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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This is a haunting tale illustrating the resilience of children and the many faces that evil doers hide behind. This book had a profound emotional impact on me and I won’t ever forget Rill, Camellia, Lark, Fern, and Gabby. Kudos to Ms. Wingate for creating an unforgettable story that is a testament to the bonds of family.
Although some of the orphanage scenes are hard to read–some children were stolen, sometimes abused, etc.–this is still one of my favorite books of the year, and while every wrong is not righted (kind of like real-life) there is a very heart felt ending to show some good that can come out of bad. Highly recommend! Lisa Wingate is a wonderful author who keeps us reading even through the hard-to-read parts so we can get to a satisfying ending.
After finishing the book, the deceptively sweet looking cover now makes my heart hurt. This was a dual timeline story, but the historical narrative was the predominant tale. There were familial links between the two, but the contemporary timeline mostly served as a mystery-solving conduit. It also inserted a little unnecessary and overshadowed romance, since most readers will have been taken in by Rill’s heartbreaking journey. A journey that piqued my history-loving mind and spurred some fact-finding of my own. This author did some amazing research and some creative writing with what she had to work with. It wasn’t all heartbreak, though. As the two narratives finally converge, there was a sorely late, but satisfyingly welcome happy and emotional ending. Definitely, a story that will stay with me.
Based on true-events, this is a wrenching account of the mistreatment of children in a Southern orphanage during the 30s and 40s. Although some of the children went on to lead better lives than their birth parents could have given them, the story is often disturbing.
A very touching story about how sisters were torn apart from family at small age. Detailing their trouble during the time of shantytown and river boats and the struggles of being placed in a children’s home where children were sold and not properly cared for. To grow up and reconnect while still leading separate lives. How one spark of recognition to a pice of jewelry would start one family member on a journey to see how a total stranger would end being her relative. To learn the entire story of how the sister found each other and were able to have their time of sisterhood without their separate families knowing. With an ending of bringing the last two sister back together for the remainder of their lives. Detailed story that makes you feel touched and how precious family is.
The way the author captures the story, the era, and places you right in the very heart of it is mesmerizing, if deeply emotional. What an incredible book, and a beautiful, intelligent read.
Outstanding nove. A quick must read.
I was astonished by my ignorance of this ugly chapter in American history, and thankful for the chance to read this heart-wrenching story of family and survival. This book will haunt me for a while while I consider the lives of so many innocent people who were affected by this monstrous scandal. Our book club all gave it thumbs up.
I read this book almost two years ago and am still thinking about it!
Based on a real scandal; has the reader shifting their “if only” ideas throughout the novel.
Love it, difficult subject.
Good story – a bit sad
Factual about the time period.Horrible, but interesting.
Thought provoking and heartbreaking story based on real events. Well written engaging read- highly recommended!
I could not put this book down. Based on a true story, it was heartbreaking what children went thru with the Children’s Home Society.
Don’t miss this one!
Excellent story great characters
I absolutely could not put this book down!!! Very suspenseful!
Although I have loved reading Lisa Wingate’s books, I have to admit this may be her best one yet! I am amazed at all the details from very thorough research on her part to write Before We Were Yours. Based on a horrible real-life scandal, I learned about the possible inner workings of a children’s home in Tennessee after the children were abducted or illegally taken from their parents. Even though my heart ached as I read, I could not stop. This story took place in 1939 with 12 year-old Rill and her 4 younger siblings being taken from their happy life on the river with their parents. Immediately, I felt pain thinking about how it would feel, the fear of the unknown, confusion and missing their parents. Then the abuse took place. And many lies.
The present day comes in with Avery Stafford from a political family and she curiously unfolds the mystery of her grandmother who is suffering from dementia.
The entire book is written so well, so excellent, and is one to never forget.
The story started out really good, based on actual events, Then about 2/3rds into it the author tried to make it a romance and it totally changed the tone of the book. If it wasn’t for that I would have given it a 5.
The writing style was enjoyable and the story was told in a powerful and truly touching way. Based on a true story added to the tragedy of these fictional but very real children.