THE BLOCKBUSTER HIT—Over two million copies sold! A New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller“Poignant, engrossing.”—People • “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power.”—Paula McLain Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their … Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.
Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.
Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.
Publishers Weekly’s #3 Longest-Running Bestseller of 2017 • Winner of the Southern Book Prize • If All Arkansas Read the Same Book Selection
“Sure to be one of the most compelling books you pick up this year. . . . Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.”—Parade
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A heartbreaking tale of courag, resilience and ultimate triumph.
This book is very good. I really felt for the characters.
I was shocked to learn that while this is fiction, it is based on historical fact. It is alarming to learn how unscrupulous people would basically kidnap children and sell them to parents they felt were worthy — all while making a handsome profit. And even more shocking to learn this particular woman went on about this business (often with the law and lawmakers looking the other way) for decades, and died before she could be brought to justice.
Loved!
I liked this book but I wanted more “meat” in the story. I wanted to know more about the background.
Amazing to know that this book was based on real incidences, what a world we live in!
Hart to believe what all was going on, but it showed strength of character through what was going on.
An achingly beautiful book, sadly based on a true story.
What a wonderful book! Such a tough subject but I couldn’t put it down!
Heartbreaking reality of orphans & inspiring strength of sibling love
Amazing! Based on true story.
This book broke my heart, but I couldn’t stop reading. Before We Were Yours is the riveting tale of the children of river gypsies abducted from their parents and taken to the Tennessee Childrens’ Home Society where along with lots of other abudcted children they were brutally mistreated until they were adopted out by the woman running the society and profitting heavily in the process. Alongside this story is that of Avery Stafford, a contemporary woman who finds that her high-profile political family has a long-hidden secret and is determined to uncover out what it is.
As the two stories unfold side-by-side, it quickly becomes obvious that they are intertwined. But how, is the question.
As the story progressed, I became more and more enthralled with both protagonists, one from the 1930s and the other from today. The poignancy of the story goes straight to the reader’s soul. Finding out from the author’s note at the end that the Tennessee Childrens’ Home Society was a real place and its history as depicted in the story is accurate makes it all the more heartbreaking. Though fiction, it is indeed the story of many who survived that home (and many who didn’t). I am glad their story has finally been made known.
A fabulous writer and a beautiful but sad book
I loved this book even though it broke my heart. The fact that it was based on true events makes it even harder on the heart. It is hard to believe that someone would be capable of treating children the way Ms Tann did. Highly recommend. Even though this is fiction there is so much truth.
Well written account of real events. Was recommended by a friend and though I was skeptical I am glad I picked it up anyway. Sad to think things like this really happened and makes you keenly aware of trafficking in the present world for other reasons of our young.
Very well written book that easily engages the reader and keeps your attention all the way through
I really enjoyed this book.
Loved it
I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve recommended it to all of my friends.
Well written and held my interest.