“James FitzGerald’s What Disturbs Our Blood is a brave and compelling journey into the world of mental illness, and a riveting look at the father-son divides in a family of talented over-achievers. While plumbing the depths of one family’s tragedy, FitzGerald manages to tie in important Canadian medical discoveries, two World Wars, and the history of Ireland in an ambitious, yet riveting narrative. In heartfelt, lively, and meticulously researched prose, he links the personal to the political. Following the lead of Sigmund Freud, he dares to stare unblinkingly into the sun and honestly examine the troubled father-son relationships that have plagued his family line. In the end, his ghosts bid him farewell and leave him free to walk his own path.” -- 2010 Writers’ Trust Nonfiction Prize Jury (Hadani Ditmars, Sid Marty, and Michael Mitchell)