He was my father. I own half his genes, and all of his history. Believe this: the mistakes are part of the story. I am born of a man who believed he could tell nothing but the truth, while he set down for all time the Poisonwood Bible.
The protagonist reflects on her identity and connection to her father, recognizing the inherited traits and shared history that shape her life. She acknowledges that while he aimed to represent truth, his actions led to significant consequences, implying a complex legacy that includes both wisdom and errors.
The quote highlights the duality of her father's influence—he was a man of conviction, yet his past decisions, represented through "The Poisonwood Bible," also illustrate the inherent mistakes that contribute to their family's narrative. This complexity emphasizes that understanding one's background is crucial to personal growth and embracing imperfection.