Stolen Innocence

 I recently finished reading "Stolen Innocence" by Elissa Wall.  I have read books in the past about women who have escaped from the FLDS, but never about one who recently fled and, especially, during the Warren Jeff's reign. Wow.

I was amazed at how much the people of the FLDS were devoted to Jeff's even when there were times they wanted to question his actions, but no one had the courage to speak up and out. I was blown away at Jeff's doctrine and how he would rewrite the philosophy of his church and nature itself to fit his own desires. Families being town apart and being assigned to different fathers and husbands. The heartache, the trust, the deception.

Elissa Wall was assigned to marry her first cousin at the young tender age of fourteen. She struggled to accept the prophet's will as she fought with her own feelings of doubt. To be forced into such a union and suffer such abuse and ignorance. I admit, I was so happy for when she found her strength, along with the support of her current husband, to leave behind that world of pain and confusion.  Although it was a trial to adjust to life on the outside, she and her husband did it. She fought against Warren Jeffs and her "first husband" with the court to find justice, which she did. What an amazing journey to see this young girl use her voice to finally triumph over her demons.