By Jacquelin Hipes
Andrew Solomon struggled for years to accept his homosexuality, told by his parents — and mother, in particular — that being gay was a choice he could elect not to make. … Happily for Andrew, he worked through his self-doubt to accept himself as he is, and instead turned his attention to families like his own, where the children and parents are profoundly different from one another.
Andrew’s exploration produced the best-selling book, Far From the Tree, which now serves as the inspiration for director Rachel Dretzin’s documentary. … Far From the Tree isn’t about answers, though, as much as it is an acknowledgement. Of the difficulties in raising a child so different from yourself, and the guilt that can arise when those obstacles cause frustration or doubt. Of the prejudices faced by those who look or behave differently than expected. (One exchange in particular between a cameraman and one of Jack’s classmates is as poignant as it is illuminating.) And most importantly, it’s an acknowledgement of the unwavering love that parents feel towards their children, an emotion so powerful and unchanging that it supersedes any challenge.
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