Review: Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall

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

The subtitle basically tells the story. Elissa Wall is born into a family that belongs to the polygamous sect led by Warren Jeffs. At a very young age, she is married against her will to an older man, suffers abuse, and eventually escapes entirely.

This is really an incredible story. Despite the sensational news stories we've all seen in the past few years, it's difficult to believe that situations like this one exist in modern times. Elissa's experience in life was so different from mine that it's difficult to take in. This book helped me to understand for the first time how powerful a force religious indoctrination can be, that it would cause a mother to allow her daughter to be treated the way Elissa was treated. That she would in fact tell her that it was only right to be treated that way. This story inspires anger, sympathy and admiration in equal parts.

I have to say that I didn't particularly enjoy the author's narration. It's difficult to explain why, though. I kept getting annoyed with her for trying to justify decisions people were making. I suppose it's hard to overcome the lifetime of thought patterns. And again, her experience is so different from mine that it's not surprising that she would see things differently.

My final word: I give this book 4 out of 5. The writing in this book isn't spectacular, and the author's voice can be annoying from time to time. However, I think the story makes this a worthwhile read.

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