritage.

The story is told through dual timelines, flashbacks and a manuscript that uncover family secrets. I found this format gripping from the start. It explores dark topics but in a powerful and emotional way so holds your attention and shows character flaws but also enlightenment.

The way the past is interwoven with the present story is perfect! I loved the complexity of Philip's character and the internal struggles he faced with his family and those from his past. He was a wonderful character that you cannot help but root for. Whilst Philip was a flawed character (and let’s face it, who isn’t), I enjoyed how he was able to face his demons and change from despair to hope, with the help of Edith, and find peace. As well as those around him.

There are some really hard themes of abuse and slavery dealt with in this book and the author does so authentically. Brenda manages to demonstrate that humans are flawed and even when they are trying to deal with real life problems, they don't always get it right.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Our Ancestors written by Brenda Vicars and narrated by Narrated by Curtis Michael Holland is a powerful, socially relevant saga of the effects of historical generational a8use within a family and the resounding efects that echo through time.

The most poignant facctor of this book for me, was that it was told from the maeperspective of Phillip Richards, who carries the weight of guilt throughout his life. Not because he committed the heinous acts, but because he did not speak up.

His life takes a turn from despair and self-hatred when he meets a free-spirited woman, Edith. A poet who he connects with immediately and at the same time, a manuscript detailing a forbidden relationship of his civil war ancestor

This is an incredible, heart-rending listen which is both socially relavant and a powerful saga that takes the reader right back to the darkest days of the civil war and right back up to the darkness that is pervading soceity once more. A stunning narration from Curtis Michael Holland of some very difficult subject matter

Brenda Vicars has created an outstanding narrative that highlights parts of this darkness and perspectives that are often not considered alongside important issues that traverse and fester through time. Absolutely outstanding

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, Brenda Vicars and the narrator Curtis Michael Holland for this incredible ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[Sam | Sambooka23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very poignant, cathartic read. Many questions are brought to light that I feel we would sometimes ignore or dodge. The premise of the book was thought-provoking.

Do our ancestors influence or lives?

It’s a question I’ve actually never asked myself. So ask yourself, do they?

We follow Phillip on his journey. He blames himself for his sister suffering abuse at the hands of their grandfather. He hides away from the world and allows that grief to eat away at him. It is heartbreaking to see him this way and follow his journey. He is someone who needs to allow himself to heal, not blame himself (hard, I know) and then we meet Edith.

We are taken on such a journey I was hooked from start to finish. We covered a lot of themes from racism, sexual abuse, trauma and much more. It was a very deep, meaning and powerful read.

As someone who worries about reading historical fiction, I would highly, highly recommend. It changes the way your brain thinks. It’ll change a lot for you by the end. I thought it was very life-altering and meaningful.

A huge thanks to @lovebookstours and @brendavicarshummel, @bloodhound.books for allowing me a copy of this fantastic book. I’ve honestly questioned a lot throughout the book and seen things different.

I am forever changed.