Before We Were Yours

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It definitely isn't a rainbows and unicorns type of story, but it will move you and leave a lasting impression. I was swept in from page one in this well written historical fiction story and Lisa Wingate's novel is a terrific example of why I enjoy historical fiction stories. narration: major props to these narrators I think they added so much to the book they were Rill and Avery.

They are taken to a children’s home, but before they were 'adopted' out, they endured cruel conditions and abuse. From Rill’s story we learn about the children, many of whom were living in river shanty boats or other very low income type housing who were literally stolen away from their parents. She charged exorbitant fees for 'adoption' fees and even blackmailed parents into paying more money.These stories reach thousands of readers like me who knew nothing about this sad time in American history and although this is a fiction tale based on true events it gives me the opportunity to decide whether I want to further my reading by picking up a non fiction book or content to have read and a well written and beautiful fiction read where the author thankfully includes a note at the end which explains what is fact and what is fiction and also gives a list of further reading which might interest the reader. Obviously, some people will have heard of Georgia Tann and the mass kidnapping and trafficking of Tennessee children, but I hadn't and I would bet a lot of others haven't either. It may have taken a lifetime, but the truth has a way of freeing itself, exposing crimes and scandal, but it also brought out an incredible family saga that is both inspirational and heartwarming.

Based on one of America's most notorious real-life scandals, in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country, Before We Were Yours is a riveting, wrenching and ultimately uplifting global bestseller. The publication of Lisa Wingate’s novel Before We Were Yours brought new awareness of Tann’s lucrative career in child trafficking.

Although, this story was based on true life stories the actual children that were portrayed in this novel were fictional. I recommend this book to everyone who likes to read a well written character driven novel with a suspenseful atmosphere and historical details. The true story of Georgia Tann and the Memphis branch of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society is a bizarre and sad paradox. the story of the ross siblings may be a work of fiction, but there are a countless number of children whose experiences were not.

The Author shows the reader how Georgina Tann stole the children not only from their families but from their culture, their way of life, from their own identity and created new lives for them.At the end of the meeting each person was asked how many stars out of 5 they would give it and the average came to 3* There were no 5* given by anyone. We all read the book and thought it a quick read but only about 3-4 people enjoyed it with most of us thinking that it could have been done much better. It is almost a cliché to say a book is 'lovingly written' but that phrase applies clearly to Lisa Wingate's latest novel, Before We Were Yours.