Before We Were Yours: A Novel By Lisa Wingate

Lisa Wingate's powerful novel, "Before We Were Yours," skillfully unravels the forgotten chapters of a real-life American tragedy, blending historical depth with contemporary exploration. The narrative toggles between Memphis in 1939 and present-day Aiken, South Carolina, connecting the lives of Rill Foss and Avery Stafford.

In 1939, Rill and her siblings enjoy an idyllic life aboard a Mississippi River shantyboat until a storm forces their parents to seek medical help. Suddenly thrust into the clutches of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children face a harrowing reality, as the promise of reunion with their parents becomes a distant lie. Rill's fight to keep her family together in the face of adversity paints a poignant picture of strength and resilience.

In present-day Aiken, Avery Stafford, a successful federal prosecutor, discovers an uncomfortable truth about her family's past during a chance encounter. As she delves into the hidden history, she embarks on a journey that questions privilege, family loyalty, and the impact of secrets buried for decades.

Wingate navigates the emotional landscape of loss, deception, and redemption, exposing the heart-wrenching consequences of the notorious adoption scandal orchestrated by Georgia Tann. The juxtaposition of past and present creates a riveting narrative that explores the enduring power of family bonds and the indomitable spirit that can rise from even the darkest moments in history.

"Before We Were Yours" serves as both a haunting tribute to the victims of a tragic past and a celebration of the resilience that defines the human spirit. 📚❤️