What happens when genealogy meets consumer DNA testing and family history is no longer confined to archives, certificates, and oral tradition?

In The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are, award-winning journalist Libby Copeland explores the profound impact of home DNA testing on individuals, families, and the practice of genealogy itself. What begins with a simple cheek swab can lead to astonishing discoveries: unknown relatives, misattributed parentage, long-buried secrets, and fundamental questions about identity and belonging.

Blending deeply reported journalism with compelling personal stories, Copeland examines the culture of genealogy enthusiasts, the science behind genetic testing, and the powerful commercial forces shaping the industry. At the heart of the book is a gripping real-life genetic detective story that will resonate with anyone who has ever searched for answers about where they come from.

This online book club meeting invites members of the Society of Genealogists to discuss the opportunities, ethical dilemmas, and emotional consequences of DNA testing—and what this rapidly changing landscape means for genealogists today.

A timely, thought-provoking read for anyone interested in family history, identity, and the future of genealogy.

Booking this session will add you to our Book Club membership and you will receive an invitation to all future meetings. Book Club is a member only event. 

Click here for information about our events.  Contact events@sog.org.uk if you have any questions.