Before We Were Yours-Lisa Wingate: Book Summary

Author: Lisa Wingate

Publication Year: 2017

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Lisa Wingate is an American author known for her inspirational fiction and non-fiction works.

Published in 2017, Before We Were Yours is one of Wingate's most acclaimed novels, inspired by true events.

Wingate's writing in Before We Were Yours is characterized by its emotional depth, compelling storytelling, and exploration of themes such as family, identity, and resilience.

Before We Were Yours is a dual timeline narrative that tells the story of two families affected by the Tennessee Children's Home Society scandal.

One storyline follows the Foss children, who are taken from their impoverished family and placed in the Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage in the 1930s.

The other storyline follows Avery Stafford, a present-day politician who discovers her family's connection to the scandal while investigating her grandmother's past.

The novel alternates between chapters set in the 1930s and chapters set in the present day.

1930s Chapters: Follow the experiences of the Foss children as they navigate the harsh conditions of the Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage.

Present-Day Chapters: Follow Avery Stafford as she uncovers long-buried family secrets and grapples with questions of identity and belonging.

Pay attention to Wingate's portrayal of the real-life Tennessee Children's Home Society scandal and its impact on families and individuals.

Consider the novel's exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the search for truth and justice.

Note the emotional resonance of the novel and its ability to shed light on a little-known chapter of American history.

Themes of family, resilience, and the search for identity are central to the novel.

Before We Were Yours examines the ways in which family bonds are formed, tested, and sometimes broken, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The novel also explores the lasting impact of trauma and the importance of confronting and reckoning with the past.

The Foss children: Siblings who are separated from their family and placed in the Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage.

Avery Stafford: The present-day protagonist, whose investigation into her family's past leads her to uncover long-buried secrets.

Other characters, such as Avery's grandmother, May Crandall, and the real-life figure of Georgia Tann, the director of the Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage.

Wingate's writing style in Before We Were Yours is marked by its lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and immersive storytelling.

She seamlessly weaves together the past and present timelines, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives and experiences.

The novel's pacing is well-paced, with moments of tension and emotional resonance that keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

The Foss children's experiences in the Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage, including their struggles to survive and stay together.

Avery Stafford's investigation into her family's past, and her discovery of the truth behind her grandmother's mysterious past.

The novel's climax and resolution, as Avery comes to terms with her family's history and finds closure and healing.

Share your thoughts and feelings about the book as you read.

Discuss any moments of insight, emotion, or resonance that stood out to you, as well as your overall impression of the novel.

Consider how Before We Were Yours sheds light on a little-known chapter of American history and its relevance to contemporary discussions of family, identity, and social justice.

Provide a brief summary of the book's narrative arc and major themes.

Reflect on the significance of Before We Were Yours as a portrayal of resilience, family, and the search for truth and justice in the face of adversity.

Consider the novel's impact on readers and its ability to spark conversations about important social and historical issues.

Include citations for any sources or materials referenced in your reading notes.

Cite specific passages or quotes from the book to support your analysis.

Consult reputable historical sources or interviews with the author for additional insights into the novel's background and inspiration.