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Free to Be Tegan
Librarian Note: Alternate Cover Edition for ISBN-10: 1511669438 / ISBN-13: 9781511669436.
Tegan, aged twenty seven, is cast out of the cult, rejected by her family and from the only life she has known. She is vulnerable and naïve but she also has courage and the will to survive. She travels to Wales, to previously unknown relations in the wild Cambrian Mountains.
This is the uplifting story of her journey from life in a cult to find herself and flourish in a world she has been taught to fear and abhor.
Guilt and shadows from her past haunt her in flashbacks, panic attacks and a fear of the dark. However she also finds a world full of colour, love and happiness she has never known before. The wild beauty of the hills, the people she meets and the secrets slowly revealed by the cottage all provide an intriguing backdrop to Tegan’s drama.
The novel is set in spring, a story of hope, new growth, of the discovery of self and the joy of living.
Tegan, aged twenty seven, is cast out of the cult, rejected by her family and from the only life she has known. She is vulnerable and naïve but she also has courage and the will to survive. She travels to Wales, to previously unknown relations in the wild Cambrian Mountains.
This is the uplifting story of her journey from life in a cult to find herself and flourish in a world she has been taught to fear and abhor.
Guilt and shadows from her past haunt her in flashbacks, panic attacks and a fear of the dark. However she also finds a world full of colour, love and happiness she has never known before. The wild beauty of the hills, the people she meets and the secrets slowly revealed by the cottage all provide an intriguing backdrop to Tegan’s drama.
The novel is set in spring, a story of hope, new growth, of the discovery of self and the joy of living.
386 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2015
33 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Mary Grand
19 books270 followersI grew up in Wales. Later I taught in London and then worked with Deaf Children in Hastings. I now live on the beautiful Isle of Wight with my family.
I am published by Boldwood Books and write murder mystery, whodunnits, set on the Isle of Wight. The House Party was published in July 2020
The next 'The Island' will be published on June 24th, 2021.
Previously I published three novels, Free to Be Tegan, Hidden Chapters and Behind the Smile. I have also written two anthologies of short stories, Making Changes and Catching the light is a FREE download.
I would love to hear from you on my blog here on Goodreads.
I am published by Boldwood Books and write murder mystery, whodunnits, set on the Isle of Wight. The House Party was published in July 2020
The next 'The Island' will be published on June 24th, 2021.
Previously I published three novels, Free to Be Tegan, Hidden Chapters and Behind the Smile. I have also written two anthologies of short stories, Making Changes and Catching the light is a FREE download.
I would love to hear from you on my blog here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 10, 2019
Tegan is 27 years old and suddenly she is thrown out of her home within The Last Week Community in London. Tegan has lived with this religious cult for 22 years, so how will she manage alone in the big wild world? Thankfully relatives living near Aberystwyth in west Wales give her a hand to cope with modern secular life. Follow Tegan on her journey to Wales, freedom and love.
I was put onto Mary Grand by a friend on Goodreads which was welcome as she had not crossed my radar before. Mary was born in Cardiff where I have lived since 1991, so I felt a connection there. When I started to read this book, I fell in love with Mary’s writing style. My wife Gail has lived in Cardiff all her life and Mary writes the way Welsh women talk and tell stories. That local character and voice really shines through, even to an Englishman living in Wales, like myself. Free to Be Tegan was her debut novel.
Free to Be Tegan is NOT a mystery or a thriller. The plot is very obvious because of the strong hints from the very beginning. There are no surprises in this story. But what you do get is a warm, cosy, loving tale of a young woman thrown into modern day life from one of religious oppression.
I liked the way this story was told. The writing is articulate and of quality. Character development is good and I quickly developed an empathy for Tegan. Nicely explored within the story was the place for women within religion and society in general. Religious cults were explained and how leavers can adjust to mainstream society. But all this was told in a light, gentle and loving manner.
Being an Atheist I found the religious aspects of this story funny. But then most of this book is told in a light mocking tone for example…
‘I hope you’re right.’ Hannah looked at her watch. ‘OK, you two, out of here. Someone needs to make an effort for this evening. I shall be wearing this season’s Ralph Lauren. Impressive, eh?’ She looked at their blank faces. ‘No, you don’t get it, do you? Might as well be Primark.’
...And...
She tried to block out the cold rainy days back in Wales, those endless bloody fields, people always wrapped up in layers of clothes.
...So as I read through Free to Be Tegan, her life got better, she recovered from her time with the religious cult and she found love in Wales. This story has a happy ending. The really nice thing about this book is the feel good factor that leaps out from the pages. From the start, although Tegan has been thrown out onto the streets of London, there is hope that family back in Wales would make things right.
