Before We Were Yours
By Lisa Wingate (Author)
“Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate is a poignant and powerful novel that explores the dark history of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and its impact on families in the 1930s and 1940s. Through a dual narrative structure, Wingate skillfully tells the story of Rill Foss, a young girl taken from her family and placed in the care of the corrupt orphanage, and Avery Stafford, a modern-day woman grappling with her family’s past.
The novel delves into themes of identity, family, and the enduring bond between siblings. Wingate’s writing is evocative and emotionally resonant, capturing the heartache and resilience of the characters as they navigate through adversity.
The characters are vividly drawn and complex, eliciting empathy from readers as they struggle against injustice and fight to reclaim their stolen lives. Rill’s journey in particular is heart-wrenching, as she strives to protect her siblings and hold onto her sense of self in the face of unimaginable hardship.
“Before We Were Yours” is a gripping and thought-provoking read that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history. Wingate’s meticulous research and sensitive storytelling combine to create a novel that is both heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page.
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