Meet New Books
Meet New Books
Book Cover

Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs

Save:
Find on Amazon

Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs by Elissa Wall is a compelling memoir that delves into the author's harrowing experiences growing up in a polygamous sect led by Warren Jeffs. The book vividly portrays Wall's journey from being forced into a child marriage at the age of 14 to breaking free from the oppressive FLDS community. Through her raw and honest storytelling, Wall sheds light on the brainwashing, abuse, and control prevalent within the sect, offering readers a glimpse into the dark reality of life under the influence of a manipulative leader.

The narrative in Stolen Innocence is gripping and heart-wrenching, as Wall recounts her struggles, fears, and ultimately her triumph over the oppressive forces that sought to silence her. The writing style is poignant and evocative, immersing readers in Wall's emotional turmoil as she navigates a world where questioning authority is forbidden, and escaping seems like an insurmountable challenge. The book serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength it takes to break free from a cycle of abuse and manipulation.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is emotionally charged and direct, balancing personal storytelling with factual accounts of her experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on a young girl's harrowing journey through abuse in a polygamous sect, highlighting manipulation, trauma, and her eventual fight for freedom and justice.

Setting:

The setting is an isolated religious sect, creating a backdrop that emphasizes strict control and oppression faced by the community, particularly women.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging, moving quickly through significant events while balancing moments of reflection.
I can still smell the Dutch-oven roast on the table the night Dad announced we were getting a new mother. Even though there were already two mothers in our house, receiving a third was cause for celeb...

Notes:

Elissa Wall grew up in the FLDS, which practices polygamy and was led by Warren Jeffs.
She was married off at the age of 14 to her first cousin, which is illegal in Utah.
The community did not provide sex education, and the word 'sex' was never discussed.
Women were taught to view men as dangerous, labeling them as 'snakes'.
Marriage was viewed solely for procreation; sex was forbidden for pleasure.
Elissa suffered multiple miscarriages and a stillbirth without any medical care.
Many men in the FLDS were also under strict rules and lost everything for stepping out of line, despite the perception of male power.
The religion was tightly controlled, with followers conditioned to obey the Prophet without question.
Elissa's mother had multiple marriages and lost power over her children as a result of church commands.
Elissa faced psychological manipulation and abuse, yet still found the courage to escape.
Her testimony was pivotal in bringing attention to abuses within the FLDS community.
The book provides insight into the indoctrination tactics used in the FLDS, highlighting the community's isolation.
The community teaches that obedience to the Prophet is necessary for entering the 'Celestial Kingdom'.
Fear of excommunication kept many followers from seeking help or leaving the church.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains triggers for abuse, child marriage, sexual assault, and religious manipulation.

From The Publisher:

"Both creepy…and quite moving."

-New York Times Book Review

"Wall's story couldn't be more timely."

-People

Stolen Innocence is the gripping New York Times bestselling memoir of Elissa Wall, the courageous former member of Utah's infamous FLDS polygamist sect whose powerful courtroom testimony helped convict controversial sect leader Warren Jeffs in September 2007. At once shocking, heartbreaking, and inspiring, Wall's story of subjugation and survival exposes the darkness at the root of this rebel offshoot of the Mormon faith.

Ratings (2)

Incredible (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (6):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
1 month

Sad, heartbreaking, and life-affirming, this book left me in awe of the courage and bravery of Miss Wall. She survived horrific experiences and came out on the other side as the key to bringing the evil Warren Jeffs to justice. It's because of her that he will rot behind bars for the rest of his life, as well he should, and she should be immensely proud of her herself every day.

 
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.