Before We Were Yours is a gripping and heart-wrenching novel written by Lisa Wingate. Set in two different time periods, the story follows the lives of two women, Rill Foss and Avery Stafford, whose paths intersect in an unexpected way.
Rill Foss, a twelve-year-old girl living on a Mississippi riverboat in 1939, finds herself torn apart from her siblings and placed in a Tennessee orphanage called the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. Rill’s experience in the orphanage is marked by abuse and cruelty, as she and the other children are subjected to the whims of the woman in charge, Georgia Tann.
Avery Stafford, a successful lawyer and daughter of a prominent senator, stumbles upon a family secret when she visits her grandmother, Judy. Through her grandmother’s foggy memories and a chance encounter with a stranger, Avery begins to uncover the truth about her family’s past and the dark secrets hidden within the Tennessee Children’s Home Society.
Before We Were Yours is a powerful and emotional story that explores themes of family, identity, and the enduring power of love. Wingate’s masterful storytelling and vivid characters make this novel a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and tales of resilience in the face of adversity.
Contents
The Story
“Before We Were Yours” is a captivating novel that tells the story of two families, one in the past and one in the present, and how their lives intersect. The story is based on the real-life scandal of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, which operated as a child trafficking organization from the 1920s to the 1950s.
In the past, the story revolves around the Foss children, a poor family living on a riverboat in the Mississippi River. One night, their lives are forever changed when they are kidnapped and taken to the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, where they are given new names and identities. The children are then placed in the homes of wealthy families who adopt them, but the reality is far from the loving families they were promised.
Meanwhile, in the present, the story follows Avery Stafford, a successful lawyer from a prominent political family. When she returns to her hometown to help her father with his health issues, she stumbles upon a mysterious connection to her grandmother, who was also a victim of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. As Avery delves deeper into her family’s past, she uncovers dark secrets and a hidden family history that has been buried for decades.
The story alternates between the past and the present, gradually revealing the heartbreaking experiences of the Foss children and their journey to find each other again. It also explores themes of family, identity, and the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Impact
“Before We Were Yours” sheds light on a little-known piece of American history and exposes the horrific practices of child trafficking that took place in the mid-20th century. The novel raises important questions about the ethics of adoption and the rights of children, while also highlighting the enduring strength of the human spirit.
The Author’s Message
Lisa Wingate, the author of “Before We Were Yours,” aims to bring attention to the real-life victims of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and to honor their stories. Through her compelling storytelling, she emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging the past, as well as the power of love and forgiveness in healing deep wounds.
Historical Background
Before We Were Yours is a historical fiction novel written by Lisa Wingate. The story is based on the real-life scandal involving the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, a child trafficking organization that operated from the 1920s to the 1950s.
The Tennessee Children’s Home Society
The Tennessee Children’s Home Society, led by Georgia Tann, was a prominent adoption agency in Memphis, Tennessee. On the surface, the society appeared to be a reputable organization that cared for orphaned and abandoned children. However, behind closed doors, Tann and her associates were involved in illegal activities such as kidnapping and selling children to wealthy families.
Tann targeted poor families who were unable to care for their children and convinced them to give up their parental rights. She would then place the children in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions at the society’s facilities, where they would often suffer from neglect and abuse.
The Scandal and Aftermath
The scandal surrounding the Tennessee Children’s Home Society was exposed in 1950, when a state investigation revealed the organization’s illegal activities. Tann died shortly before the investigation began, but her associates were prosecuted and some were convicted for their involvement in child trafficking.
The scandal had a lasting impact on the adoption system in the United States. It led to increased regulation and oversight of adoption agencies, as well as changes in the perception of adoption. The story of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society serves as a reminder of the dark history of child trafficking and the importance of protecting vulnerable children.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1920s-1950s | The Tennessee Children’s Home Society operates, engaging in illegal activities. |
| 1950 | The scandal is exposed, leading to a state investigation. |
| 1950 | Georgia Tann dies before the investigation begins. |
| 1950 | Associates of the society are prosecuted and convicted. |
Themes
Loss of Identity: One of the central themes in “Before We Were Yours” is the loss of identity experienced by the characters who were taken from their families and placed in the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. The novel explores how this loss of identity affects their sense of self and their ability to form relationships.
Family and Love: Another major theme in the book is the power of family and love. The story follows two parallel narratives: one set in the 1930s where a family is torn apart, and another in the present day where a woman discovers her hidden family history. Through these narratives, the novel explores the enduring bonds of family and the lengths people will go to protect and reunite with their loved ones.
Institutional Abuse: “Before We Were Yours” also shines a light on the dark history of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and the institutional abuse that took place there. The novel depicts the cruel treatment of the children who were forcibly taken from their families and placed in the home, highlighting the corrupt practices and lack of oversight that allowed such abuse to occur.
Resilience and Survival: Throughout the book, the characters demonstrate incredible resilience and the will to survive in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships they endure, they find ways to persevere and rebuild their lives. The novel celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope in even the darkest of times.
Truth and Justice: “Before We Were Yours” also explores the themes of truth and justice. As the characters uncover the truth about their pasts and the illegal activities of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, they are faced with the difficult decision of whether to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. The novel raises important questions about the nature of truth and the pursuit of justice.
Writing Style
The writing style of “Before We Were Yours” is engaging and descriptive, capturing the reader’s attention from the very beginning. The author, Lisa Wingate, has a talent for creating vivid imagery and evoking strong emotions through her words.
Wingate uses a combination of first-person and third-person narrative to tell the story, alternating between the perspectives of Rill Foss, a young girl who is taken from her family and placed in an orphanage, and Avery Stafford, a successful lawyer who becomes intrigued by her grandmother’s mysterious past.
The author’s use of descriptive language allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story, painting a vivid picture of the settings and characters. Wingate’s attention to detail brings the historical time period to life, making the reader feel as though they are experiencing the events alongside the characters.
Additionally, Wingate incorporates themes of family, love, and resilience throughout the novel. Her writing style is heartfelt and emotional, capturing the strength and determination of the characters as they navigate through difficult circumstances.
Overall, the writing style of “Before We Were Yours” is both captivating and thought-provoking. Wingate’s ability to weave together multiple narratives and evoke strong emotions makes for a compelling and memorable read.
Reception
The reception of “Before We Were Yours” has been overwhelmingly positive, with both readers and critics praising the novel for its compelling storytelling and emotional depth.
Since its release, the book has garnered widespread acclaim, becoming a New York Times bestseller and receiving numerous awards and honors. Readers have been captivated by the dual storyline, which weaves together the lives of two families separated by decades.
Author Lisa Wingate’s meticulous research and attention to detail have been commended, as she brings to life the harrowing reality of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and the impact it had on countless lives. The novel sheds light on a little-known chapter of American history, leaving readers both shocked and moved.
The characters in “Before We Were Yours” have also resonated with readers, who have found themselves emotionally invested in their journeys. Wingate’s ability to create complex, relatable characters has been praised, as they navigate the difficult themes of loss, family, and identity.
The book has also sparked important discussions about the need for social justice and the power of resilience. Wingate’s exploration of the lasting effects of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society has prompted readers to reflect on the importance of remembering and acknowledging the past.
Overall, “Before We Were Yours” has received widespread acclaim for its powerful storytelling, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. It continues to be celebrated as a poignant and impactful novel that shines a light on a dark period of American history.
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