Book review: Before we were yours

Book Review

Title: Before we were yours
Author: Lisa Wingate
Genre: Literary Fiction

'Before we were yours' is a story set around the Great Depression era. It's inspired by true horrific incidents revolving around the Tennessee Children's Home society.  Children were kidnapped from poor families, tortured and later sold to rich families. 

This book captures the story of Rill Foss and her siblings who were born to river gypsies. One day their father leaves them alone as he has to take their mother for a medical emergency. During that intermediate period, these children are kidnapped by some men and thrown into the orphanage. Rill tries to protect her siblings fiercely but loses some of them over time to unprecedented circumstances. 

The story unfolds to the life of Avery Stafford in the present day scenario. Avery has it all-born in a reputed family, a promising career as a senator following her father's footsteps and a handsome fiancee. Her chance encounter with someone compels her to dig deep into her family history and uncover a secret that has been buried for many years. 

Alternating between perspectives of Rill Foss back in the 1940s and Avery Stafford in the present, the writing style is compelling and poignant. The book captures some heart wrenching instances that make the readers go teary eyed. Themes of family, loss and redemption are dealt with here. It emphasizes a message that irrespective of where life take you, your heart will eventually take you back to your roots. 

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