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I Am Not Esther #2
I Am Rebecca
When she turns 14, Rebecca will find out who she is to marry. All the girls in her strict religious sect must be married just after their 16th birthdays.
Her twin sister Rachel desperately wants to marry the boy she’s given her heart to. All Rebecca wants is to have a husband who is kind. But both girls know the choice is not theirs to make.
But what will the future hold for Rebecca? Is there a dark side to the rules that have kept her safe? Can the way ahead be so simple when the community is driven by secrets and hidden desires?
This powerful psychological thriller, set in a cult community, is a sequel to the much-loved bestseller I am not Esther. Once again, award-winning Fleur Beale keeps readers on the edge of their seats with her gripping, tautly written new novel I am Rebecca.
Her twin sister Rachel desperately wants to marry the boy she’s given her heart to. All Rebecca wants is to have a husband who is kind. But both girls know the choice is not theirs to make.
But what will the future hold for Rebecca? Is there a dark side to the rules that have kept her safe? Can the way ahead be so simple when the community is driven by secrets and hidden desires?
This powerful psychological thriller, set in a cult community, is a sequel to the much-loved bestseller I am not Esther. Once again, award-winning Fleur Beale keeps readers on the edge of their seats with her gripping, tautly written new novel I am Rebecca.
251 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
29 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
About the author
Fleur Beale
47 books149 followersFleur Beale is the author of many award-winning books for children and young adults, best known for her novel I am not Esther which has been published worldwide.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 10, 2020
THIS BOOK WAS SUCH A GOOD SEQUEL TO I AM NOT ESTHER!!! By the way this review may have one or two spoilers so beware.....
Rebecca and her twin Rachel are now the oldest siblings in their family after her brother, sister and cousin all got banished and are now considered dead to the Children of the Faith. Rebecca and Rachel are nearing the age where the elders choose a boy for them to marry at 16. Rachel has her eyes on the boy she has loved but Rebecca doesn't mind.
Okay, from here on SPOILERS so if you haven't read it, DO NOT READ PAST HERE!!!
So, Rebecca gets chosen to marry a boy named Malachi who she likes so she doesn't mind. But Elder Stephen changes his job which Malachi had loved and forced him to run away. He is concidered dead and Rebecca's wedding is postponed until they find her a new husband. Elder Stephen's wife had been sick for months but he believed that pain releif was not needed and the pain would cleanse her soul. Eventually he gives in but it is too late and his wife dies. He finds a replacement, but it is Rebecca! He said that God had chosen Rebecca. (Just so you know Rebecca is 16, he is 76!!) Rebecca is shocked but she has to obey but on the day of the wedding, she runs away too! Okay too many spoilers, BYE!!
Rebecca and her twin Rachel are now the oldest siblings in their family after her brother, sister and cousin all got banished and are now considered dead to the Children of the Faith. Rebecca and Rachel are nearing the age where the elders choose a boy for them to marry at 16. Rachel has her eyes on the boy she has loved but Rebecca doesn't mind.
Okay, from here on SPOILERS so if you haven't read it, DO NOT READ PAST HERE!!!
So, Rebecca gets chosen to marry a boy named Malachi who she likes so she doesn't mind. But Elder Stephen changes his job which Malachi had loved and forced him to run away. He is concidered dead and Rebecca's wedding is postponed until they find her a new husband. Elder Stephen's wife had been sick for months but he believed that pain releif was not needed and the pain would cleanse her soul. Eventually he gives in but it is too late and his wife dies. He finds a replacement, but it is Rebecca! He said that God had chosen Rebecca. (Just so you know Rebecca is 16, he is 76!!) Rebecca is shocked but she has to obey but on the day of the wedding, she runs away too! Okay too many spoilers, BYE!!