Ah, there’s lovely. I think that Free to Be Tegan is a 4 star TIDY read. Thanks Mary for writing such a good, loving family story that can be enjoyed by both men and women.
I was put onto Mary Grand by a friend on Goodreads which was welcome as she had not crossed my radar before. Mary was born in Cardiff where I have lived since 1991, so I felt a connection there. When I started to read this book, I fell in love with Mary’s writing style. My wife Gail has lived in Cardiff all her life and Mary writes the way Welsh women talk and tell stories. That local character and voice really shines through, even to an Englishman living in Wales, like myself. Free to Be Tegan was her debut novel.
Free to Be Tegan is NOT a mystery or a thriller. The plot is very obvious because of the strong hints from the very beginning. There are no surprises in this story. But what you do get is a warm, cosy, loving tale of a young woman thrown into modern day life from one of religious oppression.
I liked the way this story was told. The writing is articulate and of quality. Character development is good and I quickly developed an empathy for Tegan. Nicely explored within the story was the place for women within religion and society in general. Religious cults were explained and how leavers can adjust to mainstream society. But all this was told in a light, gentle and loving manner.
Being an Atheist I found the religious aspects of this story funny. But then most of this book is told in a light mocking tone for example…
‘I hope you’re right.’ Hannah looked at her watch. ‘OK, you two, out of here. Someone needs to make an effort for this evening. I shall be wearing this season’s Ralph Lauren. Impressive, eh?’ She looked at their blank faces. ‘No, you don’t get it, do you? Might as well be Primark.’
...And...
She tried to block out the cold rainy days back in Wales, those endless bloody fields, people always wrapped up in layers of clothes.
...So as I read through Free to Be Tegan, her life got better, she recovered from her time with the religious cult and she found love in Wales. This story has a happy ending. The really nice thing about this book is the feel good factor that leaps out from the pages. From the start, although Tegan has been thrown out onto the streets of London, there is hope that family back in Wales would make things right.
Ah, there’s lovely. I think that Free to Be Tegan is a 4 star TIDY read. Thanks Mary for writing such a good, loving family story that can be enjoyed by both men and women.
October 30, 2016
Tegan, aged twenty seven, is cast out of the cult, rejected by her family and the only life she has known. She is vulnerable and naïve but she also has courage and the will to survive. She travels to Wales, to previously unknown relations in the wild Cambrian Mountains.
This is the uplifting story of her journey to find herself and flourish in a world she has been taught to fear and abhor.
Guilt and shadows from her past haunt her in flashbacks, panic attacks and a fear of the dark. However she also finds a world full of colour, love and happiness she has never known before. The wild beauty of the hills, the people she meets and the secrets slowly revealed by the cottage all provide an intriguing backdrop to Tegan’s drama.
The novel is set in spring, a story of hope, new growth, of the discovery of self and the joy of living.
This is the uplifting story of her journey to find herself and flourish in a world she has been taught to fear and abhor.
Guilt and shadows from her past haunt her in flashbacks, panic attacks and a fear of the dark. However she also finds a world full of colour, love and happiness she has never known before. The wild beauty of the hills, the people she meets and the secrets slowly revealed by the cottage all provide an intriguing backdrop to Tegan’s drama.
The novel is set in spring, a story of hope, new growth, of the discovery of self and the joy of living.
May 9, 2016
3 1/2 stars
My View:
I think the strength of this debut by Mary Grand is her ability to create locations with a very visual presence in this book of words. The settings of inner city London and rural villages in Wales are superb and take the reader on a very real journey.
Secondly it is obvious that the author has put a lot of effort into researching the psychology and influence of cults and the difficult road to recovery for those who have left or been ejected from these type of communities.
A love story, a heroic story of one woman’s road to recovery from the influence of a controlling and destructive cult, this work of fiction has almost the feel of biography. My only criticism is that the recovery phase of the book seemed a little too short for what I imagine is an ongoing process.
My View:
I think the strength of this debut by Mary Grand is her ability to create locations with a very visual presence in this book of words. The settings of inner city London and rural villages in Wales are superb and take the reader on a very real journey.
Secondly it is obvious that the author has put a lot of effort into researching the psychology and influence of cults and the difficult road to recovery for those who have left or been ejected from these type of communities.
A love story, a heroic story of one woman’s road to recovery from the influence of a controlling and destructive cult, this work of fiction has almost the feel of biography. My only criticism is that the recovery phase of the book seemed a little too short for what I imagine is an ongoing process.
October 6, 2017
I was immediately drawn to Tegan and her plight to cope in the real world after leaving a cult she'd lived with nearly all her life. Tegan is a 27 year old girl/woman when she leaves the cult with the worldly experience of a 5 year old. It's a touching and powerful story as she learns to cope with the outside and with people who don't always have her best interests at heart. Mary is great at creating characters that you care about, whether it’s in the hope that they get their comeuppance or that they find what they are looking for. A really enjoyable book.
