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Author:  Jean Jardine Miller

Publishers:  JM Publishing

ISBN: 9780973137651

In The Family History, a multigenerational saga of one family’s heritage, author Jean Jardine Miller explores how grief affects two women who become widowed mothers at disparate times in history. Although one lives in the nineteenth century while the other lives in the twenty-first century, they experience similar emotions and struggles as they are challenged by their parallel circumstances.

In the dedication, Miller describes this novel as, “A tribute to my own nineteenth century ancestors who worked on the Thames and whose lives inspired this story.” Her passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter are evident as she seamlessly weaves her tale back and forth between the present and the past. 

In taking us into the various generations of this family and showcasing their similarities as well as their differences, Miller reminds us of what it means to be part of a family, connected through invisible ties that can never be severed, and affecting us in ways we may never fully realize. We must not take our ancestors for granted while remaining cognizant of the legacy we are leaving our descendents.

The characters we meet in this story – including those who reside in present-day Canada as well as those who lived in mid-Victorian England – could be the members of any family. They face issues and confrontations that exist in most families and they do their best to find their way through difficult times. They are highly relatable and you will find yourself empathizing with most of the characters as you read their tales of affliction and get a glimpse into how they live with the unfortunate truth: “Death is, after all, just another part of life, isn’t it? The people we love die, and we have to go on.” 

As with every family, however, this one does not only experience bad times. Miller takes us into the everyday lives of these characters, showing us their ups as well as their downs. There are tender moments, sad moments, joyous moments, and amusing moments. Relationships grow and develop, friendships deepen, and connections are made.

Miller also gives her readers a sociological context in which to view the characters. Against a backdrop of family dynamics, she reminds us of the importance of education, gender issues, poverty and class struggles, and perseverance.

The Family History will leave you feeling a gamut of emotions and appreciating your family in a new way.