November 22, 2014
I am Rebecca
Very good and seriously readable. Very different to the first but in a good way. I'm really pleased Fleur chose to focus on one of the twins. Maybe next she can write about Miriam! It could be a prequel, maybe. From when she loved with the others. I hope so! To be honest I didn't know there would be a second until I saw it in stores. I'm glad there is at least a sequel because although things in I am not Esther wrapped up well, I loved reading more about the community. I hate the fact they are betrothed at 16. I know that since I'm not entirely sure of whether I believe in a God or not, I should probably not speak too much of the religious parts, as that would be biased. But I have to say that some of the stuff was ridiculous. The fact that they can't have pain relief because pain means you have sinned and suffering cleans the body of sin was horrible. And the way the females were treated- one woman forced to have 18 children- was awful too. I don't believe God would want that. I love Magdalene and Abraham. This book was nearly impossible to put down. From the first sentence, I was Rebecca. For the whole 251 pages, I was her. I lived in the cult, I was betrothed to (not saying!) and I was the twin sister to Rachel, who is also awesome. Fleur has a writing style that flows beautifully. The Kezia storyline was interesting. Just saying:
Why do tears always flood peoples eyes in books? It's like the most common sentence ever used! It was mentioned in this book about 5 times! The rules and everything were interesting to read about, and I loved pretty much all the characters. But Elder Stephen and Ira are disgusting. I kept seeing Willow Shields as Rebecca
(Willow shield pics)
Mainly because the girl on the cover looks like her from the back. I want an "I am not Esther" movie!!!
Spoiler sessions!
This is spoiler talk! Written during and after the reading of the book.
Malachi leaving was just.................(surprised gif)
When Rachel got pregnant I was like.... Really? That's kind of disgusting, isn't she 16?? I hate the whole betrothal thing anyway. But still. Sixteen!
So happy that Ira never gets to marry again!!!! I was worried that he'd marry Rebecca!
(Katy perry firework dancing gif)
But it'd be better if he had....
oh my god.... Elder Stephen and Rebecca?? But the marriage bed.... And... Eww... No! I honestly feel like I might throw up.... She's sixteen and he's seventy six! I really don't believe that The Lord has said this should happen... I completely understand Rebecca's reaction and I'm so pleased she didn't go through with it!!!!
And I agree with the counsellor Rebecca saw- how can anyone tell you for certain what
happens after you die? I'm so happy she got back to Miriam, Daniel and Kirby. But I felt so sad for her leaving Rachel and her family.
The ending was perfect. I loved it so much. I can't bring myself to decide if it was even better than the first book, but I know it was an amazing book.
FIVE STARS. :D
Very good and seriously readable. Very different to the first but in a good way. I'm really pleased Fleur chose to focus on one of the twins. Maybe next she can write about Miriam! It could be a prequel, maybe. From when she loved with the others. I hope so! To be honest I didn't know there would be a second until I saw it in stores. I'm glad there is at least a sequel because although things in I am not Esther wrapped up well, I loved reading more about the community. I hate the fact they are betrothed at 16. I know that since I'm not entirely sure of whether I believe in a God or not, I should probably not speak too much of the religious parts, as that would be biased. But I have to say that some of the stuff was ridiculous. The fact that they can't have pain relief because pain means you have sinned and suffering cleans the body of sin was horrible. And the way the females were treated- one woman forced to have 18 children- was awful too. I don't believe God would want that. I love Magdalene and Abraham. This book was nearly impossible to put down. From the first sentence, I was Rebecca. For the whole 251 pages, I was her. I lived in the cult, I was betrothed to (not saying!) and I was the twin sister to Rachel, who is also awesome. Fleur has a writing style that flows beautifully. The Kezia storyline was interesting. Just saying:
Why do tears always flood peoples eyes in books? It's like the most common sentence ever used! It was mentioned in this book about 5 times! The rules and everything were interesting to read about, and I loved pretty much all the characters. But Elder Stephen and Ira are disgusting. I kept seeing Willow Shields as Rebecca
(Willow shield pics)
Mainly because the girl on the cover looks like her from the back. I want an "I am not Esther" movie!!!
Spoiler sessions!
This is spoiler talk! Written during and after the reading of the book.
Malachi leaving was just.................(surprised gif)
When Rachel got pregnant I was like.... Really? That's kind of disgusting, isn't she 16?? I hate the whole betrothal thing anyway. But still. Sixteen!
So happy that Ira never gets to marry again!!!! I was worried that he'd marry Rebecca!
(Katy perry firework dancing gif)
But it'd be better if he had....
oh my god.... Elder Stephen and Rebecca?? But the marriage bed.... And... Eww... No! I honestly feel like I might throw up.... She's sixteen and he's seventy six! I really don't believe that The Lord has said this should happen... I completely understand Rebecca's reaction and I'm so pleased she didn't go through with it!!!!
And I agree with the counsellor Rebecca saw- how can anyone tell you for certain what
happens after you die? I'm so happy she got back to Miriam, Daniel and Kirby. But I felt so sad for her leaving Rachel and her family.
