Synopses & Reviews
"A unique blend of personal and cultural history."--Harper's Bazaar
Already in its sixth HARDCOVER printing, The Roots of Desire is a witty and entertaining investigation into the power, myth and meaning of red hair. Redheads have been worshipped, idealized, fetishized, feared, and condemned, leaving their mark on us and our culture. Such is the power of what is actually a genetic mutation, and in The Roots of Desire, Marion Roach takes a fascinating look at the science behind hair color and the roles redheads have played over time. A redhead herself, Roach brings candor and brilliant insight to the complicated and revealing history of redheads, making this a stand-out narrative and an essential tool in understanding the mechanics and phenomenon of red hair. A must-have for every redhead.
Review
"One of the most extensive serious inquiries to date on what it means to be a redhead."
--Chicago Tribune"Richly salted with fascinating cultural lore, and an engaging read whether you're a carrot-top or not."--Houston Chronicle
"A strong recommendation for redheads."--Library Journal
About the Author
Marion Roach is the coauthor of
Dead Reckoning: The New Science of Catching Killers, which has recently been sold to HBO films, and
Another Name for Madness, a memoir of coping with her mother's Alzheimer's. A commentator on National Public Radio's
All Things Considered, she has published in the
New York Times Magazine,
Prevention,
Vogue, Newsday,
Good Housekeeping, Discover,
and
American Health.