Hidden Heritage
by Barbara Marshak
Published by Beaver's Pond Press
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Reviewed By Melissa McNallan
Subtitled: The Story of Paul LaRoche
A boy was born at Saint Mary's Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota to a Sioux woman who managed to hide her pregnancy from her family, and who chose to give her son up for adoption. A white, middle-class couple from Worthington, in Southwestern Minnesota, adopts him and he becomes Paul Summers. His adoptive mother, Irma, explained his dark complexion as a French-Canadian connection.
In a telephone conversation thirty-eight years later, Paul says hello to his biological brother, Fritz, for the first time. "Hey, bro," Fritz replied. "You're Sioux!'" Paul and his family journey back to the family of his blood the Thanksgiving after the brothers' first conversation. Journeying home to the family of his birth brings Paul's family to the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation in South Dakota.
After he, his wife and children are welcomed home at the reservation, Paul strives to bring the culture of his upbringing and the one of his blood together through his music to heal the wounds of the past. Following what he feels called to do both artistically and spiritually, takes him on a journey that is both difficult and rewarding.
Paul LaRoche writes in the foreword of Hidden Heritage, "I am certain though that we are on the road less traveled, the one that brings a sense of purpose while navigating its narrow path."
The risks of the path are embraced not only by Paul, but by his entire family. His wife, Kathy Summers, stands with him and sometimes pushes him forward past his own doubts. His children, Shane and Nicole, make their own discoveries while following him through his musical, familial and spiritual journey.
This is also a story of the balance that can be found when both husband and wife disregard keeping up with the Joneses, do their best for each other and their family without completely losing themselves.
Armchair Interviews says: An interesting real-life story of culture and blood relations. A 3+ star read.
Author's Web site: http://www.BarbaraMarshak.com