Lisa Wingate’s riveting novel, Before We Were Yours, is based on true facts but written from the viewpoint of fictitious characters.
In 1939, Rill Foss, age 12, lives what she believes an idyllic life aboard a shanty houseboat on the Mississippi River. They move as the seasons change. The family never has much money but they have love, adventure, and freedom. Rill’s father leaves her in charge of her four younger siblings while he takes her mother to the hospital to deliver twins. While he’s gone uniformed “officials” wrench the children from their home, ostensibly to see their parents.
The children’s lives become a series of terrifying incidents through the notorious Tennessee Children’s Home Society, a true entity, and under the direction of infamous Georgia Tann, director of the adoption agency.
Alternating chapters with Rill’s story, Avery Stafford, a present-day federal prosecutor born into wealth and privilege, has a chance encounter with an older woman. A bracelet and an old photograph compel Avery to investigate what turns out to be her family’s long-hidden history.
Before We Were Yours is compelling, though troubling. The vivid characters and settings are believable. Knowing that the corrupt Tennessee Children’s Home portion of the book is based on fact makes for a chilling read. I highly recommend this novel, but it is not for the faint of heart.
The title alone is compelling! I can’t imagine what these poor girls had to go through. Life is not fair nor easy at times, is it?
Both girls and boys endured hardships, but more so for girls who suffered sexual assaults.
I especially enjoyed listening to the audio edition. Author did a masterful job.
That would be fun. It sounds like the author herself read her work. What a treat!
I loved this book and have bought copies for gifts. Along with ugly truths, it’s a very touching story.
Some part of it were painful, don’t you think? But the book is so well done and we do need to know about these injustices.