Play Book Tag discussion

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate- 3* - My Review

Dual timeline set in present-day South Carolina and 1939 Tennessee. In the contemporary story, Avery Stafford, daughter of a senator, develops questions about her grandmother and investigates her family’s history. In the historic story, Rill Foss and her siblings are taken from their family during a crisis and end up in an orphanage. The narrative switches back and forth between the two stories, and they eventually converge.

The historic story sheds light on a sad chapter of Tennessee’s history, and it is heart-rending. It is a fictional account based on a true story of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, which abused children and sold them to wealthy patrons, abetted by corrupt politicians. It is a vivid example of a cruel person taking advantage of the poor for self-interest.

I was engrossed in the historic parts of this novel. However, current story is lengthy and could have used some serious editing. It contains an unnecessary and uninspiring romance. It is obvious where this storyline is headed. So, as is often the case in dual timelines, I appreciated one and disliked the other.

3 stars = I liked it
(4 for the historic story and 2 for the present day)

I loved it. Thanks for reminding me about out past. peace, janz