Excellent read, a complex, special book.
592261
It's brainy literature with a lot of interesting ideas about: a) relationships within the context of a larger social groups (male friends, husband-wife, parent-child, husband-wife of husband's friend, husband-son of husband's friend, etc.), b) how we construct, remember and retell our own personal histories, and c) cultural perception of mental illness and antisocial behaviour, and how this is expressed in the art world. It's slow paced at first, and midway through there is more tragedy/suspense. I really loved this book. But, it's not for everyone. Great for people who enjoy literature, art, and psychology.
3543168
This book pulls you in and keeps you there until the last page.  Every character in this complicated yet simple story is real.  The accusations toward Father Art are fairly straightforward.  The "baggage" each character brings to the story is deeply complex.  Told from an interesting perspective of the priest's half sister, the reader slowly begins to perceive the complexities of all the various participants.  Never preachy and never cynical, the story opens many questions of faith, loyalty, family values, and the role of the church (in this case Catholic church) in the lives of those that believe, those that once believed, and those that scorn.  Interesting and engaging.
2410455
Others have spoken on individual aspects of the book. I would like to comment on the technical excellence of the complex plot. The numerous threads are woven together expertly so there is no confusion to the reader. The elements of fantasy are totally believable, the characters  real, the story absorbing. The book is a wonderful blend of the real and unreal, carrying the reader along through the centuries and through many adventures.
3337520
This is rather a complex novel, in that there are quite a few characters and different events taking place. However, as the story progresses, the focus from one event to another become easier to follow, especially as you learn of the connections between the people and events. In fact, the gradual putting together of each event and learning of the connections between all the characters and their circumstances, was exceptionally well done.

The character development is excellent, with a fascinating array of characters from powerful and intelligent women, a vulnerable but incredibly strong teenage girl, to criminals, rapists, a devoted teacher, a social worker under pressure, various nationalities & religions, all adding further depth to this somewhat harrowing story.

The topics covered in this novel are not for the faint-hearted, such as rape, abuse, violence and human trafficking. However, at the same time I'd like to add that I did not feel anything was glamorised. All the topics feel very sincere and real. As a woman who lived in the Yorkshire city of Bradford for a few years during my late teens in the 1990s, and was forced to experience things I really wish I hadn't, although finding some of the subject matter hard to digest at times because of my own personal experiences, I cannot express enough how well some of the subjects were approached.

This novel also covers multiculturalism and religion. On one side of the coin there are the rough Polish gang types, showing little respect for anyone, and who you really don't want to mess with. Also, the Afghan migrants, who you really wouldnt wish to encounter either. Yet, on the other side of the coin you have the Muslim family from Basra who believe in kindness and integration into society. I loved the father, Abdul's dreams and ideals that Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars should come together and teach reconciliation not division. He has a true respect for the country and culture he is now part of:

"In a society that has offered us protection, he tells his sons, people are face to face, confessing to their faults, meeting each other's eyes, and in general showing that they are free, fair and accountable. We commit a terrible offence by hiding our faces when others so openly expose themselves to judgement. The headscarf, yes, but not the veil."

I found this to be quite a powerful statement that gives hope of a peaceful society across all cultures and religions.

The relationship that develops between a male teacher & a teenage girl, who is a pupil of his, is also very sensitively approached and impossible not to get emotionally involved in their unfortunate situation. Leading me onto one more quote Id like to take from this novel, as I felt it summed things up rather well. How often do we look at situations in front of us in a far too complex way, rather than just focusing on the important things:

This thing weve been living through. Its not about people trafficking, immigration, community relations; its not about racism, multiculturalism, and all the things I am supposed to put at the top of my agenda as a social worker; its not about forced marriage, honour killing or the enslavement of women. It is about that girl and how to give her back her life.

On that note, Id like to recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well written novel with depth, that challenges our thoughts on many very real aspects of modern day society.

I would also strongly recommend this book be used as part of a book club read, as there are lots of topics that would make for great discussion.

