The Seven Daughters of Eve

Bryan Sykes guides us through the science of mitochondrial DNA, its discovery and its importance to the study of the origins of humanity and human evolution. Through this work, he traces the lineage of all modern Europeans back through time to seven clan mothers, gifting each of them a fictional narrative describing their lives in pre-history. I was so grateful for Sykes's hand-holding throughout the scientific parts of this book! His clear and simple and often funny explanations make what would otherwise be a dense and impenetrable subject wholly accessible to the layman. So good, and a must read for anyone interested in genetics and family history.