The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

Here's a summary based on the provided excerpt from Lisa Wingate's novel:

In "The Book of Lost Friends," Lisa Wingate intertwines the lives of three young women in post-Civil War Louisiana with a modern-day teacher who discovers their compelling story.

Set in 1875 Louisiana during the tumultuous Reconstruction era, the novel follows three disparate women brought together by circumstance on a perilous journey to Texas: Hannie, a freed slave searching for her family; Lavinia, the daughter of a bankrupt plantation owner facing financial ruin; and Juneau Jane, Lavinia’s Creole half-sister. Each woman carries deep wounds and secrets as they navigate a dangerous landscape still fraught with the remnants of Civil War strife. For Hannie, the quest westward represents a chance to reunite with her long-lost family, torn apart by slavery.

In parallel, the narrative shifts to 1987, where Benedetta Silva, a young teacher burdened by student debt, takes a job in Augustine, Louisiana, hoping to make a difference in a struggling community. Augustine is resistant to change, and Benny struggles to connect with her impoverished students amidst the backdrop of historic plantations and entrenched poverty. Yet, amidst this challenging environment, she discovers a hidden history that connects back to the journeys of Hannie, Lavinia, and Juneau Jane—a history encapsulated in a mysterious book that holds the key to understanding the lives and struggles of these women from a century ago.

"The Book of Lost Friends" is a poignant exploration of resilience, family bonds, and the enduring impact of history. Through Wingate’s evocative storytelling, the novel delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for connection across generations, weaving together the narratives of past and present in a tale that promises both heartache and hope. With its historical depth and contemporary relevance, the novel captivates readers with its richly drawn characters and the intricate threads that bind their lives together across time.