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Cult Sister: My decade in one of the world's most secretive sects
When Lesley Smailes set off from Port Elizabeth for a gap year, her mother "Whatever you do, don't get married. And don't join a cult." But within months, Lesley was part of a notorious American sect, married to a man she hardly knew and allowed only minimal contact with her family. Despite rape, home births and a forced abortion, her belief was unshakeable. Until she was faced with the terrifyingly real threat of losing her children… Harrowing at times, but also funny and wise, this is Lesley's miraculous true story.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 25, 2023
i expected something different, especially because it's about a secretive cult. it didn't match my expectations.
July 28, 2023
Based on the cover and blurb I was expecting something different. At times this seemed like more of a travel memoir than cult memoir, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. And luckily the cult wasn't too bad and Lesley's family could even come to visit her.
I get the impression though that if what happened near the end didn't happen, she'd still be in it. So I'm glad that it did happen so she could get out.
While this wasn't the most entertaining read in book format, that doesn't mean that the story doesn't deserve to be told. But when you pick it up just be ready that most of what you're going to see is slices of life, how Lesley and her family (& co) were scraping by over the years inside the Brethren, etc.
There were moments that made me tear up over what Lesley had to endure, so much loss, some of which I could relate to because I also experienced it.
I have some favourite parts, those in which God seemed to answer their prayers and provide for them in ways only He knows how. I love reading about that in books, and I agree that prayer is a powerful thing.
I'm also glad to hear that the cult survivors seem to be doing well, especially Lesley's children.
One last thing, Tikva's name. I know that it has a meaning, but in my language it means squash so the whole time I could not take her name seriously. Every time she'd show up on page I'd imagine a human sized butternut squash, I couldn't help it.
I get the impression though that if what happened near the end didn't happen, she'd still be in it. So I'm glad that it did happen so she could get out.
While this wasn't the most entertaining read in book format, that doesn't mean that the story doesn't deserve to be told. But when you pick it up just be ready that most of what you're going to see is slices of life, how Lesley and her family (& co) were scraping by over the years inside the Brethren, etc.
There were moments that made me tear up over what Lesley had to endure, so much loss, some of which I could relate to because I also experienced it.
I have some favourite parts, those in which God seemed to answer their prayers and provide for them in ways only He knows how. I love reading about that in books, and I agree that prayer is a powerful thing.
I'm also glad to hear that the cult survivors seem to be doing well, especially Lesley's children.
One last thing, Tikva's name. I know that it has a meaning, but in my language it means squash so the whole time I could not take her name seriously. Every time she'd show up on page I'd imagine a human sized butternut squash, I couldn't help it.
January 29, 2018
This was awful and so boring.
The woman never gave anything real away. She just moved from one dump to another. Thats as descriptive as it gets.
No politics, no nothing. At the very end indeed it seems to was written to show that her leader wasnt a bad leader at all.
Angry I spent $14 on this book!
The woman never gave anything real away. She just moved from one dump to another. Thats as descriptive as it gets.
No politics, no nothing. At the very end indeed it seems to was written to show that her leader wasnt a bad leader at all.
Angry I spent $14 on this book!
April 28, 2017
I heard the author interviewed on the radio and immediately bought the book. Absolutely fabulous and well written. A mind blower.........
August 10, 2017
An Alternative Lifestyle I
I was drawn to the title and cover photo...and very intriguing true story. Wish I could meet this amazing author!😊
I was drawn to the title and cover photo...and very intriguing true story. Wish I could meet this amazing author!😊
April 30, 2018
I had read an extract of this book so I looked forward to reading the book. The author gives an account of her life in the cult without it being an expose of the cult and the people involved.
June 22, 2018
Very interesting under the circumstances
January 17, 2022
This one gets it right. I've been reading a lot of memoirs lately and get very frustrated when they get in to very minute details but skip over feelings. Lesley does a very good job of detailing both the details and how she feels about what is happening to her, going back in time to explain why she makes choices as she does. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful book. Thank you, Lesley, for allowing the reader to come along on your journey with you.
February 21, 2026
Does it describe 10 years of the time the author spent in a cult? yes. Does it touch on the manipulation, abuse, and cult tactics used to control people? not even a little bit. The author describes nothing of her deconstruction. It's 99% this is what happened theough the eyes of a cult member and 1% then we left. no detailed account no reasoning. disappointing
September 3, 2019
There are a lot better written, better paced, more concise, and less rambly "leaving the cult" memoirs out there. Find one of those.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews