The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate weaves together two storylines: one follows Hannie Gossett, who, a decade after the Civil War, embarks on a perilous journey with two women from Louisiana to Texas to reclaim their families; the other centers on Benny Silva, a first-year high school English teacher in contemporary Louisiana, who uses the town's history to inspire her students. The book includes sensitive themes related to slavery, racial discrimination, and family separation.

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate intertwines historical and contemporary narratives, garnering praise for its rich character development and heartfelt story. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and vivid historical detail, though some criticize its dual timeline structure for being occasionally disjointed. Overall, it captivates with impactful storytelling.

A reader who enjoys The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate would likely appreciate historical fiction with dual timelines, rich character development, and themes of resilience and heritage. This book appeals to fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and Before We Were Yours, also by Wingate.

Louisiana / 1870s; Louisiana / Contemporary

Lisa Wingate

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Book of Lost Friends Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 5

The Book of Lost Friends Prologue-Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-11

The Book of Lost Friends Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-16

The Book of Lost Friends Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-22

The Book of Lost Friends Chapters 17-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 23-Epilogue

The Book of Lost Friends Chapter 23-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Book of Lost Friends Character Analysis

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Themes

The Book of Lost Friends Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Book of Lost Friends Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Book of Lost Friends Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Book of Lost Friends Essay Topics

The Book of Lost Friends

Before You Read

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Who Should Read The Book of Lost Friends?

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Book Details