The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice
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Summary
Rebecca Musser grew up in fear, concealing her family's polygamous lifestyle from the "dangerous" outside world. Covered head-to-toe in strict, modest clothing, she received a rigorous education at Alta Academy, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' school headed by Warren Jeffs. Always seeking to be an obedient Priesthood girl, in her teens she became the nineteenth wife of her people's prophet: 85-year-old Rulon Jeffs, Warren's father. Finally sickened by the abuse she suffered and saw around her, she pulled off a daring escape and sought to build a new life and family.
The author presented a highly elaborate retelling of her life's journey. At times, the level of detail became a bit excessive, but it ultimately contributed to a comprehensive understanding of her story. Perhaps my sole critique lies in the initial chapters where her soft and meek tone nearly lulled me to sleep. Nonetheless, her courage shines through in the incredible work she has accomplished.
Thank you so much for your truthful review! Your words have truly shed light on what actually took place, and the world owes you a debt of gratitude for bringing the truth to light!
I just completed a research project on the FLDS church, and out of all the autobiographies I read, Rebecca's memoir was by far my favorite. It was highly informative, had a great flow, and she did an excellent job narrating it.
Wow, talk about a courageous lady! I really hope I would have shown the same kind of strength if I were ever manipulated like she was, but it truly takes someone extraordinary to take a leap of faith and leave behind the only world they've ever known. It's great to hear that she's still devoting her time to aiding others in overcoming comparable hardships. The book was absolutely gripping and shed light on a truly chilling reality. Surpassed all my expectations!
There comes a moment when you feel like giving up on listening, but you're eager to witness the author's determination. The book provides a deeper understanding of repulsive individuals who exploit religion to further their own agendas. It's a shocking revelation that such widespread incidents occur in the United States, effectively shattering my ignorance.
The author of this book had a deep understanding of the polygamous lifestyle, allowing her to expose its dark corners. Her unique perspective, being both a part of and apart from this world, enabled her to confront the most heinous abuses. I am truly amazed by the courage displayed by individuals like her, who fearlessly reveal the truth. Despite the personal cost, she willingly shouldered the burden of these issues and faced them head-on. It's important to acknowledge that not everyone would have taken on this challenge, making her actions all the more commendable. We can all be grateful that she made the choice to do so.
While Ms. Musser did receive assistance in writing, there were instances where the book became slow or paused to explain irrelevant details. The most captivating parts, however, were when she discussed the lasting impact of her upbringing on her present life. These sections were particularly heartbreaking, as they revealed numerous ways in which she is unknowingly affected, such as her mistreatment by her second husband, the way law enforcement treats her, and her harsh judgment of those who have left the community and spoken out.
I would suggest reading the book rather than listening to the audiobook, as the portrayal of "voices" during conversations leaves much to be desired. However, it is advisable to read other books about the FLDS prior to this one, as there are superior options in terms of writing and storytelling.
Many readers have expressed their admiration for this book, and I agree that Musser's writing skills are commendable.
However, I did notice a lack of humanity on Musser's part. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that there may be more to the narrative than what is presented. It appears somewhat one-sided, as Musser hardly has anything positive to say about anyone in her community, apart from her full-blooded siblings and mother.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I discovered that Musser's brother, who plays a significant role in the story under the name "Cole," has also written a book (available on Kindle) recounting much of his sister's account. Although I haven't read it, the description alone suggests that he believes his sister isn't portraying events truthfully. Combined with Musser's portrayal of herself as faultless (claiming to have never even told a lie), it seems too good to be true. While the story is engaging, readers must ultimately decide how much of it is fact and how much is fiction.
Musser also lost quite a few points with me when she shares her devastation upon the birth of her daughter, who has a dark birthmark on her face. Musser goes on and on about it, primarily focusing on her own vanity. She does mention that it could become cancerous, but even then, her emotional response pales in comparison to her preoccupation with the mark's appearance. This was rather appalling to me, as I am also a parent to a child with a large, dark facial birthmark. When my child was born, I wept tears of joy at the beauty and miracle of their birth, not because of any birthmark they may have had. Musser, on the other hand, wept over it, even sharing that her husband was upset with her reaction – a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. Furthermore, I found it quite distasteful that she would include this in her book, regardless of her feelings at the time. It is crucial to consider her character and perspective while reading her story. I empathize with the challenges she has faced, but her immaturity raises doubts about the overall authenticity of her narrative.
This story is absolutely incredible. The narrator's voice is pleasant and their diction is spot-on, but there's a slight issue with their inflection, as it sometimes comes across as robotic.
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