The ending was perfect. I loved it so much. I can't bring myself to decide if it was even better than the first book, but I know it was an amazing book.
FIVE STARS. :D
July 2, 2023
4 stars.
Really enjoying this series. Cults are so fascinating and terrifying at the same time.
Really enjoying this series. Cults are so fascinating and terrifying at the same time.
March 1, 2020
I Am Rebecca is a sequel to I Am Not Esther, but it's from the point of view of Rebecca Pilgrim (who is a relative of Kirby/Esther).
June 20, 2023
A great continuation . Hard to put down .
July 29, 2024
So much better than the first book.
Little strange in the end but still a great read
Little strange in the end but still a great read
January 22, 2023
I liked the first book, but this one has such a stronger impact
April 26, 2024
I liked this book!
January 8, 2015
As a kid, I was OBSESSED with I am not Esther, the novel to which this is a sequel. I think I read it about four times when I was in Year 8, and wanted to be best mates with its narrator, Kirby. This book is narrated by Kirby's cousin, Rebecca, who has grown up in the sect that Kirby finds herself living in. I am Rebecca takes place in the years following the end of I am not Esther. At first I found the narrative stilted compared to I am not Esther, although I found it flowed better as the story went on (maybe this is intentional? Rebecca is becoming more used to really examining her thoughts??) and by the end I was on the edge of my seat mentally cheering and crying for Rebecca. Definitely a must-read for all fans of I am not Esther; and the two books are essential reading for all young adults.
October 21, 2014
This book is a wonderful sequel to 'I am not Esther' and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It gives a clear, non-judgmental description of life in the cult that Rebecca and her family belong to. The final scenes are gripping, I couldn't put the book down as I read about Rebecca's final decision and the consequences she faced. Highly recommended. (Thank you Harper Collins for the review copy)
Read
May 14, 2023I was truly happy for her - for both of them.
I'd never felt so alone.
April 17, 2022
One aspect of the novel I am Rebecca that infuriated me was how the elders of the very strict religious group called the Children of Faith abused their power as the leaders and used this role for their own benefit. The leaders twisted the rules and manipulated the members of the Faith to do as they wanted, as the communities belief was that the Lorde spoke through the Elders. This got to the sickening extent that one of the elders of the group aged 76 forced a girl 15 years to marry and obey him. The punishment to disobey what the elders directed would be kicked out of the Faith, deemed dead and would rot in hell forever. This book is just one example of abuse of power and the effects it has on those being controlled. From the perspective of Rebecca, I could see the impact this betrayal of trust has on people, and this negative effect is happening to many different people in many different situations; not just in religious environments, but also in workplaces, dysfunctional families or any situations where power is used against the vulnerable. There was a massive turnaround near the end of the book, where Rebecca's tolerance of the Elders' scheme finally runs out and she runs away from the cult. Escaping from traps where you feel stuck in and gaining freedom is an act that takes a lot of courage, and I think that the message in this book saying to fight for what is right is an inspiration and important for many people to hear.
July 30, 2024
I picked this up at the second hand book store and had only ever read the first one (I am not Esther).
A good follow up book from the first one, with a different perspective! Worth a read if you feel like reading something from a Kiwi author.
A good follow up book from the first one, with a different perspective! Worth a read if you feel like reading something from a Kiwi author.
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April 8, 2016Book review: I Am Rebecca
I Am Rebecca, by Fleur Beal, is a continuation of I Am Not Esther about the two young twins, Rachel and Rebecca. As they grow older within the community, they are expected to become godly women and be led by the manly figure in their household, whether it is their father or husband.
