Before We Were Yours

Lisa Wingate’s historical novel weaves together two timelines to explore the enduring impact of institutional exploitation on families and children. Set against the backdrop of the 1920s Tennessee Children’s Home Society scandal, the narrative follows a young mother separated from her children and a modern-day woman uncovering long-buried truths about her own past. Wingate draws upon documented history to examine how systemic cruelty operated under the guise of charity, while highlighting the quiet resilience of those who survived. The novel’s dual structure allows readers to witness how secrets echo across generations, shaping identities and relationships long after the initial wounds have faded. Themes of maternal love, moral compromise, and the search for belonging anchor the story, offering a measured reflection on how societies protect—or fail—their most vulnerable members. Wingate’s careful research and restrained prose give voice to historical figures often overlooked, creating a narrative that balances factual grounding with emotional depth. The work stands as a thoughtful examination of memory, justice, and the enduring ties that bind families across time.