PBS’s “Finding Your Roots” is back, and this week, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. has snagged a pair of literary heavyweights: novelist Amy Tan and poet Rita Dove. Forget dusty archives and microfilm; this episode spans continents, from the sprawling landscapes of China to the complicated history of the American South. For Tan and Dove, whose works often touch on themes of heritage and identity, the journey into their family histories takes on an added dimension, blurring the lines between their crafted narratives and their own lived realities.
Gates, never one to shy away from a good narrative twist, reveals ancestral secrets that could easily be ripped from the pages of Tan and Dove’s acclaimed works. For Tan, best known for “The Joy Luck Club,” the exploration of her Chinese lineage is bound to unearth some surprises. Dove, the former U.S. Poet Laureate, might find that her family’s Southern roots hold stories as powerful as any she’s penned.
Let’s be clear: This isn’t just your average genealogy show. “Finding Your Roots” combines meticulous research with the emotional impact of discovery, and with guests like Tan and Dove, the potential for profound revelations is high. If you’ve ever wondered about your own family’s hidden stories, this episode will likely resonate deeply.
“Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr.” airs Tuesday, January 21st at 8:00 PM on PBS.
