Hidden Wives
Release date: 2010 / 336 pages
Synopsis (from Amazon): Fifteen-year-old Sarah and her beautiful sister, Rachel, are too young to legally drive a car — but are approaching spinsterhood in Utah’s secret Blood of the Lamb community. Having long since reached the “age of preparedness,” they will soon be married to much older men chosen for them by the hidden sect’s revered Prophet… When Rachel’s future husband is finally announced, violence erupts, and the girls must find the strength to escape the only life they have ever known… before it’s too late.
Review: Imagine trying to put a novel aside after reading these sentences: “For as long as Sara could remember, she jolted awake every morning, startled to be alive.”
What a roller-coaster ride of suspense, injustice, and love this novel was! I’m honestly not sure why I agreed to read and review it when TLC contacted me. I have very little knowledge of polygamy beyond a recent Oprah episode I half-watched while making dinner. But I am so glad I did agree to read this and could not put it down for two days.
In many respects, this novel is a duel hero’s journey — and a testament to the love of sisters — as well as a grueling expose of how “religion” can be used to manipulate, brainwash and control victims. However, despite the devastating actions of the “elders” of this sect, the independence and optimism of Sara, as well as the innocence of her sister Rachel, results in a strangely uplifting — and certainly empowering novel.
When I finished the last page, with tears in my eyes, I turned to the back to read about the author and found that “Claire Avery” is actually the pseudonym of two sisters who wrote this novel together. I usually can tell when I’m reading a novel with more than one author (“as told to”…), but this narrative was seamless in its execution. Although both voices of the sisters are represented, the narration is unified and fast-paced.
The second thing I did when I finished was google “polygamy” and found an article only one hour old about a man charged of the crimes found in this novel — charges dismissed in Arizona, but awaiting his return to Utah. Honestly, I was shocked. I guess in a varied and diverse country — founded on religious freedom — I should not be so surprised, but I was. I have known many, many Mormons in my life and only had the utmost respect and affection for them. So, initially it was off-putting that the cult in this novel was associated with Mormons. However, I realize that cults spin off from every religion and that the “word of God” is so often twisted to fit many disturbing minds.
So, as a story, I strongly recommend Hidden Wives and as an expose, I admire the sisters behind Claire Avery for their courage to reveal how women continue to be oppressed and abused in the hidden corners of our country.
Interested in winning a free copy? Simply leave me a comment and I’ll choose a winner by this weekend!
For other reviews, check out the following sites:
Friday, July 2nd: Rundpinne
Monday, July 5th: Luxury Reading
Tuesday, July 6th: Novel Whore- Gabriella
Wednesday, July 7th: Simply Stacie
Thursday, July 8th: Trisha’s Book Blog
Monday, July 12th: Thoughts of an Evil Overlord
Tuesday, July 13th: Bibliofreak
Wednesday, July 14th: Book Club Classics
Thursday, July 15: Crazy for Books
Friday, July 16th: S. Krishna’s Books
Monday, July 19th: It’s All About Books
Tuesday, July 20th: All About {n}
Wednesday, July 21st: Life in the Thumb
Monday, July 26th: Scraps of Life
Tuesday, July 27th: She Reads and Reads
Wednesday, July 28th: Stiletto Storytime
Thursday, July 29th: Joyfully Retired
I’d love to read this book! It sounds perfect for my book club.
I’ve always found this to be a fascinating subject, and this book sounds like a great read. Please count me in! Thanks!
Please count me in if the contest is international. Thank you
oh and my email is mishamary@gmail.com
This book has possibly every storyline from mystery, suspense, etc. A wishbook for me and I would love to win it.
I’ve been eyeing this one up and would love to win a copy! Thanks!
oh my gosh – this is my kind of book!!!
A very interesting topic. I tried to read The Ninteenth Wife last year, but couldn’t get into it. I will have to try this one. I love fiction that let’s us learn.
Thanks for the giveaway. I’d like to read this book.
What a passionate review! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the book. Thank you so much for being on this tour, we really appreciate it!
This sounds like a very interesting book! I would love to be the winner! Thanks for the chance.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I read 19th Wife about a year ago and have to say I really liked that one. It was told in two voices. This sounds interesting as well. (I live in Utah- so we hear about Polygamy quite a bit!)
I don’t have a blog yet, but enjoy yours and several other book-lovers blogs. I’d like to be added to the giveaway list for Hidden Wives if its possible. I really want to read this!
Thank you.
Blessings,
Sandee61
Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com
This does not sound like something easy to read, but very worthwhile and eye-opening. I would love to be counted in the free giveaway! Thanks for the review!
I also live in Utah and would be really interested in reading this book.
I have been wanting to read this for awhile. I would definitely love a chance to win it.
Thanks
sharon54220@gmail.com
This sounds really good! It’s the kind of book I know I would enjoy! Please enter me. Thank you!
I’d really like to read this.
I would be very interested to read this book. I’m always on the lookout for new and great reads!
Hope this contest applies to Canada? Thank you.