Book Synopsis: Major Norman Starr of the National Security Council is about to appear before a congressional committee to publicly account for his covert actions. In a tense weekend of reflection and thought, Starr remembers his ancestors -- all-American but not always right -- hoping to learn something of himself from their triumphs and even their tragedies. From a framer of the Constitution to a slave owner, from a Supreme Court justice to a courageous suffragist, they all recall a strong heritage that Starr must somehow reconcile with his own actions and belief.
