Before We Were Yours
by Lisa Wingate
A heartbreaking historical novel based on the true scandal of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, which kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families.
Spoiler Warning
This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own discretion if you haven't finished the book yet.
Stolen Childhoods
Before We Were Yours weaves together past and present to tell the devastating story of the Foss children, taken from their riverboat home and sold through a corrupt adoption scheme.
The Dual Timeline
In 1939, twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her siblings are torn from their parents and placed in the Tennessee Children's Home Society. In present day, attorney Avery Stafford uncovers connections between her grandmother and a mysterious woman that lead back to the orphanage.
What Makes It Exceptional
Historical Truth
Based on the real crimes of Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children's Home Society, the novel sheds light on a dark chapter many never knew existed.
Emotional Depth
Wingate captures the trauma of family separation and the fierce love between siblings with devastating authenticity.
Dual Narratives
Both timelines are equally compelling, with Rill's story providing heartbreak and Avery's offering hope for resolution.
Beautiful Prose
The writing is lyrical yet accessible, particularly in describing life on the Mississippi River.
Character Development
Rill's transformation from river child to survivor is masterfully portrayed.
Considerations
Difficult Subject Matter
The abuse and trauma depicted, while handled sensitively, can be hard to read.
Predictable Elements
Some connections between past and present are telegraphed early.
Convenient Resolutions
Certain plot threads tie up more neatly than might be realistic.
Final Thoughts
Before We Were Yours is a powerful novel that honors the victims of a real tragedy while celebrating the resilience of family bonds.
Rating: 4.5/5
Best for: Historical fiction lovers, readers interested in family sagas, and those drawn to stories of survival and redemption
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