The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice
'The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice' by author Rebecca Musser is a captivating autobiography that delves into the life of the author as a member of the extreme Mormon group, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). Rebecca Musser grew up in a polygamist household, facing restrictions and abuse, and was forced into an arranged marriage at age 19 to the FLDS Prophet. She eventually escapes the FLDS community and becomes a key witness in convicting FLDS leaders of heinous crimes, shedding light on the atrocities within the church. portrays Rebecca's journey of perseverance, courage, and determination to seek justice against the oppressive FLDS leaders.
Rebecca Musser's writing style in 'The Witness Wore Red' is emotionally impactful and compelling, providing a detailed account of her experiences within the FLDS community. highlights the author's faith, conviction, and bravery in standing up against the odds, ultimately leading to the exposure and prosecution of the criminal activities within the FLDS church.
Genres:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include child abuse, sexual assault, psychological manipulation, and descriptions of an oppressive and abusive cult environment.
From The Publisher:
The revealing and inspiring memoir of a woman forced into polygamous marriage in FLDS Church and her brave struggle to protect others from the same fate.
Rebecca Musser grew up in fear, concealing her family's polygamous lifestyle from the "dangerous" outside world. Covered head-to-toe in strict, modest clothing, she received a rigorous education at Alta Academy, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' school headed by Warren Jeffs. Always seeking to be an obedient Priesthood girl, in her teens she became the nineteenth wife of her people's prophet: 85-year-old Rulon Jeffs, Warren's father. Finally sickened by the abuse she suffered and saw around her, she pulled off a daring escape and sought to build a new life and family.
The church, however, had a way of pulling her back in-and by 2007, Rebecca had no choice but to take the witness stand against the new prophet of the FLDS in order to protect her little sisters and other young girls from being forced to marry at shockingly young ages. The following year, Rebecca and the rest of the world watched as a team of Texas Rangers raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, a stronghold of the FLDS. Rebecca's subsequent testimony would reveal the horrific secrets taking place behind closed doors of the temple, sending their leaders to prison for years, and Warren Jeffs for life.
The Witness Wore Red is a gripping account of one woman's struggle to escape the perverse embrace of religious fanaticism and sexual slavery, and a courageous story of hope and transformation.
Ratings (4)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (2) |
Reader Stats (6):
Read It (4) | |
Want To Read (1) | |
Not Interested (1) |
1 comment(s)
Generally, I don't read non-fiction but I've started this book and just couldn't stop reading it.
This is a totally terrifying story. What happened in this sect, which is still happening in similar sects, is difficult to accept and sometimes difficult to understand with the human mind. The history of violence and abuse described in this book is really terrifying. I am glad that I read it, it allows me to appreciate the world in which I grew up.
At the same time, I am fully aware that this is a story told from the perspective of one particular person - Rebecca. I get the impression that the author has not always been completely honest, it seems to me that sometimes she omits some details and unduly emphasizes her role in solving the whole case. Reading the book I get the impression that Rebecca was very much involved in the life of the community, she tried to be a role model, yet she never mentions whether she participated in the atrocities of the system in which she was functioning. She passes quite smoothly over the fact that her younger sister was repeatedly raped by her husband. I have the impression that Rebecca sometimes overlooks the facts that could put her in a bad light.
Nevertheless, it is a very moving story. I know that Rebecca's sister and her brother Cole wrote their own books but currently I do not plan to read them. That would be too much emotion.
What can you read after
The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
