Before We Were Yours
by Lisa Wingate
Book Overview
Avery Stafford, a savvy prosecutor with a pedigreed name, pulls one thread and her family's immaculate story begins to fray when a stranger’s recognition points to her grandmother’s hidden past. In 1939, twelve-year-old Rill Foss fights to keep her four siblings together after authorities seize them from their riverboat and consign them to a predatory orphanage that sells children; as Avery hunts the truth and Rill battles for survival, the timelines collide and the cost of uncovering buried secrets tests identity, loyalty, and the meaning of home.
This guide delivers comprehensive chapter breakdowns, incisive character studies, and clear explanations of the novel’s historical context, symbols, and themes. It also provides timeline overviews, smart discussion prompts, and curated quotes to enrich your reading and spark deeper insight.