March 25, 2022
Tegan is banished from the cult she had been part of since she was 5. At 27 she goes to an Aunt and Uncle she had never met, deep in the Welsh countryside. She is deeply indoctrinated with the views of the cult leader who believes everything outside their community can send you to eternal damnation. The world outside was a terrifying place to Tegan. This story is thoughtful and insightful as it explores Tegan’s journey. Well worth a read.
March 9, 2016
Life After Leaving a Religious Cult
This wonderful novel opens as 27 year old Tegan is being cast out from her Community into a world she left 22 years before. Ending up in Wales she is bewildered at the decisions she is required to make in this "outside world", small things like what sort of milk she wants seem overwhelming given her background. Used to being told what to do at all times, Tegan finds it difficult to adjust into a life where she has choices, but little experience on which to base them. The novel follows Tegan as she tries to overcome her brainwashing/life's training. As she begins to enjoy the wonders of nature and everyday life, she is also trying to cope with the loss of leaving behind everyone and everything she has ever known.
Mary Grand draws an amazing picture of the village life that Tegan finds herself in. If this was a true story, I could take you around the village and tell you all about the people and what has been going on - the writing is that involving and realistic. Indeed often whilst reading the book I wondered if this was a true story turned into a novel .
This is a book with a strong and involving story with plenty of action and heart stopping moments; no sex and minimal violence. A book to make you think about life, and what it is that makes people behave the way they do.
Recommended to all readers who like a well researched novel , a great story and a fascinating subject.
For other reviews by me see http://www.emmabbooks.blogspot.co.at
This wonderful novel opens as 27 year old Tegan is being cast out from her Community into a world she left 22 years before. Ending up in Wales she is bewildered at the decisions she is required to make in this "outside world", small things like what sort of milk she wants seem overwhelming given her background. Used to being told what to do at all times, Tegan finds it difficult to adjust into a life where she has choices, but little experience on which to base them. The novel follows Tegan as she tries to overcome her brainwashing/life's training. As she begins to enjoy the wonders of nature and everyday life, she is also trying to cope with the loss of leaving behind everyone and everything she has ever known.
Mary Grand draws an amazing picture of the village life that Tegan finds herself in. If this was a true story, I could take you around the village and tell you all about the people and what has been going on - the writing is that involving and realistic. Indeed often whilst reading the book I wondered if this was a true story turned into a novel .
This is a book with a strong and involving story with plenty of action and heart stopping moments; no sex and minimal violence. A book to make you think about life, and what it is that makes people behave the way they do.
Recommended to all readers who like a well researched novel , a great story and a fascinating subject.
For other reviews by me see http://www.emmabbooks.blogspot.co.at
March 27, 2016
Being cast out from a community in which she has lived since she was five years old, means Tegan is now cut off from all that she has ever known.
Alone with only one place to go, an unknown uncle and aunts in Wales, she finds that she isn't exactly welcomed.
Leaving London for a quiet village in Wales, Tegans cossetted life has not prepared her for life on the 'outside'. Afraid of almost everything and knowing nothing of 'real' life Tegan has to find her way in a world that she has been conditioned to think of as evil. She is vulnerable and with the help of her cousin Cerys, she slowly finds her way to somehow fit in.
Not only that, there is a secret that Tegans mother has insisted that her Uncle Ellis keep from her.
Tegan's journey is quite astonishing, and Mary Grands novel about life after living in a Cult is realistically told.
Although a work of fiction Free to be Tegan is a familiar tale told by most that have gone through this experience. The difficulties that they are faced with and the contradictions of their beliefs when faced with the realities and the truth of everyday life.
I found this a fascinating read and it is a tale that I can personally identify with. It is a beautifully descriptive novel with an extraordinary theme, it is also a novel that I am happy to recommend. It really is quite different.
Alone with only one place to go, an unknown uncle and aunts in Wales, she finds that she isn't exactly welcomed.
Leaving London for a quiet village in Wales, Tegans cossetted life has not prepared her for life on the 'outside'. Afraid of almost everything and knowing nothing of 'real' life Tegan has to find her way in a world that she has been conditioned to think of as evil. She is vulnerable and with the help of her cousin Cerys, she slowly finds her way to somehow fit in.
Not only that, there is a secret that Tegans mother has insisted that her Uncle Ellis keep from her.
Tegan's journey is quite astonishing, and Mary Grands novel about life after living in a Cult is realistically told.