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
1785429
I devoured this book in 5 days.  I loved it.  It may not be for the casual reader.  Some of the language, especially at the beginning, is a bit dense.  I had to look a lot of words up.  (At least one Ullman appears to have made up or at least used liberally.)  But this was one of the most rewarding reads I've had in a long time.

"By Blood" is refreshingly *not* a modern book, not in its plot (which takes place partly in the 70's and partly during the Holocaust) nor in the narrator's voice.

I think this is an important book for writers to read.  I have been reading a lot of disappointing fluff lately that seem to be blog posts or short stories expanded (weakly) into novels.  "By Blood" is deep, thoughtful, worth every page, sharply structured, and unique in its framework.  I personally enjoyed the voyeuristic story-telling, the fact that we're learning about two characters through one.
460333
An excellent, excellent read.  Don't be mistaken.  This book is not only for adoptees and/or birth relatives.  It is a
study in human nature.  Your biggest mistake would be not to buy this book.
2454931
Deeply spiritual and thought provoking, excellent read.
2678751
This is a wonderful book, intricate in detail, description, and character. It is not for the casual genre reader, but for someone with the patience to see it through over 700+ pages.
4246075
This book is one of the best I've ever read.  Complex,  rich characterization, stirring, human.  The mystery leads you one way then another with little glimpses of the fateful evening.  I kept putting it down as I didn't want to end the experience.
2600394
An extraordinary book. Beautifully written and powerful. I was surprised to see that a couple of readers disliked it and I think they did because they were looking for a different book. This is not meant to be a book about Down syndrome or about how to raise a child with a disability. It is a memoir, a personal story about the complicated combination of sorrow, disappointment, pride, love, joy, fear, courage, strength, vulnerability, and anger that one mother experienced during the first year of her child's life. Adams and her husband did not know ahead of time that their child would have Down syndrome and their first child did not have a disability, so they were completely unprepared for Henry. The book is about how Adams adjusted to the tremendous difference between her expectations and the hand that life dealt her. She does not sugar-coat her experience or pretend that it is typical; she knows how privileged her family is and how much harder things would have been if they'd had fewer resources. If you are a parent of a child with a disability, you may relate to her story or may find it totally unlike yours. But if you've ever wondered what your life might be like if you found yourself with a disabled child, you are sure to find a lot in this book that will touch you.
2704448
A wonderful but extremely complex book about a wonderful but extremely complex subject: psychophysiology, neurophysiological and neurochemistry of the human brain.  One can easily get lost in its complex terminolgy if one is not near the absolute peak in all three areas, but that is inevitible if one is to truly learn about these processes.  A truly scholarly book of the old days when science was pure science, not what it has become.
4293940
This is a heart-rending story; far more complex than you expect it to be, and a smashing good read.  Not everything is always as it seems.
40966
I first "entered" Goldstone Wood through reading "A Branch of Silver A Branch of Gold." It was a phenomenal book. Anne Stengel has a gift for creating complex characters and stories. A good example is the Dragon Witch herself. It's hard to hate her, and I don't want to give away too much, but you will probably want to weep by the  end of this book.

The Dragon Witch is both one of the most complex, and yet easily understood characters in Goldstone Wood; she is so complex her full story took two books to tell.

I recommend reading Starflower, before you read this book, it will make more sense.

So far, I have read "Heartless" "Starflower" and "Dragon Witch" while I have been waiting for another story about Heloise and the Family of Night, written about in "Branch of Silver Branch of Gold"

Anne's books are interconnected, and should be read in order, to understand the complex plots and characters.
3617967
The best book about a very complicated subject I have ever read.
3411380
This was a very complex book, but the historical accuracy of the writing is excellent and the scenes are set extremely well.
It would be a great book club book which is why I read it in the first place.
4152012
This book is an excellent read. It gives you examples for complex concepts as well as highlights things that are of greater importance in each chapter.
1379261
A worthy read albeit a bit tedious at times. Complex, detailed and original. Can't imagine the mind and skill set that could create such a masterful work.