You may be talking about "
Was," by 
Geoff Ryman.
I'm going to move your thread to a Forum called 
Reading Recommendations, where you will find a bigger audience for possible commentary on this book.
I would also like to welcome you to MobileRead.  Please feel free to browse through the sections.  We also have thousands of free ebooks available.  Please see my sig. 
 
I just sent you a PM, as well.
Don