Another fabulous book from Lisa Wingate, but this one takes a different turn. Lisa has taken actual events, the adoption scandal of The Tennessee Children's Home Society that was exposed in 1950, and has woven an engrossing account of lives changed. It is told in two different voices in two different times, but unlike some books that doesn't prove a distraction. It is very easy to keep it all straight, and it adds to the suspense by taking you up to a point and then pulling you back to a different aspect of the story. The characters are well developed, and you are allowed to peel back the layers slowly to get the big picture. As Rill's story unfolds, you are held spellbound by the unrelenting sadness of her situation, and horrified by the fact that these things really happened to some children. Wingate has a gift for imagery that pulls you into a scene. But in true Lisa Wingate fashion, there are also plenty of happier moments to relieve the sadness and many truths uncovered. Avery's story gives some interesting insights into how political families live their lives on display. She wasn't the most sympathetic character in the beginning, but she did grow on me as she learned to be more aware of her own aspirations and feelings. A well-crafted new effort from Wingate, it is one of those books you can't put down and you don't want to end!
This book is a little different twist for Lisa Wingate. She has taken actual events, the adoption scandal of The Tennessee Children's Home Society that was exposed in 1950, and has woven an engrossing account of lives changed. A large family living on a houseboat on the Mississippi River finds themselves in a desperate situation one dark and stormy night. The father must take the mother, in the midst of a life-threatening childbirth, to the hospital leaving the five children on the boat. Operatives for the predatory orphanage grab the children and propel them into a terrifying situation. Big sister Rill tries desperately to protect her siblings and keep them together through it all. It is told in two different voices in two different times, but unlike some books that doesn't prove a distraction. It is very easy to keep it all straight, and it adds to the suspense by taking you up to a point and then pulling you back to a different aspect of the story. The characters are well developed, and you are allowed to peel back the layers slowly to get the big picture. As Rill's story unfolds, you are held spellbound by the unrelenting sadness of her situation, and horrified by the fact that these things really happened to some children. Wingate has a gift for imagery that pulls you into a scene. But in true Lisa Wingate fashion, there are also plenty of happier moments to relieve the sadness and many truths uncovered. The other voice is that of Avery, the daughter and heir-apparent of a political dynasty. Her story gives some interesting insights into how political families live their lives on display. She wasn't the most sympathetic character in the beginning, but she did grow on me as she learned to be more aware of her own aspirations and feelings. This is a well-crafted new effort from Wingate - one of those books you can’t put down and you don’t want to end!
Before We Were Yours: A Novel
4.6 | 146,326 ratings
Price: 8.99
Last update: 05-14-2024
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Top reviews from the United States
Crawfish Queen
Lisa Wingate's best book yet!
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2017Brittany F.
The heartbreaking truths of the past.
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
Brittany F.
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
This book is heartbreaking but also eye opening. The world we live in then and now, the way the rich are seen vs the poor.. It was not as easily exposed decades ago like it is now but naturally the issues from 1920 didn't disappear because news coverage and podcasts expose more, people just got better at avoiding direction or creating other distractions to hide the nasty.
Though this tale is heartbreaking it was a very good read in my opinion. Avery is stubborn and I love that she pushes on to find the truth. Rill is one of the sweetest motherly 10 year olds just trying to hold it all together and protect those she loves. ❤️
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Val
Based on real history
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024klderosier
A well written tragedy
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024Joanne
Captivating story about a tragic history
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2024