Before We Were Yours

I bought Before We Were Yours purely based on the Goodreads rating so really didn’t know what to expect. What a great surprise when it’s gripping and one of the best recent reads over the last couple of years.

Excellent book on a tough subject.

Absolutely heartbreaking! Excellent read

wonderful book!

This fiction based on fact story of a riverboat family torn apart by the egregious adoption practices in the early 20th century will break your heart. A moving tale of lives intertwined as they seek the truths from the past, the bond of secret sisterhood, and love. I cried tears of sadness and tears of joy as the saga unfolded before my eyes. I cannot recommend this book enough!

There have been so many reviews written on this fabulous heartbreaking book.It’s raw, it’s emotional and it’s brilliant.The characters in this were living, yes, they were living inside my head. I felt them, I could hear them and I wanted to reach out to them.To the ones in charge I wanted to punch them, I wanted to hurt them.After reading the back pages of this book from the author realising that although these children were fictional, it very much could have been someone’s reality story because this is based upon a reality, a real life awful existence that many children went through, if they survived at all.Birthing mothers told that their babies had died at birth or children taken from underprivileged families going through hardship.These children snatched from their parents and put up for adoption. Making money from the sell of children on the pretence they would have a better life.The home itself was full of hurt, abuse and totally abhorrent.The facts of reality I read on the history of this actual event went on for years and years.It beggars belief.But it’s true.These characters were made up, but they could well have been facts.A highly emotional heart rending book that takes you on a journey of sorrow, pain, resilience of human nature, finding out there are evil people in this world but more kind than evil I’d like to think.There are two stories running side by side within these chapters, I pretty much got an idea why, but not the intricate details until later.A truly remarkable book, great writing, great research.Highly recommend.Thank you Querus for providing me with a copy

this book arrived - filthy! with coffee stains all over the back.

I liked the story line and it was definitely not boring with a good ending

"Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate is a poignant journey through one of the darker corridors of American history, woven into a compelling narrative that captures the essence of hope and survival against all odds. This novel, set against the backdrop of the 1939 Memphis scandal involving the Tennessee Children's Home Society, not only sheds light on a grievous chapter in history but does so through the powerfully drawn lives of its characters.Lisa Wingate's narrative technique seamlessly alternates between the past and the present, telling the story from two perspectives: the historical plight of the Foss children and the contemporary quest for truth by Avery Stafford. This dual storyline enriches the narrative, offering a layered exploration of family, identity, and the impact of secrets carried through generations.The characters are exquisitely crafted, with Rill Foss standing out as a memorable protagonist whose resilience and protective instincts make her tale heartbreakingly compelling. The modern-day storyline featuring Avery adds a layer of investigative intrigue and connects the past to the present, making the reader ponder the long-lasting effects of familial bonds and decisions made under duress.The emotional depth of "Before We Were Yours" is its strongest suit, meticulously capturing the pain, betrayal, and eventual healing of the characters involved. Wingate's respectful approach to the historical elements and her skillful weaving of fiction and fact ensure the novel is both educational and engrossing.However, readers should be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster this book presents. The harrowing experiences of the children are difficult to read but essential for understanding the depth of their courage and the strength of their hope.Lisa Wingate's "Before We Were Yours" is a must-read for those who appreciate historical fiction that speaks to the heart as well as the mind. Its beautifully tragic narrative and strong emotional core make it a memorable addition to the genre, worthy of its critical acclaim and the extensive readership it has garnered.

Una lectura increible y muy interesante, que te hace pensar en el por que de los acontesimientos ocurridos. Muy recomendable

Brilliant writing. Fadt paced & based on a true story. Highly recommended

After such a long time, I have come across a book I couldn’t put down! And it is so beautifully written and heartbreaking, to imagine the horror of the situation and the children’s plight. This is a book that’ll shake you, but also make you fall in love with it, with each of the carefully drawn characters. One of my best reads in what I feel has been ages!