Rebecca has always known her future. It is to be a godly women with a godly husband. She has always known were she stands, but when her whole family and community pack up and leave to go to Nelson, her life seems changed around. The new leader, Elder Stephan, is judgmental, and her parents are distant ever since her older brother and cousin, Daniel and Esther left the community. When they arrive in Nelson, they are immediately welcomed and told their new guidelines. As part of an experiment to get outsiders to join the community, she and her twin sister, Rachel are assigned a job, one that they are not used to and one when they have to talk with outsiders. They are to go to the morning markets and sell eggs and a special relationship soon blooms with a kindly sweet stall lady, who gives them advice on how to talk with customers. It is near Rachel and Rebecca's fifteenth birthday, and they are expected to marry soon. The communities possible suitors are expected to meet with the lady's father and speak to them if he wants to marry her. Rachel very quickly gets a young suitor by the name Saul, who also helps them set up for the market. Rebecca's father also tells her that she is to marry a man named Malachi. They are both very happy and content and know what their future is. But as Rebecca's new life continues, her life starts to stray away from the very clear path she was meant to have. Her husband to be is suddenly transferred from the gardens and greenhouse that he loves so much and set to work as a plumber with no obvious explanation. This drives him to leave because the Elders were controlling his life to much. Then Elder Stephan's wife is nearly dying with cancer and requests all unmarried girls to look after her in the afternoons, but he seems to take a special interest in Rebecca, and asks her questions like if she was being godly and seemly and following the "rule". But what will the future hold for Rebecca? Is there a dark side to the rules which have kept her safe? Can the way ahead be so simple when the community is driven by secrets and hidden desires?
I would recommend this book to people who love a sense of mystery and ages 12 to 14.
I Am Rebecca, by Fleur Beal, is a continuation of I Am Not Esther about the two young twins, Rachel and Rebecca. As they grow older within the community, they are expected to become godly women and be led by the manly figure in their household, whether it is their father or husband.
Rebecca has always known her future. It is to be a godly women with a godly husband. She has always known were she stands, but when her whole family and community pack up and leave to go to Nelson, her life seems changed around. The new leader, Elder Stephan, is judgmental, and her parents are distant ever since her older brother and cousin, Daniel and Esther left the community. When they arrive in Nelson, they are immediately welcomed and told their new guidelines. As part of an experiment to get outsiders to join the community, she and her twin sister, Rachel are assigned a job, one that they are not used to and one when they have to talk with outsiders. They are to go to the morning markets and sell eggs and a special relationship soon blooms with a kindly sweet stall lady, who gives them advice on how to talk with customers. It is near Rachel and Rebecca's fifteenth birthday, and they are expected to marry soon. The communities possible suitors are expected to meet with the lady's father and speak to them if he wants to marry her. Rachel very quickly gets a young suitor by the name Saul, who also helps them set up for the market. Rebecca's father also tells her that she is to marry a man named Malachi. They are both very happy and content and know what their future is. But as Rebecca's new life continues, her life starts to stray away from the very clear path she was meant to have. Her husband to be is suddenly transferred from the gardens and greenhouse that he loves so much and set to work as a plumber with no obvious explanation. This drives him to leave because the Elders were controlling his life to much. Then Elder Stephan's wife is nearly dying with cancer and requests all unmarried girls to look after her in the afternoons, but he seems to take a special interest in Rebecca, and asks her questions like if she was being godly and seemly and following the "rule". But what will the future hold for Rebecca? Is there a dark side to the rules which have kept her safe? Can the way ahead be so simple when the community is driven by secrets and hidden desires?
I would recommend this book to people who love a sense of mystery and ages 12 to 14.
December 6, 2024
The second installment of Fleur Beale's I am not Esther trilogy, is perhaps my favourite from the three. I just finished reading I am Rebecca and I loved it just as much as the first time I read it. It's the only book out of the trilogy that makes me cry every time, and I love how the story is told from a different character's perspective than the first novel.
I am Rebecca follows the life of Rebecca, a member of the Pilgrim family who has been brought up in the Children of the Faith cult since she was a baby. As a fourteen year old, she must be betrothed, and as a sixteen year old, she must marry, and the story follows her preparations for her upcoming marriage, and all of the rough spots and hiccoughs in between.
I like this story because the thought processes and doubts of a cult girl is very different from Kirby/Esther's thoughts. Kirby had been brought up outside of the cult and so knew what it meant to think for herself and formulate her own decisions about things, but Rebecca is unaccustomed to that, and only starts to question the teachings of the cult after Kirby leaves. I liked the contrasts and similarities between the two novels because of this. I also really enjoyed how Rebecca's thinking is portrayed in the novel because it made an unfamiliar experience and event (being betrothed at fourteen) seem relatable and as if you really are Rebecca. I really liked how Beale was able to put the reader straight into the character's shoes.
Another brilliant thing about this novel is that although it follows the normal everyday life of a cult member, and recounts the chores and the church services, the book is not boring, and has little flashes of drama which add to the book and keep you reading. The characters are also very real, especially Rebecca, who as I mentioned before, it sometimes feels as though you are her.
