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"From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours comes a new novel inspired by little-known historical events: a dramatic story of three young women on a journey in search of family amidst the destruction of the post-Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who rediscovers their story and its vital connection to her own students' lives. In her distinctive voice, Lisa Wingate brings to life startling stories from actual "Lost Friends" advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after the Civil War, as freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold off. Louisiana, 1875: In the tumultuous aftermath of Reconstruction, three young women set off as unwilling companions on a perilous quest: Lavinia, the pampered heir to a now-destitute plantation; Juneau Jane, her illegitimate free-born Creole half-sister; and Hannie, Lavinia's former slave. Each carries private wounds and powerful secrets as they head for Texas, following dangerous roads rife with ruthless vigilantes and soldiers still fighting a war lost a decade before. For Lavinia and Juneau Jane, the journey is one of inheritance and financial desperation, but for Hannie, torn from her mother and eight siblings before slavery's end, the pilgrimage westward reignites an agonizing question: Could her long-lost family still be out there? Beyond the swamps lie the seemingly limitless frontiers of Texas and, improbably, hope. Louisiana, 1987: For first-year teacher Benedetta Silva, a subsidized job at a poor rural school seems like the ticket to canceling her hefty student debt--until she lands in a tiny, out-of-step Mississippi River town. Augustine, Louisiana, seems suspicious of new ideas and new people, and Benny can scarcely comprehend the lives of her poverty-stricken students. But amid the gnarled live oaks and run-down plantation homes lies the century-old history of three young women, a long-ago journey, and a hidden book that could change everything"--… (más)
Early last year, I had the privilege of reading Wingate’s Before We Were Yours, a book I thoroughly enjoyed. Since then, I’ve been wanting to try some of her other works, so when I came across this one—and was intrigued by the history it told—I picked it up.
This book isn’t as good as Before We Were Yours, in my opinion, but it still brought a piece of history to life that I’ve never come across before. It’s heartbreaking to think of all the families that were separated by slavery and/or the war, and encouraging to think that some of them may have found family members through the efforts of newspapers like the ones featured in this story.
Generally speaking, this is a fairly heavy, dark read. The subject matter isn’t easy, and I found I didn’t enjoy the character’s journey (and choices) quite as much as I would have hoped. This book did tend to lean somewhat feministic, and I struggled with some of the things people did to the girls, even though it was realistic. In saying that, there is a strong thread of hope throughout the story, and I was thankful for the romance that showed up in time—that helped lighten the mood a little bit.
If you enjoy books that dive into history, especially the more unknown parts of history, and don’t mind darker reads, this could be perfect for you. There was a lot to enjoy in here—the writing style is great; the plot was engaging, and the characters relatable—and I’m glad I got the chance to read it. I doubt I’d ever read the book again, but I’m also glad to have had another glimpse at the tenacity of the human spirit in the face of great suffering. ( )
Excellent story. Ties together two time periods: the 1870?s and 1987 in Louisiana regarding the history of a plantation and their slaves. Goodreads: A new novel inspired by historical events: a story of three young women on a journey in search of family amidst the destruction of the post-Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who rediscovers their story and its connection to her own students' lives.Lisa Wingate brings to life stories from actual "Lost Friends" advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after the Civil War, as freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold off.Louisiana, 1875 In the tumultuous aftermath of Reconstruction, three young women set off as unwilling companions on a perilous quest: Lavinia, the pampered heir to a now-destitute plantation; Juneau Jane, her illegitimate free-born Creole half-sister; and Hannie, Lavinia's former slave. Each carries private wounds and powerful secrets as they head for Texas, following dangerous roads rife with ruthless vigilantes and soldiers still fighting a war lost a decade before. For Lavinia and Juneau Jane, the journey is one of inheritance and financial desperation, but for Hannie, torn from her mother and eight siblings before slavery's end, the pilgrimage westward reignites an agonizing question: Could her long-lost family still be out there? Beyond the swamps lie the seemingly limitless frontiers of Texas and, improbably, hope.Louisiana, 1987 For first-year teacher Benedetta Silva, a subsidized job at a poor rural school seems like the ticket to canceling her hefty student debt--until she lands in a tiny, out-of-step Mississippi River town. Augustine, Louisiana, seems suspicious of new ideas and new people, and Benny can scarcely comprehend the lives of her poverty-stricken students. But amid the gnarled oaks and run-down plantation homes lies the century-old history of three young women, a long-ago journey, and a hidden book that could change everything.
I almost waited to read this one later but then I hit the chapter where it switches to the '80s so if you love a historical fiction book that bounces between the past and semi present this one was great! ( )
Great Historical. I went into this book without knowing anything about it. Enjoyed it thoroughly as an audio. Ending could've been a bit longer but I tend to say that about all the books I've enjoyed. ( )
"From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours comes a new novel inspired by little-known historical events: a dramatic story of three young women on a journey in search of family amidst the destruction of the post-Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who rediscovers their story and its vital connection to her own students' lives. In her distinctive voice, Lisa Wingate brings to life startling stories from actual "Lost Friends" advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after the Civil War, as freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold off. Louisiana, 1875: In the tumultuous aftermath of Reconstruction, three young women set off as unwilling companions on a perilous quest: Lavinia, the pampered heir to a now-destitute plantation; Juneau Jane, her illegitimate free-born Creole half-sister; and Hannie, Lavinia's former slave. Each carries private wounds and powerful secrets as they head for Texas, following dangerous roads rife with ruthless vigilantes and soldiers still fighting a war lost a decade before. For Lavinia and Juneau Jane, the journey is one of inheritance and financial desperation, but for Hannie, torn from her mother and eight siblings before slavery's end, the pilgrimage westward reignites an agonizing question: Could her long-lost family still be out there? Beyond the swamps lie the seemingly limitless frontiers of Texas and, improbably, hope. Louisiana, 1987: For first-year teacher Benedetta Silva, a subsidized job at a poor rural school seems like the ticket to canceling her hefty student debt--until she lands in a tiny, out-of-step Mississippi River town. Augustine, Louisiana, seems suspicious of new ideas and new people, and Benny can scarcely comprehend the lives of her poverty-stricken students. But amid the gnarled live oaks and run-down plantation homes lies the century-old history of three young women, a long-ago journey, and a hidden book that could change everything"--
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(4.03)
6
This book isn’t as good as Before We Were Yours, in my opinion, but it still brought a piece of history to life that I’ve never come across before. It’s heartbreaking to think of all the families that were separated by slavery and/or the war, and encouraging to think that some of them may have found family members through the efforts of newspapers like the ones featured in this story.
Generally speaking, this is a fairly heavy, dark read. The subject matter isn’t easy, and I found I didn’t enjoy the character’s journey (and choices) quite as much as I would have hoped. This book did tend to lean somewhat feministic, and I struggled with some of the things people did to the girls, even though it was realistic. In saying that, there is a strong thread of hope throughout the story, and I was thankful for the romance that showed up in time—that helped lighten the mood a little bit.
If you enjoy books that dive into history, especially the more unknown parts of history, and don’t mind darker reads, this could be perfect for you. There was a lot to enjoy in here—the writing style is great; the plot was engaging, and the characters relatable—and I’m glad I got the chance to read it. I doubt I’d ever read the book again, but I’m also glad to have had another glimpse at the tenacity of the human spirit in the face of great suffering. (