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52 pages 1 hour read

Before We Were Yours

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Lisa Wingate

Before We Were Yours

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Memphis, Tennessee • 1930s

Theme
Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate intertwines the lives of Avery, a modern-day lawyer from a powerful family, and Rill, a young girl from the 1930s who is taken from her family and placed in an abusive orphanage. As Avery uncovers her grandmother's hidden past, she learns about Rill's struggle to protect her siblings and the harrowing experiences they endured. Sensitive topics such as familial separation and systemic abuse are explored.

Emotional

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.5

788,751 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Lisa Wingate's Before We Were Yours captivates with its compelling narrative based on real-life events. Readers laud its emotional depth, rich historical details, and engaging dual timelines. However, some critiques highlight occasional predictability and a slow start. Overall, it's an evocative tale of family and resilience that resonates strongly with readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Before We Were Yours?

Today's readers intrigued by historical family dramas and emotional narratives would relish Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. Fans of Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah will find this tale of resilience and sacrifice particularly captivating.

4.5

788,751 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Avery

A respected attorney and daughter of a Southern Senator, engaged to a fellow attorney from a powerful family. Her journey begins with a focus on appearances and family reputation before pivoting towards discovering hidden truths about her grandmother's past.

The eldest daughter of Briny and Queenie, Rill is nicknamed the “princess of Kingdom Arcadia.” She is renamed May after being abducted at 12, experiencing a life of struggle while holding onto her self-identity and memories of her siblings.

Rill's father, known as a “river gypsy” who lives on the Mississippi, adored by his children, but struggles with alcoholism after losing them. He is connected to memories and music, reflecting the family's river life.

The Foss siblings' mother, a beautiful woman called Queenie, known for her nurturing nature. She embodies comfort and connection with her Polish roots amid river life.

The only brunette among the Foss siblings, known for her resistance during capture and tragic fate, remembered through the dragonfly bracelets worn by her sisters.

A sibling recognized for her cherubic blond curls and adoption into a kind family. She maintains a connection with her sisters, symbolized by shared jewelry.

The youngest blond sister, who experiences trauma following her abduction. Her intense bond with Rill leads to adoption into a stable home.

The youngest of the Foss siblings, renamed Robby and first to be adopted. His memory is kept alive by his siblings despite his separation from them.

A doctor who assists Queenie during childbirth and bridges the world of river folk and land authorities, embodying support and compassion.

A teenager who steps into the Foss family during a crisis, offering support and adventure stories. He creates an emotional bond with Rill during a critical moment in her life.

Avery’s grandmother, placed in a nursing home, who holds a secretive and significant connection to her past, unveiled through familial discoveries.

A prominent Southern politician and Avery's father, battling cancer while maintaining a stoic public image and revealing familial secrets towards the novel’s end.

Avery's mother and a Southern belle, focused on family status and appearances, influencing Avery’s early outlook.

Avery's fiancé, a successful attorney whose relationship with Avery becomes complicated as she delves into her family history.

The Senator’s assistant responsible for managing the family's public image, often admonishing Avery for her choices that might affect appearances.

The villainous head of an orphanage, known for exploiting and selling children, presenting herself as a concerned community member.

Miss Tann’s assistant, often inebriated and abusive towards the children, handling the daily operations of the orphanage.

Miss Tann’s cousin, presenting a friendly demeanor but known for predatory behavior towards the children, creating fear and mistrust.

A realtor intrigued by Avery’s exploration of family secrets, discovering his own ties to the story as it unfolds.

A compassionate worker at the orphanage who becomes aware of the dark truths behind the children's circumstances, ultimately risking her position.

The adoptive mother of Fern and Rill, initially bereaved by past losses but ultimately providing a nurturing home for the sisters.

Rill's adoptive father, perceived with suspicion initially, who proves to be caring and dedicated to familial happiness.

A river gypsy child disguised in boyish attire, who becomes an ally to Rill and seeks her own freedom and future beyond the river.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Memphis, Tennessee • 1930s

Theme
Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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