Birthright Bay - Paperback

by Russ Pommer (Author)

Maritime Lawyer's Quest for Birth Parents: A Tale of Adoption, DNA Mysteries, and Nautical Adventures in Modern America.

In BIRTHRIGHT BAY, we follow the gripping journey of Ishmael Dreyer, a successful maritime lawyer in Boston, as he grapples with his identity and embarks on a relentless quest to uncover his biological roots. This tale, echoing undertones of Herman Melville's Moby Dick, is a riveting exploration of identity, heritage, and the lengths one man will go to discover his true self.

Originally set against the backdrop of 1940's and 1950's Brooklyn, the narrative weaves through the final voyage of the transatlantic steamship Andrea Doria, and the vibrant, colorful world of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ishmael's life is steeped in maritime adventures, including thrilling late-night drug runs, painting a vivid nautical motif that will captivate readers.

As the story unfolds, the advent of DNA testing in the 1990's provides Ishmael with a new tool in his search for his birth parents. This scientific breakthrough also unravels a long-forgotten mystery in Gloucester about a missing child, adding another layer of intrigue to this compelling narrative.

BIRTHRIGHT BAY delves into the complex emotions of an adoptee grappling with a sense of inadequacy stemming from his unknown genetic story. The narrative is imbued with a somber tone as Ishmael navigates the challenges of his search and confronts the reality of his findings.

The book also sheds light on the questionable practices of Louise Wise Services, a once-prominent Jewish adoption agency in New York City. It offers a nuanced portrayal of Jewish life in the United States, from Brooklyn to the insular community of Gloucester.

Authored by a lawyer, BIRTHRIGHT BAY is rich with legal insights, providing readers with a glimpse into statutory requirements and their interpretation by courts. This work is a tightly woven, fast-paced narrative that will appeal to readers who appreciate a good story, filled with irony, legal intrigue, and a deep exploration of identity and heritage.