Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate – A Journey Through Heartache and Hope
As I settled into my favorite reading nook one rainy afternoon, the cover of Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate caught my eye, almost beckoning me to dive into its pages. With such enticing promises of emotional depth and intertwining narratives, I was instantly drawn in. Perhaps it was the historical ties of the plot, or the portrayal of family bonds through the lens of tumultuous events, but I knew I was in for a journey.
The novel alternates between two timelines: one follows Rill Foss, a 12-year-old girl living a carefree life aboard her family’s Mississippi River shantyboat in 1939. The other brings us to the present-day Avery Stafford, a successful federal prosecutor navigating life amidst her father’s health crisis. Rill’s world shatters when her siblings and she are taken from their home by strangers, thrust into a disheartening reality at the Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage. Avery’s discovery of an old photo catalyzes her own exploration into unsettling family secrets, ultimately intertwining their fates.
Wingate’s deft storytelling is matched by her vivid flair for creating lifelike characters. I found Rill’s struggle—clinging to hope while battling the harshness of the orphanage—extremely poignant. The way she protects her younger siblings under such extreme duress made me reflect on the lengths we’d go to for our loved ones. Avery’s journey of self-discovery offers a stark contrast, revealing the privileges and pressures associated with wealth and familial expectations. It is this duality of experience—the raw pain of Rill and the modern complexities of Avery—that makes the narrative resonate on multiple levels.
The pacing is well-structured, progressing effortlessly from one emotional crisis to the next. Wingate’s rich descriptions of both the lush life on the river and the bleakness of the orphanage created a vivid backdrop that I could easily visualize. Notably, passages like Rill’s musings about her family’s bond hit me hard, sparking a flurry of memories about my own connections. The heartbreaking truth behind the Georgia Tann scandal, nestled within the plot, evokes anger and sorrow—a testament to the resilience of those affected.
One of my favorite quotes from the book states, "The heart never forgets where we belong." This idea beautifully encapsulates the core message of Before We Were Yours: family and the longing for one’s roots can withstand the most tumultuous of storms.
Readers looking for a blend of historical depth and emotional exploration will find themselves captivated by this tale. If you enjoy narratives that challenge perceptions of family and identity while shedding light on historical injustices, then Wingate’s novel is a must-read. Personally, it left me reflecting on my own family stories—reminding me of the strength of love and the relentless pursuit of belonging.
As the last page turned, I felt enriched, a little heartbroken, but ultimately hopeful. Before We Were Yours is a journey through past shadows illuminated by the enduring power of familial love—one that’s sure to linger long after the cover closes. Grab a cozy blanket, settle in, and prepare for a profoundly moving experience. You won’t regret it.