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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Before We Were Yours summary
Lisa Wingate
Brief summary
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate is a captivating historical fiction novel inspired by true events. It tells the story of two families, decades apart, and the heartbreaking connection they share through the notorious Tennessee Children's Home Society.
Table of Contents
Before We Were Yours
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Dark Side of Adoption
In Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, we are introduced to the Foss children, who live on a shantyboat with their parents in the Mississippi River. Their lives take a drastic turn when their parents are forced to leave them in the boat to seek medical help, and the children are taken to the Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage. The orphanage, run by the cruel Georgia Tann, is a front for a child trafficking operation, where children are stolen from their families and sold to wealthy families.
The story is told from two perspectives and timelines. The first is from the viewpoint of Rill Foss, the eldest of the Foss children, who narrates the events of 1939. The second perspective is from Avery Stafford, a successful lawyer in present-day Aiken, South Carolina. Avery's family is deeply entwined with the history of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, and she stumbles upon this connection while visiting her grandmother at a nursing home.
A Journey of Discovery
As Avery delves deeper into her family's past, she uncovers the shocking truth about the Tennessee Children's Home Society and its connection to her grandmother. She learns that her grandmother, Judy, was actually a victim of the child trafficking scheme, taken from her family and sold to a wealthy couple. This revelation shakes Avery's understanding of her family and her own identity.
Meanwhile, Rill and her siblings endure unimaginable hardships at the orphanage. They are subjected to abuse, neglect, and are eventually separated and adopted by different families. Rill, determined to reunite her family, faces numerous challenges and heartbreaks. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bond between siblings.
Confronting the Past
As Avery continues her investigation, she becomes increasingly determined to bring the truth about the Tennessee Children's Home Society to light. She forms a close bond with May Crandall, a woman who was also a victim of the orphanage, and together they work to expose the atrocities committed by Georgia Tann and her associates.
Simultaneously, Rill's story takes a turn when she is adopted by a loving family. Despite the comfort and security of her new life, Rill never forgets her siblings and the horrors they endured. Her past continues to haunt her, and she carries the burden of the truth about the orphanage.
Healing and Closure
In the final chapters of Before We Were Yours, the two timelines converge. Avery's relentless pursuit of the truth leads to a public revelation of the Tennessee Children's Home Society's crimes. The expose brings closure to many families who had lost their children to the orphanage, including Rill and her surviving siblings.
For Rill, the exposure of the orphanage's dark past brings a sense of justice and healing. She is finally able to share her story and honor the memory of her parents. Avery, on the other hand, finds solace in uncovering her family's hidden history and in the newfound connection with Rill, who is revealed to be May Crandall, her grandmother's long-lost sister.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Before We Were Yours is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale that sheds light on a dark chapter of American history. It explores the enduring impact of the Tennessee Children's Home Society's cruel practices on the lives of countless children and their families. Through the intertwined stories of Rill and Avery, the novel highlights the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the healing potential of confronting the past.
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What is Before We Were Yours about?
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate is a gripping novel inspired by true events. It tells the story of a family torn apart by the Tennessee Children's Home Society, a real-life orphanage that kidnapped and abused children for decades. The book alternates between past and present, unraveling the heartbreaking secrets and the enduring power of family bonds.
Before We Were Yours Review
Before We Were Yours (2017) by Lisa Wingate is a heartbreaking yet inspiring tale of family, love, and resilience. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It sheds light on a shocking and little-known piece of American history, the Tennessee Children's Home Society, and the illegal adoption scandal that took place there.
- The book masterfully weaves together two parallel storylines, one set in the past and one in the present, emphasizing the enduring impact of the events.
- Through the deeply human characters and their emotional journeys, the book highlights the power of hope and the strength of the human spirit.
Who should read Before We Were Yours?
- Fans of historical fiction
- Readers interested in family sagas
- Those who enjoy stories with dual timelines
Categories with Before We Were Yours
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Before We Were Yours FAQs
What is the main message of Before We Were Yours?
The main message of Before We Were Yours is the enduring power of family and the importance of fighting for truth and justice.
How long does it take to read Before We Were Yours?
The reading time for Before We Were Yours varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Before We Were Yours a good book? Is it worth reading?
Before We Were Yours is a compelling and moving story that is definitely worth reading. It sheds light on an important piece of history and explores themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Who is the author of Before We Were Yours?
The author of Before We Were Yours is Lisa Wingate.
What to read after Before We Were Yours?
If you're wondering what to read next after Before We Were Yours, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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