REVIEW

Book Review: Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall

Written by Alyse Wax
Published June 30, 2008
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Elissa grew more and more rebellious. She got a waitressing job outside the FLDS community, and skimmed money out of her paycheck (the entirety of which was supposed to go to her husband and the church) to put towards CDs and movies. She bought a truck, and began to live out of it, afraid to go home to her husband. She would only see him once a week or so.

A turning point came for Elissa during her fourth miscarriage. Not having told anyone she was pregnant, she jumped in her truck and left the compound. Her truck got stuck in the mud, in the middle of nowhere, and she was close to suicide when Lamont, a friend of a friend, happened by and rescued her. Lamont was also an FLDS member, and had an equally traumatic experience in the church. Their friendship soon grows to love, and after a few months, the two escape the FLDS together.

Out of the FLDS, Elissa – despite tremendous fear – agrees to bring suit against Warren Jeffs for, among other charges, accomplice to rape. He is found guilty. As of the writing of this book, a plan was made to bring rape charges against Allen, but it is not clear if any were filed.

The book is lengthy – over 400 pages – but a quick read. Wall does a good job of explaining the beliefs of the FLDS church for those of us who are unfamiliar with the religion, and she does so in a straightforward manner that is neither pro-FLDS nor bitter or angry. It is a little difficult for me to understand the true fear that is instilled in these believers – that if they do not do as they are told and “keep sweet” that they are damned to hell, and that their prophet is their god’s mouthpiece on earth.

Like most autobiographies, it can get a little repetitive and self-serving. Wall is constantly speaking of her feelings, which are the same over and over again: fear, mainly, but also confusion, anxiety, and just a touch of anger. A person can only read about the fear and anxiety she faces when speaking to a church elder so many times before it becomes grating.

The book is interesting, and topical. If you are looking for sordid details about what goes on in a polygamous cult, you won’t find that here. But if you are looking for a straightforward and mostly unbiased description of the FLDS, this is a good choice.

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Alyse is a television producer by day, fashion writer by night. She can't choose between the two, so she simply doesn't sleep. You can read more articles at SporkFashion.com
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Book Review: Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall
Published: June 30, 2008
Type: Review
Section: Books
Filed Under: Culture: Religion, Books: Religion, Books: Nonfiction, Books: News, Books: Memoir and Autobiography, Books: Families, Books: Crime
Writer: Alyse Wax
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Comments

#1 — June 30, 2008 @ 21:59PM — non believer

I think its fiction and she should be ashamed of herself. She was clearly a rebellious teen who didnt want to be in the church.

#2 — July 1, 2008 @ 22:25PM — Alyse [URL]

Of course she didn't want to be in the church. They kept here there with brainwashing

#3 — July 2, 2008 @ 08:56AM — Satoia

I think she must have been one sour apple and that as non believer said, she just wants to cover up her mistakes by making someone else look bad.

#4 — July 2, 2008 @ 13:01PM — Megan [URL]

It shocks me that other people would actually call Elissa a liar. What do you people actually know about this so-called religion? Rebellious teen or not, she is an AMERICAN and therefore she has a RIGHT to speak up and leave.

#5 — July 7, 2008 @ 01:44AM — Jennifer Bogart [URL]

Thanks for reviewing this Elyse. I grew up LDS (they totally ignore the polygamy issue), but the truth is that the founder of all LDS sects, Joseph Smith, was a raging polygamist and false prophet.

#6 — July 12, 2008 @ 17:22PM — MelR

I am reading this book now and have been deeply affected by the content. My heart goes out to Elissa for the pain she was force to endure. She has my upmost respect for finding the courage and strength to break away and hold the responsible party/parties accountable. Keep up the good work Elissa. You are a strong woman who deserves all the happiness in the world.

#7 — July 19, 2008 @ 22:39PM — Amber

I just finished this book 2day and i thought it was one of the best boks i have ever read. These people r so brainwashed and believe everything they r told. I say every1 reads it!!

#8 — July 21, 2008 @ 00:54AM — Laurie

Congrats Elissa for your bravery. I live in St George, Utah and see these young girls married off to old men and pregnant. Elissa story tells it the way it is!

#9 — August 19, 2008 @ 14:22PM — Tricia

I am still reading the book - but am almost done. I couldn't put the book down. I have so much respect for Elissa - she has come a long way. I was thinking this morning about how God was with her through all this. He of course didn't cause the miscarriages - but let them happen - because He knew it would be best for her. Not wanting any babies with Allen - and probably not being able to get her child out - if she wanted to leave. And then meeting LaMont, and having 2 wonderful children with him. You can see how God was with her the whole time. I am just so thrilled that her life is now a great one - married to a man she loves and having two beautiful children and having the strength to go through with testifying against the parties responsible for the suffering she endured. God Bless you Elissa!

#10 — September 13, 2008 @ 23:57PM — bailie

I just finished this book, and was not able to put it down until i had finished it. You are an extraordinary person and it took a lot of courage for you to come forth with your story. I hope that your future is bright with your family and it brings you and your family, as well as your sisters and brothers much happiness. Keep strong.

#11 — October 5, 2008 @ 20:28PM — Debbie

I too, have just finished reading this book and cannot believe what Elissa and many other girls are forced to go through with. How they are told to live their lives. I cannot believe how so many people can be so brainwashed. I wish Elissa and her family all the happiness they deserve and I hope many women and young girls can learn from her experiences. I truly believe that God wants everyone to be happy and if it's not living the FLDS lifestyle then, they should get out.

#12 — October 23, 2008 @ 11:15AM — Paula

I am reading the book now. I am having trouble putting it down. I relate to her and the poor girls life was almost ruined. I was brought up a Jehovah's Witness and it ruined my childhood but it was nothing compared to what this Cult that Elissa grew up in. She was very brave to leave and to expose them.
Sincerely
Paula from Ontario Canada

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