Although a work of fiction Free to be Tegan is a familiar tale told by most that have gone through this experience. The difficulties that they are faced with and the contradictions of their beliefs when faced with the realities and the truth of everyday life.
I found this a fascinating read and it is a tale that I can personally identify with. It is a beautifully descriptive novel with an extraordinary theme, it is also a novel that I am happy to recommend. It really is quite different.
July 10, 2016
Amazing story I was hooked from the beginning to the finish this b00k as you couldn't put it down. A wonderful array of characters a beautiful piece of literature a very hard topic to write about and I think the author did a wonderful job on it. This story was well thought out an exquisit store and I enjoyed reading very much this book was a wonderful gift from the author her self so my thank to the author Mary grand for the utmost pleasure of reading her amazing book this book I would be so delighted to recommend this wondeful book to my friends so as always happy reading to all from wee me. ☺xxxxx
October 15, 2015
Brilliant book. Very uplifting. I really recommend this book.
May 13, 2016
“You have chosen the path of darkness”, the first lines of this novel are addressed to Tegan and we immediately sense the terrible fate that awaits her.
As we first meet Tegan, she is living in a secluded building in London, in the Last Week Community, in fear of the prophet Daniel, the Omniscient. Who dares to defy Daniel will enter the Domain of the Beast and will burn forever in a sea of fire. Tegan has done so on many occasions and now it is decided: Tegan will be expelled and cast out. For the first time ever she herself has to decide what to do and where to go.
Before she left, her mother secretly slipped her a telephone number to call upon: that of her mother’s sister and brother-in-law Hannah and Ellis, living near the Welsh village Ty Fynnon in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.
Will Tegan be able to hold herself in the close Welsh society where everyone knows each other and no secrets can be kept hidden? Maybe Daniel's guidelines and teachings are so deeply imprinted, the fear so heavily installed within her soul that Tegan will never be free.
In Mary Grand's intriguing debut novel we follow Tegan on her path through life and we come to learn the secrets of the past, while we see both kindness and love as well as betrayal, blackmail and disillusion. We get to know not only Tegan’s inner struggles, but also the sloping hills and meadows with colourful Welsh poppy flowers.
That is why ‘Free to be Tegan’ is not only a fascinating psychological novel, it is also a heartwarming love story dedicated to Wales. It comes as no surprise that this book is Mary Grand's first in what is to be a series of novels set in the beautiful Welsh countryside, the land between the smashing green hills and the dazzling blue sea.
Read the full length review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/fiction...
As we first meet Tegan, she is living in a secluded building in London, in the Last Week Community, in fear of the prophet Daniel, the Omniscient. Who dares to defy Daniel will enter the Domain of the Beast and will burn forever in a sea of fire. Tegan has done so on many occasions and now it is decided: Tegan will be expelled and cast out. For the first time ever she herself has to decide what to do and where to go.
Before she left, her mother secretly slipped her a telephone number to call upon: that of her mother’s sister and brother-in-law Hannah and Ellis, living near the Welsh village Ty Fynnon in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.
Will Tegan be able to hold herself in the close Welsh society where everyone knows each other and no secrets can be kept hidden? Maybe Daniel's guidelines and teachings are so deeply imprinted, the fear so heavily installed within her soul that Tegan will never be free.
In Mary Grand's intriguing debut novel we follow Tegan on her path through life and we come to learn the secrets of the past, while we see both kindness and love as well as betrayal, blackmail and disillusion. We get to know not only Tegan’s inner struggles, but also the sloping hills and meadows with colourful Welsh poppy flowers.
That is why ‘Free to be Tegan’ is not only a fascinating psychological novel, it is also a heartwarming love story dedicated to Wales. It comes as no surprise that this book is Mary Grand's first in what is to be a series of novels set in the beautiful Welsh countryside, the land between the smashing green hills and the dazzling blue sea.
Read the full length review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/fiction...
February 11, 2016
I have to admit that I was totally hooked by this book after reading the preview in the free eBook collection by the same author.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but it did slow down in pace in the latter part of the book. It did have a great ending and I was glad that Tegan found her way.
I was brought up as a Roman Catholic and as a teen I was lured into attended prayer groups & retreats. Therefore, I understood some of the "brainwashing" techniques that can be adopted. Although, I never saw anything like is described in this book.
The idea of being brought up in a "cult" of this nature is frightening. But, its amazing how easily you can be made to think that everything you do is evil and how quickly you can start to judge people.
Thankfully, I left when I realised that I had nothing to apologise for! But, I have to admit that the sense of community and "love" you experience is something I have struggled to find again. Support groups and prayer groups can be a positive experience for many overcoming abuse. It s a shame some people choose to exploit the weak and lead them into these communities.
