The Book of Lost Friends

A Novel

By: Lisa Wingate

Narrated by: Sophie Amoss, Lisa Flanagan, Dominic Hoffman, Sullivan Jones, Robin Miles, Bahni Turpin, Lisa Wingate

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the bestselling 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

Bestselling 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.

Critic reviews

“Wingate makes history come alive. . . . Historical fiction fans will appreciate the authentic articles and the connection between modern times and the past, while adventure lovers will enjoy a voyage reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn.”—Booklist

“Wingate brings to life a new and exciting historical drama.”—Deep South magazine

“[A] wonderful novel . . . a story that is heartbreaking and full of grief but also joy and optimism. It’s a perfect excuse to curl up on the couch and read.”—Bookreporter

“This is what I love most about historical fiction, the chance to learn things we unfortunately aren’t taught in schools.”—All About Romance

“Emphasizing throughout that stories matter and should never go untold, Wingate has written an absorbing historical for many readers. . . . Enthralling and ultimately heartening.”—Library Journal

Beautiful story

I enjoyed every moment of this book. The narration was so entertaining and drew me in from the first chapter. The story was a beautiful story of family, love and devotion, blinded by color. Just like this author’s other books that I have read, this book kept me engaged from start to finish.

Heartbreaking and Hopeful

I am a history major and teacher so I was intrigued to read this book. In my university courses, I had learned about the troubled times of Reconstruction and had heard of the great attempts by those who had been enslaved to find their loved ones. But, I had never heard about the "Lost Friends Column." The tone of the ads that preceded each chapter were heartbreaking and I wondered if each one had ever found those they sought.
The story of Hanie's journey captured me and the narration allowed me to picture her on her odyssey from Louisiana all the way to Texas. Along this journey, she evolved from a sharecropping hand to a woman who evolved to becoming a fierce defender of two women who had much more privilege than she.
As a teacher, I also appreciated Benny's story. She fought her own battle for her students, but it didn't veer off into rescuing them. Instead, she recognized their strengths and the assets of their families and tapped into those.
This story brought me to tears several times. I thought this was an excellent weaving together of the past and present.

One of my favorites this year

I loved this book! Good story, good history, beautiful writing, excellent narration! I’m telling all my book buddies to read it!

Description doesn’t give this book justice

This is a really great book that weaves together two timelines that are masterfully interconnected

I found the story fascinating and heartwarming. The characters are strong and likable.

Best narration of any audio book thus far!

This story comes to life with a group of the best narrators I have ever listened to of any audio book on Audible thus far, and that's saying a lot because I have listened to lots of books on Audible. I loved this story so much that when it ended, I wished there was more! The author could have probably written several more chapters with more information about the characters and what happened next and nobody would complain about it. Don't want to ruin it for anyone but what happened with Benny and Nathan? Tell us more about Hanny and how she ended up being married and back at Gosswood Grove??? How long did Benny end up being a teacher at the school? Did she stay or did she go? Would read it if a sequel came out!