The "lost friends" of The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate is a historical reference to loved ones and friends lost to slavery.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.

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Enjoyable story that goes between two main characters set in different time periods. We alternate between the story of Hannie Gossett set in 1875 and Benny Silva set in 1987. Both stories were interesting to read but Hannie's was so much more. I flew through her chapters but not so much on Benny's. We didn't have the suspense and action that was set in Hannie's stories and also a lot of times in Benny's chapters, she would wander off on a tangent and it would tend to bore me. Most of the time it didn't seem necessary to do that but she did it often. Other than that, it was a good story to tell and even better one to learn about.

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The past and present - this book highlights the ties between them and it brought home to me that our time on this earth is short but the decisions we make and the relationships we form will live on. We die once and and we are buried but we die a final time when the last person says our name. Powerful words.

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The book was engaging from the first paragraph. The story was well crafted and realistically told. It is not a superficial beach read, if you really are taking the time to think of and appreciate the historical part of the fiction. Any American from the southeast could easily find themselves reminiscing in the legacy of one of the leading characters to the point of reflecting on their own family's place in history. I highly recommend the book!

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It's not very often that I give a book 5 stars, but this fact-based fiction book is fantastic, I haven't read one that I've enjoyed this much in quite a while. I loved all the characters, the story was intriguing and fast-paced, there's danger and escapes, betrayal and romance and Nazis, I mean, what's not to love ? I was afraid of how it would end, but even the ending was great. I can't wait to get hold of more books by this author.

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An amazing story based on pieces of real history! Masterful storytelling pulled me in from the start and kept me mesmerized until the end. It could have continued another 100 pages even and it would have kept me glued to it.

Both the modern plotline in 1980's Louisiana, and the past one from 1875, held my attention, especially towards the end as they began to merge. Benny and Hannie were strong, flawed heroines, sacrificing to 'go the extra mile' for others, at their own risk. The modern story of a struggling first year teacher working in a disadvantaged school was quite inspiring. It reminded me of The Water is Wide or other heroic tales of teachers who take risks to reach out and make connections to their students.

"...the past travels with you. It's whether you run from it or learn from it that makes all the difference."

The author does a good job of mixing in tough topics associated with slavery and mistreatment of women without being too graphic. Themes included breaking free from a destructive past, and being courageous to move toward a better future despite hardship and prejudice. Many of us can relate to overcoming things we are ashamed of or times we could have used a hand up to help us. There's a whisper of faith present, but not overtly Christian, more of a moral perspective.
Highly recommend! A solid 5 star read!

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

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I don't often take the time to review a book but this book I could barely put down until I finished it! So well written and I love how actual historical events were woven in. Such a memorable story that I won't hesitate to recommend!

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