I recommend this book as great value for money in a time when eBook prices for known authors seem to be sky rocketing. On a slightly negative note, I did find quite a few grammatical errors that started to annoy me on the latter part of the book. Excusing those, a fantastic read.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but it did slow down in pace in the latter part of the book. It did have a great ending and I was glad that Tegan found her way.
I was brought up as a Roman Catholic and as a teen I was lured into attended prayer groups & retreats. Therefore, I understood some of the "brainwashing" techniques that can be adopted. Although, I never saw anything like is described in this book.
The idea of being brought up in a "cult" of this nature is frightening. But, its amazing how easily you can be made to think that everything you do is evil and how quickly you can start to judge people.
Thankfully, I left when I realised that I had nothing to apologise for! But, I have to admit that the sense of community and "love" you experience is something I have struggled to find again. Support groups and prayer groups can be a positive experience for many overcoming abuse. It s a shame some people choose to exploit the weak and lead them into these communities.
I recommend this book as great value for money in a time when eBook prices for known authors seem to be sky rocketing. On a slightly negative note, I did find quite a few grammatical errors that started to annoy me on the latter part of the book. Excusing those, a fantastic read.
March 13, 2016
‘Free to be Tegan,’ is a tale of one young woman’s journey from 25 years living in a restricted, programmed existence in a cult, to experiencing freedom, but a freedom fraught with dilemma and uncertainty. Tegan has been conditioned to a life of restraint where anything joyful or pleasurable is frowned upon as evil. She struggles to overcome her fears that she will condemned to burn in the eternal fires or the world will end if she succumbs to temptation of any worldly enjoyment.
I found, through my own experience of being raised and taught in a predominantly catholic community that I could empathise with Tegan. The constant threat of dying in sin and burning in the fires of hell was ever present. It may sound silly when reading she was afraid to watch TV or go into a public house, but when you’ve been conditioned by adults into believing such things it’s hard to break out of that mould. I was glad to see that Tegan did take control of her own life and found happiness in doing so.
The author treated the transition with tenderness as she takes the reader through Tegan’s passage from the fearful girl to a slow acceptance of the new world she finds herself in. Mary relates Tegan’s story step by step taking you on the journey with her.
The narrative is quite passionate in her sense of place, and a good indication of authenticity is when you feel that the author is describing her own voyage.
I found, through my own experience of being raised and taught in a predominantly catholic community that I could empathise with Tegan. The constant threat of dying in sin and burning in the fires of hell was ever present. It may sound silly when reading she was afraid to watch TV or go into a public house, but when you’ve been conditioned by adults into believing such things it’s hard to break out of that mould. I was glad to see that Tegan did take control of her own life and found happiness in doing so.
The author treated the transition with tenderness as she takes the reader through Tegan’s passage from the fearful girl to a slow acceptance of the new world she finds herself in. Mary relates Tegan’s story step by step taking you on the journey with her.
The narrative is quite passionate in her sense of place, and a good indication of authenticity is when you feel that the author is describing her own voyage.
April 3, 2016
I was with Tegan all the way, silently encouraging her to find the right path for herself and to learn to recognise lies, wherever they come from. From the very beginning, where she’s among people she has grown up with but is now shunned by; to the outside world where she’s all alone; to people who care for her but don’t understand her and others who want to use her to further their own agendas; to the end, which I won’t reveal; I never stopped believing in Tegan and her story.
Several other characters feature in this novel, taking major or minor parts. Some of them seem all good or all bad at first. But as the story progresses, the good ones turn out to be not so good and the bad ones not so bad. In other words, the characters, like the plot, are true to life.
This novel should be read for its interesting and well-written story line. It can also be read to learn about the inside of a cult, as well as the difficulties of leaving one and acclimatising to the world outside. Highly recommended.
Several other characters feature in this novel, taking major or minor parts. Some of them seem all good or all bad at first. But as the story progresses, the good ones turn out to be not so good and the bad ones not so bad. In other words, the characters, like the plot, are true to life.
This novel should be read for its interesting and well-written story line. It can also be read to learn about the inside of a cult, as well as the difficulties of leaving one and acclimatising to the world outside. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2015
Tegan is cast out from the closed community in which she has lived with her mother, Sarah and father, Philip, since she was a small child. At the age of twenty seven, she is flung onto the London streets to fend for herself. Her only connection with the outside world is a letter hidden in her suitcase by her mother, with the telephone number of her aunt and uncle in Wales.
I loved this story, watching Tegan facing her fears in what she perceives is an evil, sinful world, as she tries to make sense of the teachings of Daniel, the leader of the community, against a backdrop of kind family and well meaning village people. The characters are well conceived, the musical storyline is fascinating but the setting in the cottage in Wales, among the hills, surrounded by nature, is where the lyrical writing brings this book to life.