I am Rebecca is in my opinion, the best book out of the trilogy, and is a brilliant read not just because the characters feel real, or the plot is riveting, but because the novel forces its reader to think, not just about the story, but about the concepts that it brings to light, and it does this even more so than the other two books.
I am Rebecca follows the life of Rebecca, a member of the Pilgrim family who has been brought up in the Children of the Faith cult since she was a baby. As a fourteen year old, she must be betrothed, and as a sixteen year old, she must marry, and the story follows her preparations for her upcoming marriage, and all of the rough spots and hiccoughs in between.
I like this story because the thought processes and doubts of a cult girl is very different from Kirby/Esther's thoughts. Kirby had been brought up outside of the cult and so knew what it meant to think for herself and formulate her own decisions about things, but Rebecca is unaccustomed to that, and only starts to question the teachings of the cult after Kirby leaves. I liked the contrasts and similarities between the two novels because of this. I also really enjoyed how Rebecca's thinking is portrayed in the novel because it made an unfamiliar experience and event (being betrothed at fourteen) seem relatable and as if you really are Rebecca. I really liked how Beale was able to put the reader straight into the character's shoes.
Another brilliant thing about this novel is that although it follows the normal everyday life of a cult member, and recounts the chores and the church services, the book is not boring, and has little flashes of drama which add to the book and keep you reading. The characters are also very real, especially Rebecca, who as I mentioned before, it sometimes feels as though you are her.
I am Rebecca is in my opinion, the best book out of the trilogy, and is a brilliant read not just because the characters feel real, or the plot is riveting, but because the novel forces its reader to think, not just about the story, but about the concepts that it brings to light, and it does this even more so than the other two books.
March 2, 2015
Yus! When I got the message that I was receiving a giveaway copy, I plonked myself down in front of the T.V and watched a lot creepy true cult series. This book was just as satisfying. (No joke, just because I won...)
If not, this is by far one of best thrilling reads I have ever read in my life!
I would be mortified if this book doesn't receive the right amount of credibility it deserves.
Jaw droppers, life stoppers, crying& melting moments. Aaaaaaaahhh, what a great book that was. It was a fast and addictive read, I couldn't put the book down and I had papers to submit. So no, theres no excuses.
At the end of the book, I was praising the Lord for creating Fleur Beale for creating this piece of an eye opener, bravery and courageous book.
You learn so much in a book that has 200 pages than you can learn in a lifetime.
I had to put the book down and pace around till I was able to look at another word.
Rachael and Rebecca's relationship is exactly, and I mean exactly like me and my twins' it was on point we did exactly what they did before sleep etc.. the mind reading as well.. It sounds crazy if your not twin, but meh...
I had to put the book down and pace around till i was able to look at another word.
There is one thing that we did promise each other though. Is that no matter what, we would kill for each other. Literally I threatened a guy who liked her because she was spending way to much time with him than me. I wouldn't care if she pregnant; I would still drag her by the hair and chain her hands with mine and tell her ass is mine and no one else's. I KNOW SHE WOULD DO THE SAME!
Lastly, Le gassssp! Her parents are staaaaank!
If not, this is by far one of best thrilling reads I have ever read in my life!
I would be mortified if this book doesn't receive the right amount of credibility it deserves.
Jaw droppers, life stoppers, crying& melting moments. Aaaaaaaahhh, what a great book that was. It was a fast and addictive read, I couldn't put the book down and I had papers to submit. So no, theres no excuses.
At the end of the book, I was praising the Lord for creating Fleur Beale for creating this piece of an eye opener, bravery and courageous book.
You learn so much in a book that has 200 pages than you can learn in a lifetime.
I had to put the book down and pace around till I was able to look at another word.
Rachael and Rebecca's relationship is exactly, and I mean exactly like me and my twins' it was on point we did exactly what they did before sleep etc.. the mind reading as well.. It sounds crazy if your not twin, but meh...
I had to put the book down and pace around till i was able to look at another word.
There is one thing that we did promise each other though. Is that no matter what, we would kill for each other. Literally I threatened a guy who liked her because she was spending way to much time with him than me. I wouldn't care if she pregnant; I would still drag her by the hair and chain her hands with mine and tell her ass is mine and no one else's. I KNOW SHE WOULD DO THE SAME!
Lastly, Le gassssp! Her parents are staaaaank!
