“The searing of our God is put inside of us, like rounds of chemotherapy, aiming to kill off all the bad parts and leave the good alone.”
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Michelle grows up in a cult started by her grandfather, it is Christian based so her femininity is a threat. Growing up she is indoctrinated into all sorts of unsettling beliefs. Her own keen mind and sense of self leaves her constantly questioning. She gives us glimpses of every day life, missions trips, survival training and her own issues with health and food. We know from the start she escapes but the story tells us how the pressure built and eventually how she is able to make her own way.
Michelle’s writing is fabulous, I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted so many passages in a book. I’ve not lived in a cult or family situation like she did but her writing allowed me to draw so many parallels to my own faith journey and sense of self. The writing feels quite raw and yet deeply introspective and enlightened at the same time. My only criticism is that I would have liked more of her life after she left. We do get enough to feel there is resolution but I would have loved more of her first time experiences with the day to day of non-secular life.
Thanks to Algonquin Books for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.
Do you garden or forage or do anything that would help you survive if the system broke down?
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