48 pages • 1 hour read
The Book of Lost Friends
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Book Brief
576
Novel • Fiction
Louisiana • 1870s; Louisiana • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate weaves together two storylines: one follows Hannie Gossett, who, a decade after the Civil War, embarks on a perilous journey with two women from Louisiana to Texas to reclaim their families; the other centers on Benny Silva, a first-year high school English teacher in contemporary Louisiana, who uses the town's history to inspire her students. The book includes sensitive themes related to slavery, racial discrimination, and family separation.
Inspirational
Emotional
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
130,634 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate intertwines historical and contemporary narratives, garnering praise for its rich character development and heartfelt story. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and vivid historical detail, though some criticize its dual timeline structure for being occasionally disjointed. Overall, it captivates with impactful storytelling.
Who Should Read The Book of Lost Friends?
A reader who enjoys The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate would likely appreciate historical fiction with dual timelines, rich character development, and themes of resilience and heritage. This book appeals to fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and Before We Were Yours, also by Wingate.
130,634 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Benny Silva
Benny Silva
A first-year teacher fascinated by history and storytelling, who connects deeply with her students and the local history of Augustine, yet harbors a personal secret that remains mostly unspoken.
Juneau Jane
Juneau Jane
A spirited 14-year-old who seeks recognition and claims her inheritance as the biological daughter of William Gossett, faced with legal battles and societal prejudice due to her Creole heritage.
Nathan Gossett
Nathan Gossett
The bachelor last descendant of the Gossett family, initially indifferent to his family’s history, who gradually becomes involved in the rediscovery and acceptance of his and the community's past.
576
Novel • Fiction
Louisiana • 1870s; Louisiana • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
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