May 30, 2016
I am not Esther by Fleur Beale was a powerful story of life in a strict and alternative religion. I am Rebecca continues the story of the Pilgrim family as they leave Wanganui and move to Nelson to join a larger community. Rebecca and her twin Rachel are of an age to be betrothed and are reasonably happy to live this life they have been raised into until Rebecca is given cause to question everything she has been taught. She must decide whether to stay and to comply.
This book is described on the cover as a powerful psychological thriller and by the time I got to the end I had to agree. I read the whole thing in one go as I could not bear to put it down without knowing what was going to happen to Rebecca. Would the terrible thing occur? Could she save herself? It left me wrung out and exhausted. I look forward to Being Magdalene to see what happened to the rest of the family.
This book is described on the cover as a powerful psychological thriller and by the time I got to the end I had to agree. I read the whole thing in one go as I could not bear to put it down without knowing what was going to happen to Rebecca. Would the terrible thing occur? Could she save herself? It left me wrung out and exhausted. I look forward to Being Magdalene to see what happened to the rest of the family.
August 23, 2014
This story carries on from the award winning and best selling I am not Esther.
Rebecca is one of the twins in the family Kirby/Esther went to live with for two months in the original story. Rebecca and her twin Rachael are growing up and the whole Wanganui Children of the Faith family move down to Nelson to join up with another group. They are to have a new leader too - Elder Stephen.
When the girls turn 14 they will learn who they are to be betrothed to. This is exciting but scary too. Who will ask for their hand?
I enjoyed this long awaited sequel about a girl dealing with doubt. She has been raised by The Children of the Faith and lives by The Rule. But is there another way? Was Esther right all along?
Rebecca is one of the twins in the family Kirby/Esther went to live with for two months in the original story. Rebecca and her twin Rachael are growing up and the whole Wanganui Children of the Faith family move down to Nelson to join up with another group. They are to have a new leader too - Elder Stephen.
When the girls turn 14 they will learn who they are to be betrothed to. This is exciting but scary too. Who will ask for their hand?
I enjoyed this long awaited sequel about a girl dealing with doubt. She has been raised by The Children of the Faith and lives by The Rule. But is there another way? Was Esther right all along?
January 31, 2015
I was so excited to hear the sequel to 'I am not Esther' had been written and after a long wait finally got to read it.
Really satisfactory sequel. starts off right where Esther ends and follows Rebecca and her life with her twin sister after the Childen of the Faith move to Nelson.
Wont spoil anything but it was good enough that I started it this afternoon and just finished it two hours later . couldn't put it down. Been wantingbto find out 'what happens next'for aaaages and now I know. And now, youvhave to find out too!
Really satisfactory sequel. starts off right where Esther ends and follows Rebecca and her life with her twin sister after the Childen of the Faith move to Nelson.
Wont spoil anything but it was good enough that I started it this afternoon and just finished it two hours later . couldn't put it down. Been wantingbto find out 'what happens next'for aaaages and now I know. And now, youvhave to find out too!
September 30, 2015
A terrific follow up to 'I am not Esther'. I think I enjoyed this more. Having been introduced to the Children of the Faith sect in the first book,in which we followed an 'outsider's experience', this one is written from the perspective of a teenager raised in the faith. The faith is all she knows, but as she matures, Rebecca has questions about her religion and about herself, life and others, that no one can answer without disobeying the Rules. Beale knocks it out of the park again. Great writing, great voice, important themes. Recommended.
September 5, 2015
I heard Bob the Bookman talking about this and he made it sound quite thrilling, and a real page turner it was too. I hadn't read Esther but that didn't matter. This book tells the story through the eyes of a teenage girl coming of age in a strict religious community, and although she is able to be positive about the future being planned for her, an unexpected twist in those decisions is quite startling. Great young adult/ teen read, age 11+.
March 4, 2015
This book picks up a few months after the end of "I am not Esther". I actually enjoyed this book more. Despite the fact it turned out a bit predictable towards the end. This second book looks at life in a religious group where marriage partners are selected by the elders and love has nothing to do with it.
May 21, 2016
This was even more interesting than the first book. I would just really have liked to know how her twin sister copes, but I think it was good to not tell the reader, to show what she herself feels like.
June 1, 2016
Read this book. It's amazing, and if you haven't read 'I am not Esther' then read that first, as this is the sequel. It is brilliant.
April 14, 2016
This book wasn't for me.
The writing did my head in.
Sorry, I just didn't enjoy it at all.
The writing did my head in.
Sorry, I just didn't enjoy it at all.
