Author Talk: Revelation: A Memoir of Deep Family Secrets, Discovery, and Identity by Richard Gary Kaye and Annette Schwarz Kaye

Wiltonian Richard (Rick) Gary Kaye’s intimate memoir is a riveting story about a devastating family secret his parents perpetuated for over 60 years. At a Jewish fundraiser, advertised as a fun “DNA Reveal Dinner,” Rick and his sister Randye, were shocked to discover they are, in fact, half-siblings.

Within 48 hours, they learned the man they called Dad was not biologically related to either of them. “Revelation: A Memoir of Deep Family Secrets, Discovery, and Identity,” takes the reader on Rick’s emotional roller coaster as he wrestles with deception, secrets, and lifelong memories now seen through a new lens.

A burning need for the truth about his paternal medical history and ancestry sets off a yearlong quest to uncover the facts. He and his wife Annette became obsessive detectives to painstakingly unravel the mystery of Rick’s conception and find the identity of his biological father.

Did Rick’s mother have an affair, was she raped, or was there another explanation? Those questions were just the start. With only the tiniest of clues but great perseverance, puzzle pieces began to connect, gradually revealing a secretive world of anonymous sperm donation in the 1950s.

Follow Rick and Annette on this fascinating journey and see how they ultimately solved the mystery that affected over 30 families and changed their lives forever.

Rick’s story was reported in the Wall Street Journal and he was interviewed with Randye in an NPR Podcast “Think Before You Spit: The Pandora’s Box of DNA Testing.”

Rick Kaye and Annette Schwarz Kaye, originally from Queens, New York, are longtime residents of Wilton, CT where they raised their sons, Josh and Adam. Both attended Wilton Public Schools from kindergarten to graduation from Wilton High School.

“Revelation” is the authors’ first book, which attained instant #1 Best Seller status on release day in several categories on Amazon. It is a story that Annette and Rick felt compelled to write.

“Revelation” is published by Gershon Press and available online. Copies also will be available for purchase at the event for signing.

The media sponsor of our author talks is GOOD Morning Wilton.

Registration required. To register and see more information, visit the Wilton Library website, or email or call the library’s reference librarians at 203-762-6350.