Book review: Stollen Innocence

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

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was an amazing read. I am blown away by the courage of Elissa to not only leave the FLDS, but to be part of the lawsuit against Warren Jeffs in regards to the abuse she suffered.



i enjoyed reading how the sect changed under the rule of Jeffs and why it was so hard to leave or to even question the rulings of Jeffs. In fact i had a discussion with my oldest daughter about that. we talked about how if she had a question the pastor of our church would welcome her question and help her to find answers. In the FDLS, there were no questions allowed.



I am amazed also that the experiences growing up under this rigid rule did not turn Elissa away from God, that she still has faith in God, and understands the real god more now.



Her strength to go ahead with the lawsuit is wonderful. It is not about the FDlS, although you need to understand the culture of the FdLS to understand why she couldn't leave or refuse the marriage and why the abuses continued so long. But the whole problem, the reason for the lawsuit was the forced marriage at the tender age of 14, and the abuses she suffered at the hands of her "husband" during that time.



This is a good read, and if nothing more, to read the story of an amazing, strong and wonderful woman and her courage to do the right thing, even in the face of terrible pressure to fade away and not say anything.



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