February 27, 2016
This book was AMAZING. As great as the first one. What's next?
February 25, 2019
I think that the last 20-30 pages were not necessary and it made me think of the book as a boring one once I’d finished. The middle was really good though
January 23, 2023
this series is still amazing and moving second time reading
April 25, 2024
The title of this story was important because it showed one of the main messages in the story, which is about how Rebecca is her own person and can look after herself without the faith controlling her. At the end of the book, the main character states ‘I’m not Sister Rebecca. I am Rebecca’. The author used this sentence to show the progress Rebecca made from when her whole life was being controlled and she was known as ‘Sister Rebbeca’ to when she escaped and had to figure out her life and how she was going to live as ‘Rebecca’. This changes for her because she goes from a life where her whole life is under a set of rules and she doesn’t have to think to hard about what she’s going to do for her life and now she is in charge of how her life goes, she has to decide her own values and interests, who she’ll trust and all about how she is going to live her life, basically figure out who she is. I think as the story went on the author was really showing how life was in the faith for some girls and how sometimes you have to leave everything behind to pursue your dreams or to save yourself from the decisions others made for you that you don’t agree with. I think the author was trying to say sometimes it's ok to leave, and how not every decision is the right one and how important it is to know yourself, because if you don’t what is the point of believing or living the life set out for you by others, you need to go out and live a life that can protect you and make you happy. This book makes me think of places like Gloriavale as it is a very similar concept and how they have very strong religious beliefs which cause them to make rules or believe in concepts that don’t benefit them in the way they think, leading people to leave and speak out with what they went through.
I believe that as we get older we are able to weigh the pros and cons of decisions that we make, and understand the consequences of those decisions. We become more aware where we are in our own life journey compared to others and what is best for us. We have seen Rebecca become more independent in her decision making as we progress through this book, which is sometimes hard for her such as going against her sister Rachel, or easier when it impacts directly upon her own safety, such as running away from her wedding to Elder Stephens.
I believe that as we get older we are able to weigh the pros and cons of decisions that we make, and understand the consequences of those decisions. We become more aware where we are in our own life journey compared to others and what is best for us. We have seen Rebecca become more independent in her decision making as we progress through this book, which is sometimes hard for her such as going against her sister Rachel, or easier when it impacts directly upon her own safety, such as running away from her wedding to Elder Stephens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 21, 2022Title: I am Rebecca
Author: Fleur Beale
Genre: Fiction
What categories it fits into: A book set in another culture
Date Finished: 23/09/22
One part in the book that made me think about how fortunate we are are, when the author talks about arranged marriages. When Fleur writes Elder Stefan to say, “It is time for your betrothal,” I think about all the people in more undeveloped countries where freedom is limited. This book is about a girl growing up for a few years in a religious cult and it includes many themes relating into the real world and real lives, that as New Zealanders, we rarely think about. The author was inspired to write this book based on real life problems her peers experienced and I think, although an interesting read, Fleur was trying to raise awareness and remind us that we are so, so lucky. We live in a country where we have the right to choose when and who or even if we want to marry, whereas some, like the characters in this book, are forced, even sold into unwanted marriages at outrageous ages. Some even as young as 14. Being that age currently, after reading this book, simply had me horrified and terrified for those poor girls. I believe that we need to acknowledge how undeniably blessed we are, but also to remind ourselves what other, less fortunate people have to go through on a daily basis.
Author: Fleur Beale
Genre: Fiction
What categories it fits into: A book set in another culture
Date Finished: 23/09/22
One part in the book that made me think about how fortunate we are are, when the author talks about arranged marriages. When Fleur writes Elder Stefan to say, “It is time for your betrothal,” I think about all the people in more undeveloped countries where freedom is limited. This book is about a girl growing up for a few years in a religious cult and it includes many themes relating into the real world and real lives, that as New Zealanders, we rarely think about. The author was inspired to write this book based on real life problems her peers experienced and I think, although an interesting read, Fleur was trying to raise awareness and remind us that we are so, so lucky. We live in a country where we have the right to choose when and who or even if we want to marry, whereas some, like the characters in this book, are forced, even sold into unwanted marriages at outrageous ages. Some even as young as 14. Being that age currently, after reading this book, simply had me horrified and terrified for those poor girls. I believe that we need to acknowledge how undeniably blessed we are, but also to remind ourselves what other, less fortunate people have to go through on a daily basis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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