Before We Were Yours: A Captivating Novel About Family and Love

Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate is the heart-wrenching story of a family separated by injustice, and of a love that never wavered. This stunning, emotional tale is told through alternating timelines, as two stories unfold to reveal how the power of love can endure even in the most desperate of times. With its well-crafted characters and vivid descriptions, this book will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately leave you feeling inspired. From the opening page to the last, Before We Were Yours will keep you captivated.

The novel follows Rill Foss and her four siblings who are taken from their home on an island off the coast of Georgia during the Great Depression and placed in an orphanage run by the notorious Tennessee Children’s Home Society. Even amidst their hardships, they remain determined to find each other again. In the present day, Avery Stafford discovers a mysterious photograph that leads her on her own journey of discovery to uncover her family’s deeply hidden secrets. Through these dual storylines, readers get an inside look at both past and present injustices faced by children in foster care.

Overall, Before We Were Yours is an incredibly powerful novel about resilience and hope in dark times. It offers valuable insight into issues still relevant today, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking story with unforgettable characters. Whether you’re looking for a heartbreaking historical fiction or just a captivating read, Before We Were Yours is sure to deliver.

Before We Were Yours: A Novel Review

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Before We Were Yours: A Novel is a powerful and thought-provoking novel from New York Times best-selling author Lisa Wingate. This heart-wrenching story follows the lives of two families – one struggling to survive in the 1930s and the other in present day – and their paths as they cross each other’s lives. This captivating tale will have you enthralled, even after the last page has been read. Before We Were Yours is a must-read for anyone looking for an emotionally gripping story that highlights the power of family and love.

Key Features:

  1. A powerful and thought-provoking novel from New York Times best-selling author Lisa Wingate.
  2. Follows the lives of two families – one in the 1930s and one in present day.
  3. Captivating tale will have you enthralled, even after the last page has been read.
  4. Highlights the power of family and love.

Inspired by real events, Before We Were Yours is a riveting drama about two families separated by time who are connected through tragedy and secrets. Set against a backdrop of poverty, kidnapping, and abuse, Wingate’s novel is a poignant exploration of what it means to belong and fight for what’s right. Through her vivid descriptions of characters, settings, and emotions, she creates an unforgettable portrait of both what was taken away from people during this troubling period of history and how love can ultimately conquer all. If you’re looking for a book that will both move you to tears and enlighten you with its historical accuracy, look no further than Before We Were Yours.

Product Details

Product Before We Were Yours: A Novel
Author Lisa Wingate
Genre Historical Fiction
Format Paperback
Publisher Random House LLC
Release Date June 6, 2017
ISBN-10 0425284689
ISBN-13 978-0425284681
Pages

Before We Were Yours: A Novel Pros and Cons

Pros of Before We Were Yours: A Novel
1. Engaging Storyline: This novel weaves together two stories, one set in the 1930s and one set in the present day, to tell a powerful tale about family and resilience.
2. Well-Developed Characters: Readers will be able to relate to the characters in this novel as they are vividly portrayed and very real.
3. Historical Accuracy: The author has done extensive research into the history of the time period which allows readers to get an accurate picture of life during that era.
4. Heartwarming Messages: Despite its dark themes, this book is ultimately uplifting with inspiring messages about strength, love, and hope.

Cons of Before We Were Yours: A Novel
1. Emotional Content: This book can be emotionally intense at times and may not be suitable for all readers.
2. Slow Pace: Though the story is engrossing, it does move slowly at times due to the detailed descriptions of characters and settings.
3. Lack of Closure: Some readers may be disappointed by the lack of resolution at the end of this novel.

Who are They for

Before We Were Yours: A Novel tells the story of a family separated by circumstances beyond their control. In this heart-wrenching novel, New York Times bestselling author Lisa Wingate takes readers on a historical journey from present day to the 1940s as two families intertwined by tragedy, secrets, and lies are brought together by courage and love.

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, Before We Were Yours follows twelve-year-old Rill Foss who is taken from her home and family on the banks of the Mississippi River. Now living with a wealthy Memphis couple who want her only as a servant, Rill must find a way to reunite with her siblings and fight for their freedom.

Through weaving historical events with compelling characters, Lisa Wingate brings to life an unforgettable story of how far we will go to protect our families and find our place in the world. With compassion and grace, she reveals the strength of a mother’s love and the power of resilience against all odds.

My Experience for Before We Were Yours: A Novel

Lloyd Kaufman

I never knew the power of a good story until I read Before We Were Yours: A Novel. It’s a heart-wrenching and powerful tale that left me breathless.

It all started with me taking a break from my usual routine and deciding to pick up something new. I decided on Before We Were Yours, having heard about it from a friend. Little did I know, this book would bring me to tears and make me laugh out loud as I followed the characters’ stories.

The story follows Rill Foss and her four siblings as they are taken from their riverboat home by an unscrupulous orphanage. They fight for survival against all odds, and I was moved by their courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

At times it was hard to read because of how upsetting the events were, but I was always drawn back into the story because of the compelling plot. Before We Were Yours: A Novel showcases an important time in history with an emotionally charged story that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

I highly recommend Before We Were Yours: A Novel if you’re looking for a thought-provoking, emotional read.

 

What I don’t Like

1. Plot may be too slow for some readers: The novel features an intricate family story that unfolds over decades, which some readers may find too slow or dense.

2. Characters can be difficult to relate to: Some of the characters in the novel are portrayed as callous or morally ambiguous, making it difficult for some readers to identify with them.

3. Themes may be too dark for younger readers: As the novel deals with issues such as child abduction and exploitation, it is not suitable for young children.

## How to Read Before We Were Yours: A Novel
Reading a book can be a great way to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life. But when it comes to reading **Before We Were Yours: A Novel**, by Lisa Wingate, the experience is even more special. This is because this novel has been praised for its captivating storyline, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of this moving story.

Step 1: Understand the Author’s Intentions
Before you start reading, take some time to learn about the author and her intentions behind writing the book. Lisa Wingate wrote this novel with the hope of raising awareness about the real-life orphanage scandal that occurred in Memphis during the 1930s and 1940s. Knowing this will give you a better understanding of why certain events unfold throughout the story.

Step 2: Set Aside Time to Read
It’s important to dedicate some time every day so that you can really settle into your reading experience. Make sure that you find a cozy spot where you won’t be disturbed and have all the necessary items nearby such as a bookmark, pen and paper for taking notes, etc. Once you have everything ready, then you can begin your journey through this heart-wrenching novel.

Step 3: Discuss Your Thoughts with Others
Once you’ve finished reading, take some time to reflect on what you’ve read and discuss your thoughts with others who have also read the book. Talking about books with friends or family is a great way to gain new perspectives and insights into different topics within literature. Additionally, it can help you build relationships with people who share similar interests as yourself.

By following these tips, readers will be able to maximize their experience while reading Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate. With its powerful message and unforgettable characters, this book will continue to touch hearts for generations to come.

Questions about Before We Were Yours: A Novel

 

What is Before We Were Yours?

Before We Were Yours is a New York Times best-selling novel by Lisa Wingate. It tells the story of a family separated by lies and injustice long ago, and inspired by a true story. The novel is an emotionally gripping journey that follows their lives through the generations.

What themes does Before We Were Yours explore?

Before We Were Yours explores many important and timely themes, including family, resilience, justice, and hope. The novel also touches on issues of adoption, poverty, and race.

What is the recommended age for readers of Before We Were Yours?

The recommended age range for readers of Before We Were Yours is 16+. This book is suitable for mature young adults who are ready to explore some difficult topics.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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