Couldn't put this one down - a gobsmacking read
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Having heard Carolyn Jessop on Radio 4 earlier this year I was intrigued to read her book. This is not one of the run of the mill battered wife books - far from it. What shines through is the bravery and courage of one woman who in the face of seemingly insummountable odds, continued to fight for her life and those of her children too - she never gave up - never. It is also an honest insight into a way of life so far removed from modern day America. One of those books I couldn't put down, totally captivating. I hope that some of the women currently dealing with the challenges at the YFZ ranch in Texas have the courage to read her words and follow her lead to a better life. And, I hope this makes the American authorities sit up and do more to help the victims of this awful regime.
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Page turner
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Hi, i was unsure about this book when i bought it but had heard some good reviews. All i can say is wow what a page turner, i couldn't put it down. its a complete eye opening experience from start to finish.
Would recomend
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An amazing story of bravery and endurance
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Carolyn was born and raised in the Fundamentalist Church of the Latter Day Saints (a religious sect which is in no way connected to the Mormon Faith). At the age of 18 she was forced into marriage to Merril Jessop, a leader within the FLDS and a man who was older than her father. At that time he already had 3 wives and 33 children. In time she would become one of 7 wives and bear him 8 children of her own. Her life was very restricted. She had to turn over any money that she earned to her husband and was dependent on what little he gave her to support herself and her children. She couldn't do anything without her husband's permission - not even calling an ambulance if her child was sick. In the FLDS culture, a man's wife is his property and he can do whatever he wants to her. Abuse is frequent.
In this environment, Carolyn had few friends that she could trust. The other wives were not her friends but her competition for their husband's favour, because even if they didn't love their husband, he had the ability to improve the quality of their lives. Also, members of the FLDS community were actively encouraged to spy on one another. But even though life is immensely difficult, most women stay because they are conditioned from birth to believe that the outside world is corrupt and evil and that they will be doomed to Hell if they leave. (It was interesting to me that they did have some exposure to the outside world: Merril had outside business interests and also took his wives on occasional holidays to other parts of the US. Carolyn also had access to the internet through her work.)
When Carolyn finally does escape, the tension is almost unbearable. I found the final chapters of the book especially interesting and moving, when Carolyn is describing what happened to her family after they left the compound. She found it immensely difficult to adapt to being allowed to do fun things with her children after having been conditioned her entire life to believe it was a sin to enjoy yourself. Even something simple like going to McDonalds was terribly stressful for her. The adjustment to having the freedom to make her own decisions was not an easy one. Her children also struggle in their different ways with the change from the life that they have always known.
The reason that I have given this book only four stars is that I felt that the writing let it down. Carolyn's story feels like it just kind of poured out of her in a carthatic jumble of "this happened, and then this happened". This is perfectly understandable given what she went through, but a better co-author or editor would have pulled it more into shape. At times she repeats things she's already told us, while other parts get confusing (there are, after all, so many family members to keep track of). So it's not the most well written book that I have read this year, but it's still an amazing story and it could well be the book that I will remember the most vividly. Carolyn's bravery is astounding and very moving.
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Compelling
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I actually bought this book for my wife but after about 3 chapters, I was memorised, 'hooked' would be properly better put. This lady expresses herself so well. You go into this 'hidden' world & are taken through every emotion Carolyn Jessop felt. To read the word obedient so often will explain exactly where women 'stand' in this hidden world. Yes, I felt so sorry for Carolyn Jessop but also anger that in this day & age, brainwashing at the highest level still goes on. A book that is Brilliantly written, emotionally received & quite flabbergasting.
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Disturbing - a harrowing read!
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I do not usually read this genre of book, but was given it by a friend. I cannot believe how disturbing I found it - it even caused me to evaluate my own beliefs and values. Whilst reading it you have to remind yourself that this was happening in the last few years and not in the 70s. Fortunately the author is wise to this and there are many topical references that keep you focused. A brave woman, who you are willing to escape throughout.
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