The Roots of Desire: The Myth, Meaning, and Sexual Power of Red Hair

Marion Roach

There's something about redheads, isn't there? Marion Roach aims to find out what, exactly, it is. And while, at the end of this little tome, we know that there are some genetic difference, and a good deal of myth and folklore, the mystery of the redhead is still preserved. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is entirely up to you.

Roach divides the book into three parts, with the first covering the myths and legends, the second the science, and the third... well, it's supposed to be the allure. But it actually ends up being a meshing of the driving forces of the two sections that preceded it; those looking for prurient interest are likely to be quite disappointed. That said, the book is never less than readable, and Roach's personal quest, which is what the thesis of this book boils down to, is engaging enough that it's unlikely the reader will find himself with an overwheling necessity to, say, throw the book under the couch to feed the dustbunnies.

I get the feeling there could have been more to this book-- a lot more, perhaps-- but an equal part of me feels that it simply wouldn't to do get rid of the mystery altogether, would it?