This book deals with the Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the extremely conservative sect of Mormonism that has recently been in the national news with the raid on a Texas FLDS camp. Mainstream Mormonism is not a factor in this book. All references and opinions in this review are strictly based on the FLDS as presented in these pages.
Stolen Innocence is the autobiography of Elissa Wall, a former FLDS member who managed to break free from the religion. Elissa was born into the FLDS. Her mother – who birthed 18 children - was the second of three wives. All three were “assigned” to Mr. Wall, and it led to a strained home life. After much shuffling, Sharon Wall and all her birth children were removed from the Wall residence. After staying with relatives, the prophet “assigned” them to a new man, Fred Jessop. He was an elder in the FLDS community, and was to be Elissa’s new father. She was not allowed any contact with her biological father.
The FLDS operated much like a cult. Television and pop music were banned. Clothing was restricted to heavy prairie-style dresses that covered clavicle to ankle, even in the summer. For a brief time, children were allowed to attend public school. But when prophet Rulon Jeffs fell ill, and his son Warren took over, things became even stricter. Children were forbidden to attend public school. Their education came from church elders, was completely based in religious teachings, and often children were pulled from school by the time they reached their teen years.
Throughout her childhood, many of Elissa’s siblings were either “married” off, shipped off to “behavioral camps,” or simply excommunicated. But the trauma doesn’t end there for Elissa. At age 14, she is assigned to “marry” Allen, her first cousin, a man of 18 who was quite a bully to Elissa in their childhood. Despite constant pleas for help – from church elders, from her new father Fred, from her mother, from her older siblings – no one would allow her to postpone her “marriage.” The marriage is not a legal one; the FLDS members marry in secret across the Nevada border to avoid the attention of the authorities.
Elissa, too young and unworldly to understand her situation, is miserable. Allen rapes her nightly, insisting that it is her duty as a good FLDS wife to submit to his every desire. Having had no education on the subject, Elissa doesn’t have words to describe what is happening to her. That doesn’t stop her from reaching out for help – but none was forthcoming.
Article comments
1 - 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 - Alyse
Of course she didn't want to be in the church. They kept here there with brainwashing
3 - 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 - Megan
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 - Jennifer Bogart
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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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