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A review by jnishimura
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
4.0
"Dear Editor — I belonged to John Rowden of St. Charles county, Missouri. I was called Clarissa. I was sold to Mr. Kerle, a planter. My other was named Perline. I was the youngest of my mother's first children. I had a sister named Sephrony and a brother called Anderson. I don't know much about my mother's second children... I was eight or nine when I was sold... I wish to inquire if I have any living kinfolk and exactly where they are living now, and their full names so I may write them... Hoping with the help of God to hear from some of my family. Mrs Ann Read, No. 246 Customhouse St., New Orleans." Lost Friends column of the Southwestern, Jan 19, 1882
Author Lisa Wingate intersperses her tale with such letters to impress upon her readers that her concept for this book is based on the true stories of those who searched for their family members who were sold and dispersed across America.
Told in a dual timeline through the perspective of Hannie, a former slave turned sharecropper in Louisiana 1875, and Benny, a teacher at a low-income school in Louisiana 1987. The century gap between the protagonists underscores how deeply embedded our histories can be and how much we can learn from our collective pasts—if we care to learn about it.
Poignant, adventurous, inspiring, and shattering, this "based on true events" story offers a slice of insight into the post-emancipation lives in the American south.
TW: violence against women, sexual assault, racism.
Author Lisa Wingate intersperses her tale with such letters to impress upon her readers that her concept for this book is based on the true stories of those who searched for their family members who were sold and dispersed across America.
Told in a dual timeline through the perspective of Hannie, a former slave turned sharecropper in Louisiana 1875, and Benny, a teacher at a low-income school in Louisiana 1987. The century gap between the protagonists underscores how deeply embedded our histories can be and how much we can learn from our collective pasts—if we care to learn about it.
Poignant, adventurous, inspiring, and shattering, this "based on true events" story offers a slice of insight into the post-emancipation lives in the American south.
TW: violence against women, sexual assault, racism.