The Book of Lost Friends

A Novel

De: Lisa Wingate

Narrado por: Sophie Amoss, Sullivan Jones, Robin Miles, Bahni Turpin, Lisa Wingate, Lisa Flanagan, Dominic Hoffman

New York Times Best Seller

From the best-selling author of Before We Were Yours comes a dramatic historical novel of three young women searching for family amid the destruction of the post-Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who learns of their story and its vital connection to her students’ lives.

“An absorbing historical...enthralling.” (Library Journal)

Best-selling author Lisa Wingate brings to life startling stories from actual “Lost Friends” advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after the Civil War, as newly freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold away.

Louisiana, 1875: In the tumultuous era of Reconstruction, three young women set off as unwilling companions on a perilous quest: Hannie, a freed slave; Lavinia, the pampered heir to a now destitute plantation; and Juneau Jane, Lavinia’s Creole half sister. Each carries private wounds and powerful secrets as they head for Texas, following roads rife with vigilantes and soldiers still fighting a war lost a decade before. For Lavinia and Juneau Jane, the journey is one of stolen inheritance and financial desperation, but for Hannie, torn from her mother and siblings before slavery’s end, the pilgrimage west reignites an agonizing question: Could her long-lost family still be out there? Beyond the swamps lie the limitless frontiers of Texas and, improbably, hope.

Louisiana, 1987: For first-year teacher Benedetta Silva, a subsidized job at a poor rural school seems like the ticket to canceling her hefty student debt - until she lands in a tiny, out-of-step Mississippi River town. Augustine, Louisiana, is suspicious of new ideas and new people, and Benny can scarcely comprehend the lives of her poverty-stricken students. But amid the gnarled live oaks and run-down plantation homes lie the century-old history of three young women, a long-ago journey, and a hidden book that could change everything.

©2020 Lisa Wingate (P)2020 Random House Audio

Best read of 2020

Excellent story and a great narrative. If you have feelings of your family history you will love this story.

Powerful and timely

Set in both 1887 & 1987, Wingate skillfully and successfully navigates the two time periods.This is a remarkable story firmly rooted in history - a timely read for all of us working to grasp the times in which we now live. Highly recommended.

Lost heritages

I love the subject of this book. I read some reviews saying how there wasn’t enough information given. That’s the whole point of the story. A lot of heritages and families were lost and couldn’t be traced because there were not many written records. A lot was remembered through stories and if ex slaves were lucky a few family heirlooms attached to the stories. This is my first time hearing about Lost Friends and I am amazed and my heart is full.

An open window to history

I really enjoyed this story. It brought to life the sadness and joy of lost and found peoples. Being from Texas, I especially enjoyed seeing the places I know come alive in a different time within the telling of this tale.

A movie in the making

This book has to be one of my favorites! The narration was perfect. I am a native of Louisiana and enjoyed learning about the history of the lost friends even though it was also heartbreaking. I hope they will make it into a movie.

Lost in the story of Lost Friends

I was captivated by this story from the very beginning. It is one of those books whose characters become family to the reader/listener....you want to know everything about them, their lives and loves and stories, and you don’t want to ever close the book and have the story end.

Excellent

Excellent story that centers on the history of the south. Recommended for all to read

Really Interesting and good story.

Loved the storyline and the historical perspective given. How two people's stories brought together beautifully.

Wow

Wow what can I say. This was so well written and researched. I fell in love with so many of the characters. In this current climate everyone should read this story. I cannot recommend enough or give it enough stars.

Great Story

This is the second work of Lisa Wingate I have read. She finds interesting stories to tell and tells them well. The voice performer for this book is one of the best I have heard and I listen to books regularly. I have given the book an overall rating of four stars for one reason: the formula the author uses. The moving back and forth from one year to another becomes tiresome. I stay with it because I want to know the end of the story, however, I do wish the author would try something new. She is too skilled as a writer and storyteller to depend on a formula.