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
more
This was a fantastic book. It is very well written and even though you go from then to now, I did not find it confusing. It starts out with “river rats” trying to survive on the Mississippi River back then to a wealthy senator’s family now. The secrets that start to unfold now that has to do with the events that happened then makes for a very interesting read. I read this book in record time as I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend this very interesting and sad at times book.
Captivated by characters and their flaws.
Story based on real events that took place at the a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage. Shocking and sad that this cruelty actually occurred.
Favorite book this year Based on a true story in Americas past
You won’t be able to put this book down at times especially towards the end. It’s intriguing and unpredictable. The event is real but the characters were created. I wish the story would continued. Would highly recommend this book.
Loved it could not put it down
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I can’t tell you the last time I enjoyed a book so much, but at the same time, was so angry at some of the characters that I wanted to wring their necks. My emotions went from mad to sad to happy, I couldn’t put this book down. It was amazing. Read this book!
This is a story that is heartbreaking and full of love at the same time. Based on the true events of the Tennessee orphanage that basically kidnapped children and sold them to adoptive parents, this book tells the story of a fictional family caught in this tragedy. I am appalled that this kind of behavior was allowed to happen and continue for years while being covered up by powerful people at the time. It was hard to read about 5 siblings being taken into custody, treated horrendously, and then separated from each other through adoption – knowing their real parents loved and wanted them.
The parallel story of a woman discovering her grandmother’s secret past brought the tragic story forward in time and emphasized the determination and resiliency of the human spirit. The tenderness and respect the character affords her grandmother who is suffering from dementia is inspiring.
In the end, while everything is not wrapped up with a neat bow, it is satisfying and hopeful. The unanswered questions are left that way because as the characters learn, not all answers can be found. But they also discover the power of love, family, and acceptance.
This well written story reveals an ugly part of American history, but shows the power and beauty of those who survived. A must read!
Excellent read, sorry to see it ended, loved the book!
Subject matter is something I did not know much about and it was chilling to learn about it. Based on a true story. Thought provoking and sad.
I loved this book. Unfortunately it’s probably close to what happened & based on a true story about a horrible woman & her organization.
A story of strength and courage of a little girl who fell into hands of a state run orphanage. Based on facts, this story chronicles her life for several years, then involves family two generations later. I read it from cover to cover, only pausing to charge the battery on my iPad. Beautifully written, it is an unforgettable read.
Loved it.
Not a happy subject, but a story of resilience of the human spirit based on true events. Much to be discovered in this book.
Excellent read
A great read!!
The story came in 2 parts: long ago and today. The author brought the two together very well at the end. Based on reality, it’s a special book.
I loved this book, and it was based on a true story of a horrible woman named Georgia Tann, who stole children from their parents, and allowed them to be adopted illegally by others. Lisa Wingate is a wonderful author!
This novel proves just how strong children truly are. How even in horrible circumstances they can survive & draw on each other’s strength. I saw so much of my childhood in this novel. What will make it a classic is that it’s based fact, a woman & her “adoption agency” in GA. She sold children during the Depression & wasn’t charged with a crime.
Eager to read it again & again. This is definitely one of my all time favorite books.
Very well written story capturing the kidnapping and selling of children, and following the path their lives took, and the families they became. Beautifully written story. One of the best I’ve read this year.