thoroughly enjoyed it

Little bit slow to start but once it got going I was hooked.

I really enjoyed this story but it wasn't without it's faults. Rill's narration was far more interesting than Avery's, and I found Avery to be a little dense for such a smart woman.

The narration was great.

I think what I found most interesting was it was based on true events and since reading this book I've looked up a lot to do with the orphanage.

I would recommend this listen.

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23 people found this helpful

Brings to life the unthinkable grief inflicted on families by Georgia Tann

Having lived all my life in the UK this child stealing period in Tennessee was a 20th century scandal I was unaware of. It is sensitively brought to life in this tale of two fictional families, one of which was torn apart by the events of the time.
I liked how the story flips between the experiences of the children in the 1940s and the gradual uncovering of these experiences by the character Avery Stafford in the 21st century, blowing apart the nonsense of class distinctions.
Having looked up the real account of Georgia Tann and the power she wielded at the time I like how the writer appears to have been true to the accounts of the real individuals whose lives were so greatly affected directly and indirectly by that woman and her self serving policies.
This book would be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in 20th century social history combined with a gripping storyline. It had me gripped from start to finish.

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Loved this book, unfortunately based on truth.

I loved this book, although a harrowing and uncomfortable listen at times, based around real life events, this story had me hooked. Similar to ‘Where the Crawdads sing’.

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Epic amazing well written and researched story .Di

Epic amazing well written and researched story.Didnt want it to end.Tragic how this happened .

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A brilliant, informative listen

This story is well-crafted, well written and gripping. The fact that it is based on shockingly true circumstances makes it even more worthwhile listening to.
There is an interesting author's note at the end.

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Most thought provoking and sad book but excellent!

I was in bits most of the time whilst listening to this book. The characters were amazing and at times could not hold back the tears ... this was even on packed train journeys to work. I am glad I have finished it as I was getting obsessed with the story but also already miss the characters! thank you for writing such a lovely book with such a powerful underpin.

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Kept me up at night!!

I loved this book, I don’t usually listen to stories like this, but I found it so absorbing, I gathered some true info on the children’s home featured in the book first so I had a inkling of the story behind the book, what those poor children & parents went through Is unbelievable. I recommend this book not only for its semi fictional story but it’s so well written and the 2 narrators give it a special feel and you bond with them, certainly kept me on the edge of my seat, well done!!

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before we were yours

Great story .Cannot believe how they got away with it for so long .Loved the story and the narrator

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Interesting history

I enjoyed the unravelling of this appalling story based on true histories. Read well and kept me gripped.

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Great listen

I really enjoyed this book. The best listen I’ve had in ages. I’d recommend it to anyone

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2 people found this helpful