Blood Will Tell: The Strange Story of a Son of Ham

"Blood Will Tell: The Strange Story of a Son of Ham" by Benjamin Rush Davenport is a thought-provoking novel set in early 20th-century Boston, where the prestigious Dunlap family grapples with complex issues of race and societal norms. The story unfolds within the walls of the Dunlap's shipping and banking firm, delving into the ramifications of John Dunlap's granddaughter, Lucy, being engaged to Walter Burton, a man suspected of having African ancestry. The discovery throws the family into turmoil, particularly old John and his brother James, as they debate the tainting effects of race and the potential damage to Lucy's future. Fueling the tension is young Captain Jack Dunlap, Lucy's childhood friend who harbors secret feelings for her, adding layers of romantic longing and internal conflict to the unfolding racial drama.