I had a few editing niggles and there were a few too many adverbs for my taste, but this story was a compelling read and I hope there is a sequel.
I loved this story, watching Tegan facing her fears in what she perceives is an evil, sinful world, as she tries to make sense of the teachings of Daniel, the leader of the community, against a backdrop of kind family and well meaning village people. The characters are well conceived, the musical storyline is fascinating but the setting in the cottage in Wales, among the hills, surrounded by nature, is where the lyrical writing brings this book to life.
I had a few editing niggles and there were a few too many adverbs for my taste, but this story was a compelling read and I hope there is a sequel.
January 26, 2016
Free to be Tegan is a book about a young woman raised in a cult, cast out in her twenties and forced to learn to navigate life on the outside. This book was not at all what I expected. Most books I've read that deal with such heavy subject matter tend to have characters that take a few days to adjust to the outside world or get over emotional abuse suffered. This book was real, raw, and emotional. I tend to read books in a single sitting, but this one I had to intersperse between other reads because at times it was too emotional for me. The romance element isn't strong so if that's what you're looking for, this isn't the book you want. But, if you're looking for a book that will make you feel something and make you think about the world from another's perspective, then pick this book up now!
September 20, 2015
Tegan has been born and raised in a psychologically abusive cult. After stepping over the line as far as the elders are concerned, she is cast out with only a small amount of money to survive on and the contact details of worldly relations who she has little memory of. Fortunately her Uncle Ellis kindly provides her with a cottage to stay in set in the wild Cambrian mountains of Wales. But having lived a strange existence so far in her life,
she feels like a misfit among the people that she meets in this small Welsh community & the story is mainly about how Tegan struggles to adapt.
I have no hesitation in recommending this novel. It is both powerful and beautifully written and I look forward to reading further books from Mary Grand.
she feels like a misfit among the people that she meets in this small Welsh community & the story is mainly about how Tegan struggles to adapt.
I have no hesitation in recommending this novel. It is both powerful and beautifully written and I look forward to reading further books from Mary Grand.
March 5, 2016
This book had me captivated from page one. This novel tells the story of one woman's plight in what I could only say as getting away from evil. The story envelopes you and the characters jump out of the page. You will shout with frustration and you will cry, you will laugh and you will get sucked in to village life.
This book opens your eyes to the fact that we don't know what goes on behind closed doors, and compassion and empathy and kindness go a long way.
I enjoyed every page and really want to read more!
This book opens your eyes to the fact that we don't know what goes on behind closed doors, and compassion and empathy and kindness go a long way.
I enjoyed every page and really want to read more!
February 19, 2016
This book surprised me ..... The story of Tegan, a young woman leaving a cult and being thrust into the modern world and trying to find her place within it. She goes to Wales and the author gives the surroundings and the characters so much life I had a vivid picture in my mind. I look forward to more from Mary Grand
June 13, 2025
We discuss FREE TO BE TEGAN in the 136th episode of our Cove podcast - listen in!
~COVE OPINION: B, Great story!
March 2022
256th Cove Pick: FREE TO BE TEGAN by Mary Grand
Chosen By: Mary
Trivia Winner - Erin
~COVE OPINION: B, Great story!
March 2022
256th Cove Pick: FREE TO BE TEGAN by Mary Grand
Chosen By: Mary
Trivia Winner - Erin
April 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. If you like reading about people who have lived their entire lives in a cult/fanatically religious community then are thrown into the real world, I think you will enjoy this work of fiction. I did.
June 7, 2015
Really enjoyed this book!!! Recommend it!
May 29, 2016
I thought this book wasn't going to be my cup of tea, but after the first chapter I was griped
August 30, 2019
really gripping story of how one girl breaks free from the mental cruelty of a cult - but could apply to any childhood abusive situation - you really want her to make it well.
September 26, 2016
I purchased a paperback copy of this book when it was first published in 2015 and since then the author has changed the cover and perhaps edited some of the interior.
The vibrant descriptions of the Welsh countryside compared to the dark central place of the cult in London brings the novel to life in the first few chapters. The story develops at a slow pace with the main character facing all kinds of stops and starts in her attempt to survive in the new environment.
The fears and nightmares do become somewhat repetitive but it is good to see that a dog and a cat have simple therapeutic powers on the main character. In some parts of my edition there are a few typos and simple formatting problems which have probably been fixed in the new edition.
Having said that, I did enjoy the ongoing suspense, the hidden twists and the gentle romance. The contagious enthusiasm of the main character kept me reading to the end of book. The author is to be congratulated on a first novel that is full of intrigue. Well done!
