Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate – A Heartfelt Exploration of Family and Resilience
From the moment I came across Before We Were Yours, I felt an undeniable pull toward Lisa Wingate’s poignant storytelling. As someone who has always found solace in the pages of historical fiction, the novel’s dual timeline and its basis in a true historical scandal captivated my imagination. Little did I know, it would also tug at my heartstrings in ways I never anticipated.
The narrative artfully weaves together the lives of Rill Foss, a twelve-year-old girl thrust into the harrowing world of an orphanage in 1939 Memphis, and Avery Stafford, a contemporary attorney grappling with her family’s hidden past. Wingate’s ability to juxtapose these two stories invites readers into a complex exploration of family bonds, identity, and the often painful truths found in history.
Rill’s life aboard her family’s Mississippi River shantyboat feels idyllic at first glance. Yet, her joy is swiftly overshadowed by the arrival of strangers who interrupt her childhood dream. As the Foss children are ripped from their home, Rill’s fierce determination to protect her siblings shines through, commanding both sympathy and admiration. It’s a tale of resilience—one that reminds us how the heart clings to hope, even in darkness.
Avery’s modern-day journey, spurred by an encounter that rekindles her curiosity about her family’s roots, serves as a powerful mirror to Rill’s past. Each investigative step she takes unearths chilling realities about the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and the woman behind its corrupt practices, Georgia Tann. Through this dual perspective, Wingate effectively highlights the long shadows cast by the past, showing how history reverberates across generations.
Wingate’s prose feels fluid and immersive, painting vivid scenes that bring both settings to life. There are moments where I found myself holding my breath, anticipating the outcomes of Rill’s gut-wrenching struggles, and appreciating Avery’s resolve to seek the truth. One passage that resonated deeply was when Rill reflects on the definition of family—“Family is not just who you are born to; it’s also who you choose to hold in your heart.” It encapsulates the novel’s essence beautifully, emphasizing the intricate tapestry of love and loss.
What sets Before We Were Yours apart is its blend of emotional weight and educational impact. The historical context and the uncovering of injustices make it not just an engaging tale but also a critical conversation starter about the complexities of adoption, identity, and compassion. Readers should prepare for an emotional journey—one that swings from heartbreak to the uplifting realization of hope.
I cannot recommend this book enough for those who appreciate historical narratives interwoven with mystery and emotional depth. Fans of stories about family, resilience, and redemption will find themselves engrossed in Wingate’s unforgettable characters. For me, this novel was more than just a reading experience; it was a reminder of the human spirit’s enduring capacity to navigate pain, love, and the quest for belonging. If you’re seeking a story that will linger in your heart long after the last page, Before We Were Yours is a must-read.
You can find Before We Were Yours: A Novel here >>