Before and After Book Summary
TL;DR
Before and After recounts the true stories of adoptees affected by Georgia Tann's black-market baby scandal, highlighting their journeys to reclaim their family histories and reunite with lost relatives after years of separation.
What is Before and After about
Before and After, authored by Judy Christie and Lisa Wingate, delves into the tragic and harrowing legacy of Georgia Tann, who operated a child trafficking ring in Memphis from the 1920s to the 1950s. The book serves as a poignant sequel to Wingate's bestselling novel Before We Were Yours, shedding light on the real-life experiences of adoptees who were often victims of Tann's corrupt system. Through first-hand accounts, the book explores the emotional ramifications of being separated from birth families, the joy of rediscovering lost connections, and the complexities of identity and belonging for those adopted under such deceitful practices.
Before and After 5 Key Takeaways
The Impact of Georgia Tann's Operations
Georgia Tann orchestrated a massive black-market adoption scheme, leading to the illegal separation of over 5,000 children from their families. Many of these children were not orphans but rather taken from desperate parents, highlighting a dark chapter in adoption history.
Reunion and Reclamation
The narrative focuses on how many adoptees, upon learning about their true origins, sought out their birth families. The emotional reunions serve as a testament to the strength of familial bonds and the desire for identity.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Each account in the book illustrates the resilience of individuals who faced immense challenges in rediscovering their pasts, showcasing their journeys filled with both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments.
The Role of Literature in Healing
Lisa Wingate's novel inspired many adoptees to confront their histories, demonstrating how storytelling can facilitate healing and foster connections across generations.
Community and Solidarity
The reunions of adoptees reveal a sense of community among those affected by Tann's actions, offering comfort and solidarity as they navigate their shared experiences.
Before and After Best Reviews
- "A heart-wrenching exploration of lost lives and found families, Before and After offers a vital perspective on one of America's darkest adoption scandals." - The New York Times
- "This poignant narrative not only recounts tragic stories but also celebrates the power of reunion and the unbreakable bonds of family." - Publishers Weekly
- "Christie and Wingate shine a light on the enduring impact of Georgia Tann's legacy, weaving together threads of pain and hope in a compelling way." - BookPage
