One-line Summary:

Before We Were Yours is a heart-wrenching historical fiction novel that explores the dark and shocking reality of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and the lives it affected.

The Scandalous Reality of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society

Before We Were Yours, written by Lisa Wingate, is a captivating and emotional novel that delves into the shocking and heartbreaking true story of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. The book follows the lives of two families, separated by decades but connected through a web of secrets and lies.

The story is primarily set in Memphis, Tennessee, during the 1930s and 1940s. Rill Foss, a twelve-year-old girl, and her siblings are taken from their shantyboat home on the Mississippi River and placed in the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, a seemingly reputable orphanage run by the cruel and manipulative Georgia Tann. The children are subjected to abuse, neglect, and forced separations as Tann and her accomplices profit from their illegal adoption schemes.

A Journey of Loss, Love, and Redemption

As the narrative unfolds, the reader is transported to present-day South Carolina, where Avery Stafford, a successful lawyer and daughter of a prominent politician, stumbles upon a family secret that leads her on a quest to uncover the truth about her grandmother’s past. Through her investigation, Avery uncovers the dark history of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and its impact on countless families.

As Avery digs deeper, she becomes entwined with the now-elderly May Crandall, a woman who was once a victim of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. May’s heartbreaking story and her unwavering determination to reunite with her long-lost siblings serve as a catalyst for Avery’s own journey of self-discovery and understanding.

The Power of Family and Resilience

Before We Were Yours is a poignant exploration of the enduring power of family bonds and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel highlights the strength and determination of characters like Rill and May, who refuse to be broken by the injustices they face. It also emphasizes the importance of love, forgiveness, and the healing power of truth.

Through vivid and evocative storytelling, Wingate brings to life the harrowing experiences of the children who were victims of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. The novel sheds light on a dark chapter in American history and raises important questions about the ethics of adoption and the rights of children.

Key Takeaways:

• The Tennessee Children’s Home Society was a real organization that operated from the 1920s to the 1950s and was involved in illegal adoption practices.
• Before We Were Yours highlights the devastating impact of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society on the lives of countless children and families.
• The novel explores themes of family, resilience, and the power of love and forgiveness.

“We can’t help the way we’re born. We can’t help who we are.” – Lisa Wingate

In conclusion, Before We Were Yours is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that shines a light on a dark chapter in American history. Through its compelling characters and powerful storytelling, the book reminds us of the importance of family, resilience, and the pursuit of truth.