Title: Before We Were Yours
Author: Lisa Wingate
Release Date: June 6, 2017
Length: 342 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
***My Review***
“Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate is a historical fiction novel that tells the heart-wrenching story of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, a real-life orphanage that operated from the 1920s to the 1950s, where children were taken from their families and adopted out to wealthy families. The book is an emotional rollercoaster that is sure to tug at your heartstrings and leave a lasting impression on you.
The novel follows two different storylines, one historical and the other contemporary. In the historical storyline, the reader is introduced to the Foss family, a poor family living on a houseboat on the Mississippi River in the 1930s. The family is made up of parents Briny and Queenie Foss, and their five children: Rill, Camellia, Lark, Fern, and Gabion. One night, the children are taken from their home and placed in the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, a place that promises to give them a better life. However, the reality is far from what they were promised. The children are mistreated, abused, and forced to live in squalid conditions.
The second storyline follows Avery Stafford, a successful lawyer from a prominent family who stumbles upon a family secret that leads her to uncover the truth about her family’s past and the scandalous practices of the Children’s Home Society. Avery’s journey of self-discovery leads her to confront the painful truths about her family and the lengths they went to keep their secrets hidden.
One of the strengths of the book is the way in which Wingate weaves together these two storylines. The reader is drawn into the lives of the Foss siblings and their struggles to survive in the harsh conditions of the orphanage, while also following Avery’s journey of self-discovery and her fight for justice.
The characters in the book are well-developed, and Wingate does an excellent job of bringing their stories to life. The reader can’t help but feel a connection to the Foss siblings as they try to survive in the brutal conditions of the orphanage. Avery’s story, on the other hand, is relatable, and the reader can sympathize with her as she grapples with the truth about her family’s past.
Another positive aspect of the book is the way in which Wingate highlights the injustices and corruption that took place at the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. Through the Foss siblings’ story, Wingate exposes the horrific abuse and mistreatment of children who were taken from their families and the corrupt adoption practices that enriched the home’s director. The book shines a light on a little-known piece of American history and raises awareness about the need for justice for those who were wronged.
The author’s portrayal of the Tennessee Children’s Society is haunting and disturbing, as it exposes the harm inflicted on the most vulnerable members of society, including children and the poor. The novel exposes the culture of silence and greed that allowed such evil to continue unchecked for so long. The Tennessee Children’s Society was a place where cruelty flourished, and money was made at the expense of innocent children. What is most shocking is that this cruelty and abuse went on for decades, hidden in plain sight, while those who knew about it remained silent.
This book is a powerful eye-opener that sheds light on a dark chapter in history, leaving readers feeling outraged and inspired. The emotional and heartfelt story of the Foss children is a gripping tale of injustice that will resonate with readers. Lisa Wingate seamlessly blends fact and fiction in this well-crafted novel, with flawless writing that captivates the reader. As I read the book, I couldn’t help but feel deeply connected to the plight of the Foss children, and my heart broke for them.
Without any doubt, this book is a powerful and moving account of a shocking piece of history. It will leave readers feeling emotional, inspired, and outraged at the injustice of it all. The author’s masterful storytelling and attention to detail bring the characters and events to life, making this book an unforgettable read.
However, one potential negative aspect of the book is that some readers may find it too emotionally heavy. The story deals with difficult themes such as child abuse and neglect, and it can be challenging to read at times. Additionally, some readers may find the contemporary storyline to be less engaging than the historical story.
As I already mentioned this fictional book, based on real events, tells the disturbing story of Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, which kidnapped children and illegally adopted them, allowing Tann to make millions from her black-market baby adoption scheme from the 1920s to the 1950s.
The story was emotionally charged, shocking, and devastating, and I cannot stop thinking about it. I had no prior knowledge of this appalling piece of history until I read this book, and since then, I have been doing my own research on the topic. It is difficult for me to accept that these events actually happened as they are so shocking and disturbing.
Despite its emotional weight, “Before We Were Yours” is a well-written and engaging novel that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. The book is a powerful reminder of the importance of family, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of love. The story is a testament to the human ability to overcome adversity and the importance of standing up for what is right.
In conclusion, “Before We Were Yours” is a moving tale of family, injustice, and the power of love. Lisa Wingate has done an excellent job of telling the story of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and the lives that were forever changed by its corrupt practices. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.