The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford

 Afong Moy was a real woman. Her daughters are fictional possibilities used to explore the idea of epigenesis.  In 1826 Afong Moy was illegally brought to the United States from China and exploited as an oddity on stage to the benefit of her "handlers".  In 2045 Dorothy Moy struggles in her life in Seattle. She was once the Washington poet laureate but dreams and feelings of trauma have affected her ability to function. When her young daughter begins to "remember" things she could not possibly have seen, Dorothy decides to contact a councilor who is exploring the idea of epigenesis.  Through her story we meet 5 other generations of women all who carry trauma historical and new. One of the best parts was the climate change affected weather in Seattle - trauma enough itself!
Depending on whether or not you buy into the idea of epigenesis, the book is either interesting fiction or magical realism. You choose.