The Book of Lost Friends

GIVEAWAY

WINGATE, LISA
THE LOST BOOK OF FRIENDS

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 June, 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.

Louisana, 1987 For first-year teacher Benedetta Silva, a subsidized job at a poor rural school seems like the ticket to cancelling 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.

My Review:

A profoundly moving novel with a raise-the-hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck, goosebumping ending.

I'm really stymied over how to review this one so I think I'm just going to list some random thoughts and hope it makes sense.

First -- both timelines are based on some very hard truths. Yes, the author has fictionally embellished certain aspects of the story but, really, all of this happened to real people. Past and present. I marvel at the courage and the tenacity that keeps us moving forward anyway. Be sure to read the author's notes about how this story came to be. I'm gobsmacked.

Yay -- dual timeline! This one is a bit different because I felt like the majority of time was spent in the past. I'm not sure if that's true -- I didn't count pages :-) -- but I felt more anchored in Hannie's story. And the way the author brings in the contemporary line and then accelerates switching back and forth towards the end to that grand finale 'aha' moment was stunning! Made such an impact.

I think the book description is a little bit misleading. It sounds like there will be multiple POV from the historical timeline but it's all Hannie telling that tale. And, of course, it's Benedetta's (Benny) perspective in the contemporary timeline. I really enjoyed digging deep into both women's experiences. And I especially liked Hannie's perspective because she has the ability to see multiple truths in a single situation. She's insightful and compassionate and spunky. And brutally honest. A true survivor.

This book deals with a lot of tough subject matter. From slavery and how its effects are still felt to this very day. Racism. Dysfunctional families. Poverty. Social and educational inequality. All the stuff we have tried to push back into the past without dealing with it first. But there's hope born in the remembering. In the acknowledgement of past wrongs. Hope for a different future. For all the pain and anguish, this story is infused with hope.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Lost Book of Friends leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 2 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck