TL;DR
Before We Were Yours is a heart-wrenching historical fiction novel that intertwines two timelines. In 1939, the Foss children are kidnapped from their shanty boat on the Mississippi River and thrust into the corrupt Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage. Rill, the eldest, fights to keep her siblings together amidst the horrors of the institution. In the present day, Avery Stafford, a successful lawyer and senator’s daughter, unravels a shocking family secret that connects her to the Foss children’s story. As Avery delves deeper into her past, she uncovers a dark chapter in history and the enduring power of family bonds.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Lisa Wingate is a renowned American author known for her heartwarming and thought-provoking novels, including historical fiction and contemporary stories. Her writing is characterized by its emotional depth, compelling characters, and meticulous research. Wingate’s passion for history and her ability to weave captivating narratives have earned her a devoted readership. Before We Were Yours is inspired by the real-life scandal of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, which operated for decades as a black-market baby-selling ring.
Key Takeaways
The Foss Children’s Abduction
The novel opens with the dramatic kidnapping of the five Foss children from their loving but impoverished family. Their lives are irrevocably altered as they are placed in the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, facing neglect, abuse, and the constant fear of separation.
The Tennessee Children’s Home Society
Wingate sheds light on the dark history of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, exposing the institution’s cruel practices of separating siblings, fabricating medical records, and selling children for profit under the guise of adoption.
Rill’s Resilience and Determination
As the eldest sibling, Rill assumes a maternal role, fiercely protecting her younger brothers and sisters. Her courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering love become the driving force of the story.
Avery’s Search for Identity
In the present day, Avery Stafford grapples with her own family secrets and a sense of displacement. Her journey to uncover the truth about her lineage leads her to a shocking realization and a connection to the Foss children’s story.
Themes of Family and Loss
The novel explores the profound themes of family, loss, resilience, and the enduring bonds of love that can transcend time and tragedy.
Historical Context and Social Commentary
Wingate provides a poignant commentary on social injustice, class disparities, and the vulnerability of children in the face of institutional corruption.
The Power of Memory and Truth
The narrative emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging past wrongs, as well as the healing power of truth and reconciliation.
Hope and Redemption
Despite the darkness and trauma, the story offers a glimmer of hope and the possibility of redemption, as characters find solace and healing through connection and love.
FAQ about Before We Were Yours
Is Before We Were Yours based on a true story?
Yes, the novel is inspired by the real-life scandal of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, which operated a black-market adoption scheme for decades.
What is the significance of the title?
The title “Before We Were Yours” refers to the children’s lives before they were taken from their families and their identities were erased by the orphanage system.
What genre is the book?
Before We Were Yours is classified as historical fiction, as it blends fictional characters and narratives with a factual historical backdrop.
Is there a sequel to Before We Were Yours?
While there isn’t a direct sequel, Lisa Wingate has written other novels that explore similar themes and historical events, such as “The Book of Lost Friends” and “Before and After.
Before We Were Yours Quotes
- “There are no unwanted children, only unfound families.”
- “The truth, she thought. There was such a thing as the truth. It was out there, somewhere, and it mattered.”
- “Family is not defined by last names or by blood; it’s defined by commitment and by love.”