Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.
Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.
My Thoughts: The alternating narrators in Before We Were Yours kept me intrigued throughout. Sometimes I couldn’t wait to get back to Rill’s storyline in the 1930s, as there was a lot of intensity as she described the horrors of her life in the orphanage.
But then I became caught up in Avery’s story as she began to put the pieces together and discover the connections between the past and the present.
How is May Crandall connected to Avery’s Grandma Judy? What brought them together, and what tore them apart?
As more and more discoveries are unveiled, I could not stop reading. A story that resonated, since I spent years as a social worker putting families back together again. Families torn asunder always tug at my heartstrings. 4.5 stars.
I can see why this would be an appealing read, Laurel. Thanks for telling us about it!
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Thanks, Mary, and I am one of the only former social workers I know who finds this kind of story irresistible. Most of them will avoid these stories, as if just dipping our toes into that dysfunctional pond will reel us back into the work. LOL.
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I can imagine this especially hit home with your social work background though I would think some of it might be a little too close to home! You have me intrigued and wondering about the connections in past and present. My library just got a copy of this on audio so I think I’m going to get in line..
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Thanks, Katherine, and I hope you enjoy the book. I know that most people in my profession tend to steer away from these kinds of books…but I say “bring them on.” I can’t seem to get enough of them.
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This did sound like an interesting read. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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Thanks, Martha, this book definitely kept my interest throughout.
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I’m a real sucker for dual narratives – and this one sounds very strong:). Thank you for a well written, interesting review, Laurel.
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I loved both narratives, too, which doesn’t always happen for me. Sometimes one story grabs me more than the other…but I found myself wrapped up in all their lives. Thanks for stopping by, Sarah.
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You’re welcome:). Have you read The Legacy by Katherine Webb? It’s one of my favourite dual narrative reads – and isn’t science fiction or fantasy…
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I haven’t, but I’m making a note of it. Thanks!
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