The vibrant descriptions of the Welsh countryside compared to the dark central place of the cult in London brings the novel to life in the first few chapters. The story develops at a slow pace with the main character facing all kinds of stops and starts in her attempt to survive in the new environment.
The fears and nightmares do become somewhat repetitive but it is good to see that a dog and a cat have simple therapeutic powers on the main character. In some parts of my edition there are a few typos and simple formatting problems which have probably been fixed in the new edition.
Having said that, I did enjoy the ongoing suspense, the hidden twists and the gentle romance. The contagious enthusiasm of the main character kept me reading to the end of book. The author is to be congratulated on a first novel that is full of intrigue. Well done!
September 25, 2016
Learning to Live
Free to Be Tegan Review
Free to Be Tegan is the story of a young woman who has grown up in a cult, but at age 27 is thrown out. She only knows one person outside of the cult, a man who works at the library. When she goes to him for help, she discovers that although he encouraged her to leave the cult, he doesn't want to help her. Tegan had believed that he would care for her and help her get on her feet, if not build a life with her. In desperation, she does the only thing she can. She calls the phone number her mother smuggled out with her - that of the aunt and uncle in Wales that she has never met. Her uncle agrees to let her stay in a cottage on their estate, and it is there that she begins learning to live away from the mind control of the cult, with the help of her cousin.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the detailed character development of Tegan, and I really admired her for trying so hard to overcome her fears as she adjusted to life outside. I also thought that Cerys, her cousin, and Sam, the local veterinarian, were fairly well developed. The small village and the entertaining gossip that went around constantly was fun to read. There were several unexpected surprises throughout the book. They kept me interested in the story and kept me turning pages.
I would have liked to see more development of some of the other characters, especially Ellis and Hannah. There was a little bit, but mostly they were just there. Ellis is portrayed as an absent minded musician who escapes into his music to avoid any conflict. Hannah is shown to be a bored, rich, and arrogant women who has to have things her way or she wants nothing to do with them. The other village residents that are involved in the story are given a few details, but not many. I sometimes got confused about who was who and had to look back at try to figure it out. I thought there could have been a little bit more of Tegan's life in the commune described, especially what she did to get thrown out. It took forever to find out why she was made to leave. Also, it seemed like the talk therapy was working way to fast.
Keeping these things in mind, I was not ready for the book to end. I would be interested in reading a sequel, becaus when the book ended, I felt that Tegan had just started to get her life together and had just started to scratch the surface of living.
Free to Be Tegan Review
Free to Be Tegan is the story of a young woman who has grown up in a cult, but at age 27 is thrown out. She only knows one person outside of the cult, a man who works at the library. When she goes to him for help, she discovers that although he encouraged her to leave the cult, he doesn't want to help her. Tegan had believed that he would care for her and help her get on her feet, if not build a life with her. In desperation, she does the only thing she can. She calls the phone number her mother smuggled out with her - that of the aunt and uncle in Wales that she has never met. Her uncle agrees to let her stay in a cottage on their estate, and it is there that she begins learning to live away from the mind control of the cult, with the help of her cousin.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the detailed character development of Tegan, and I really admired her for trying so hard to overcome her fears as she adjusted to life outside. I also thought that Cerys, her cousin, and Sam, the local veterinarian, were fairly well developed. The small village and the entertaining gossip that went around constantly was fun to read. There were several unexpected surprises throughout the book. They kept me interested in the story and kept me turning pages.
I would have liked to see more development of some of the other characters, especially Ellis and Hannah. There was a little bit, but mostly they were just there. Ellis is portrayed as an absent minded musician who escapes into his music to avoid any conflict. Hannah is shown to be a bored, rich, and arrogant women who has to have things her way or she wants nothing to do with them. The other village residents that are involved in the story are given a few details, but not many. I sometimes got confused about who was who and had to look back at try to figure it out. I thought there could have been a little bit more of Tegan's life in the commune described, especially what she did to get thrown out. It took forever to find out why she was made to leave. Also, it seemed like the talk therapy was working way to fast.
Keeping these things in mind, I was not ready for the book to end. I would be interested in reading a sequel, becaus when the book ended, I felt that Tegan had just started to get her life together and had just started to scratch the surface of living.
September 22, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free mobi copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Free to be Tegan follows the life of a twenty-seven-year-old woman newly cast out from a cult for wayward behaviour. She finds herself alone in London and trying to find her way. A relative in Wales takes her in, and the scenic backdrop of the rural location near the Cambrian Hills is used to good effect to mirror Tegan's healing and gradual transformation. This is a difficult subject to address, and I feel that the author approached it sensitively.
