Note: I listened to this as an audio book.

This book is a fictionalized account based on real events. The Tennessee Children's Home Society, run by Georgia Tann, was a place of horror for many children from the 1920's through 1950 when it was finally shut down.

In real life, children were sometimes given up, but also not uncommonly basically kidnapped, or mothers who had just given birth were asked to sign papers to surrender their child while the was still fairly sedated, unable to understand what was going on or, in some cases, they were even told their child had died.

This book is a story about the Foss children and their (basically) kidnapping and being sent to the Tennessee Children's Home Society. It goes back and forth between the past and present with each chapter being predominantly about either Avery (in the present) or Rill/May (in the past). It weaves a story of mystery which ultimately links Avery with May and reveals secrets long kept in dark places.

People who love books about historical events, the horror humans can visit on others, and/or the indomitable human spirit. It's also good for people who like learning about different ways of life as the Foss children spent their beginnings living on the river in a river boat/shanty.

I liked how the story kept me interested and entertained. While it was disturbing to know the sorts of things that happened to the children, it was also fascinating, in a morbid way. Interestingly, Ms. Tann felt like she was doing what was in the best interest of the children when she was taking them away since she mostly preyed on the poor, unwed, mentally ill, etc. But don't be mistaken, she certainly gained financially, so there's that.

I also especially liked that at the end, the author talked about her research and how, though the story is technically fiction, it's taken from the lives and stories of real people who lived through that time.

That the story seemed to be winding down and I looked at the timer on my audio book and I still had another 8 hrs. But I admit, it was a very good 8 hrs.

Also, while the author, Lisa Wingate, used lots of similes and metaphors, I sometimes felt like she overused them. Sometimes I was just tired of them. Just tell me straight. But she also used some very creative ones like "quiet as a bobcat." I never though of a bobcat as quiet, but then she goes on to explain why she chose that.

Learn more about the Tennessee Children's Home Society. I looked it up. For those who know the old actress, Joan Crawford, she adopted her twins from there. Also, if you are familiar with the former wrestler, Ric Flair, he was adopted from there. His original name is still not fully known as there are a couple of possible ones.

Surprised, ashamed, impressed

Did a great job describing and telling a wonderful story. This was an excellent choice for a book and I'm glad I listened to it!

It's very well written and interesting. You are touched, learn a lot, and are entertained.

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Created Aug 30, 2019 at 3:41pm • Submit your own review...