What We Inherit

A Secret War and a Family's Search for Answers

De: Jessica Pearce Rotondi

Narrado por: Jessica Pearce Rotondi

In the wake of her mother's death, Jessica Pearce Rotondi uncovers boxes of letters, declassified CIA reports, and newspaper clippings that bring to light a family ghost: her uncle Jack, who disappeared during the CIA-led "Secret War" in Laos in 1972. The letters lead her across Southeast Asia in search of the truth that has eluded her family for decades.

On the night of March 29, 1972, Jack's plane vanishes over the mountains bordering Vietnam. The crash eerily echoes the one Jack's father, Ed Pearce, survived over Germany in World War II, when Ed parachuted out of a burning plane before being captured and sent to Stalag 17 prison camp.

Years later, Ed will become convinced that his son is still alive and that the US government he fought for is lying to him. What We Inherit is Rotondi's story of her own hunt for answers as she retraces her grandfather's journey to Laos in search of his son.

An excavation of intergenerational trauma on a personal and national scale, What We Inherit reveals the power of a father's refusal to be silenced and a daughter's quest to rediscover her voice in the wake of loss.

©2020 Jessica Pearce Rotondi (P)2020 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Jessica Pearce Rotondi brilliantly probes the mysteries of a secret war while simultaneously exploring the secrets of her own family, to give us a book about coming to terms with many kinds of loss. Exceptional." (Salman Rushdie, Booker Prize-winning author of Midnight's Children)

A riveting and emotionally-wrought journey

What We Inherit is an exquisite story that traverses a grieving daughter's loss, a family's hidden saga, and the landscape of a country's secret war. Jessica Pearce Rotondi -- my dear friend and personal role model -- recounts how, in the days after losing her mother to cancer, she uncovers her family's decades-long search for an uncle who went MIA in Laos in 1972. The discovery sends her searching for answers, and the journey is one of personal and historical reckoning. Told with poignancy and grace, this story will resonate for anyone who has lost a loved one and been left with unanswered questions.

Incredible story, storytelling and narration.

This is one of the best books I’ve read in years, combining an unnerving blend of honesty, heartbreak, and talent. The author is an incredible storyteller, the story itself is remarkable, and I’m touched by the strength of the family it depicts. A strong recommendation to all.

Fantastic

This book transported and riveted me—a must-read/listen. So grateful to Jess for telling her story!

Thoughtful book

It was wonderful to hear Jessica read her own words, since this was such an important, personal book. My husband flew EC 47’s in Laos in 1973, and we were lucky to have him survive. However, the pain of the Secret War and the great losses in Laos , never left him. He lost his crew in Laos, and the story has never been completed. My daughter is researching about that crash ( she has actually met Jessica).
Bravo to you Jessica for sharing this story- I am hoping that you have some peace for you and your family.

An excellent personal history of the Vietnam War.

This book is a unique angle on the Vietnam War. The narrator takes you along on her journey as she uncovers the mystery of what happened to her uncle after his plane was shot down on Laos. The story switches very effectivly from past to present to tie everything together and has a very heartfelt conclusion. The author reads the book and she is a pleasure to listen to!

Family memoir, military service, Laos 1970s

Captivating, suspenseful saga of one family’s loyalty and perseverance in the face of enormous tragedy and the unbreakable bonds of family hold true through decades and generations. . .a tale of grit and purpose read with great tenderness and love. VERY highly recommend.

Great Book

Edwin Jack Pearce is from my hometown. Reading about the faith, determination and persistence the Pearce family had in bringing Jack home was astounding. Throughly enjoyed hearing Jessica share the story and her emotion throughout the reading. Highly recommend.