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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told by Hannie Gossett, a freed slave in the 1880s, and Benny Silva, a first year teacher in Augustine, LA in the 1980’s, this story tells of the lives of freed slaves, searching for their lost families, and how those stories have changed the lives of generations.
Fascinating historical look in to the List Friends advertisements in newspapers - and how people never give up looking for who they belong to.
Told by Hannie Gossett, a freed slave in the 1880s, and Benny Silva, a first year teacher in Augustine, LA in the 1980’s, this story tells of the lives of freed slaves, searching for their lost families, and how those stories have changed the lives of generations.
Fascinating historical look in to the List Friends advertisements in newspapers - and how people never give up looking for who they belong to.
Very interesting: in the late 1800s through early 1900s, the Southwestern Christian Advocate featured a "Lost Friends" section for people searching for loved ones lost to slavery. I wish that I could find information on how successful the ads proved to be—even if just anecdotal.
4.5- This story was a bit slow at times, but I really appreciated both story lines.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. The audiobook was read by many different voices which I loved and made it feel like watching a movie. It wasn’t a typical book about slavery but the aftermath of it, and future generations learning about where they came from. It was a nice alteration from the traditional narrative. I enjoyed both the story set in 1875 and the story in 1987 and how history can be forgotten and rediscovered. I especially liked the reminders of the 80s- before the Internet made it so much easier to accomplish some of the tasks that took them months, combined with the lack of easy communication (i.e. cell phones). It made me grateful for technology. I’m glad you learn what happens along the way to the characters and how everyone is connected and the author’s note at the end gave some fascinating historical context. I’d definitely recommend listening to this one.
I almost waited to read this one later but then I hit the chapter where it switches to the '80s so if you love a historical fiction book that bounces between the past and semi present this one was great!
The "lost friends" of The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate is a historical reference to loved ones and friends lost to slavery. This quiet book pulls me and does not let go even after the last page. I turn the page looking for more of what happens to Hannie. Most of all, I appreciate this book for the sad history it introduces me to. The challenge and struggle of that history continue on.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/03/the-book-of-lost-friends.html
Reviewed for NetGalley.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/03/the-book-of-lost-friends.html
Reviewed for NetGalley.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Such a beautiful story with such meaning and heart. I will continue to sing the praises of historical fiction novels for the very reason that I loved this book so much. They teach us things, and open our minds and our hearts to things that might never touch us otherwise.
And Lisa Wingate has cemented herself as a new favorite hf author with this one. I loved Before They Were Yours and this one tore at my heartstrings every bit as much. Highly recommend!!
And Lisa Wingate has cemented herself as a new favorite hf author with this one. I loved Before They Were Yours and this one tore at my heartstrings every bit as much. Highly recommend!!
Overall I found this book to be so interesting - a subject about the reuniting of slave families. Dual timeline - I really enjoyed the (past) story of Hannie, but the present day story did not hold my attention as much. Still, a great book!