Unfortunately, the text is littered with issues that detracted from the reading experience. The writing reads as extremely passive in style and contains a lot of typos. Also, filter words (she heard/knew/saw/etc.) and delaying the action unnecessarily with devices such as 'began to/started to' all serve to further remove the reader from the characters and action. Information is repeated, which again slows the pace and spoils the enjoyment. One such example of this is when Tegan's uncle converses with her when she calls on the payphone. As soon as the call ends, he repeats the whole situation to his assistant. It would be far better to simply summarise here, as the reader already knows the situation more than well enough.
So, all in all, aside from the hiccups mentioned, Free to be Tegan offers an interesting story and plot line, although it is a predictable read. The characters feel real and well drawn, as do the scenic descriptions. I give it 3 out of 5 stars, which means that it's worth giving a go.
Free to be Tegan follows the life of a twenty-seven-year-old woman newly cast out from a cult for wayward behaviour. She finds herself alone in London and trying to find her way. A relative in Wales takes her in, and the scenic backdrop of the rural location near the Cambrian Hills is used to good effect to mirror Tegan's healing and gradual transformation. This is a difficult subject to address, and I feel that the author approached it sensitively.
Unfortunately, the text is littered with issues that detracted from the reading experience. The writing reads as extremely passive in style and contains a lot of typos. Also, filter words (she heard/knew/saw/etc.) and delaying the action unnecessarily with devices such as 'began to/started to' all serve to further remove the reader from the characters and action. Information is repeated, which again slows the pace and spoils the enjoyment. One such example of this is when Tegan's uncle converses with her when she calls on the payphone. As soon as the call ends, he repeats the whole situation to his assistant. It would be far better to simply summarise here, as the reader already knows the situation more than well enough.
So, all in all, aside from the hiccups mentioned, Free to be Tegan offers an interesting story and plot line, although it is a predictable read. The characters feel real and well drawn, as do the scenic descriptions. I give it 3 out of 5 stars, which means that it's worth giving a go.
October 4, 2016
After being excluded from the sheltered community Tegan lives in in East London, for a moral transgression, she finds herself in touch with family she has never known. Adjusting to life outside the community where she lived a strict and structured life, is proving difficult and confusing for Tegan as she discovers the toll for living in fear but not having to think is a high one indeed.
I absolutely loved this book for many reasons but the sympathetic view into how much Tegan has to adapt after living an unusual life and her experience of what young people normally do was compelling reading.
The family secrets are also compelling reading and all the characters Tegan finds herself with in a Welsh village were easy to get attached to. I found myself missing them all when I finished the book.
A wonderful read.
I absolutely loved this book for many reasons but the sympathetic view into how much Tegan has to adapt after living an unusual life and her experience of what young people normally do was compelling reading.
The family secrets are also compelling reading and all the characters Tegan finds herself with in a Welsh village were easy to get attached to. I found myself missing them all when I finished the book.
A wonderful read.
April 11, 2016
I enjoyed the story of Tegan's attempts to become 'normal' and to cope with having to make her own decisions and form opinions. In a way her struggles are similar to those of everyone as they grow up, although most of us are able to start before we're 27.
Particularly enjoyed the scenes set in the almost idyllic Welsh village and wonderful scenery. I can see it's an ideal spot for her to bein her recovery.
Particularly enjoyed the scenes set in the almost idyllic Welsh village and wonderful scenery. I can see it's an ideal spot for her to bein her recovery.
August 5, 2016
I really got pulled into the story very quickly, and felt I understood the emotions Tegan was going through. I was a can't-put-down,-just read-a-bit-more,-please-don't-end-book.
December 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘It’s Tegan .. she rebelled Ellis. She’s been cast out.’
‘ “Do you know your full name?” She shook her head. “Tegan Mai Williams. Pretty isn’t it.”’
‘All this time, unknown to me, someone somewhere was celebrating my birthday’
I have no idea how I got this book - must have been a ‘stuff your kindle day’
It blows my mind that out there in the world somewhere this story is true.
Now this story isn’t wild or full of twists. It’s even pretty predictable and easy to follow but the MFC has my whole heart. The connection to Tegan was what made this book and I really enjoyed it. I was really rooting for her the whole way.
Sometimes, the simple straight forward books are best.
‘It’s Tegan .. she rebelled Ellis. She’s been cast out.’
‘ “Do you know your full name?” She shook her head. “Tegan Mai Williams. Pretty isn’t it.”’
‘All this time, unknown to me, someone somewhere was celebrating my birthday’
I have no idea how I got this book - must have been a ‘stuff your kindle day’
It blows my mind that out there in the world somewhere this story is true.
Now this story isn’t wild or full of twists. It’s even pretty predictable and easy to follow but the MFC has my whole heart. The connection to Tegan was what made this book and I really enjoyed it. I was really rooting for her the whole way.
Sometimes, the simple straight forward books are best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews