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Displaced: A Memoir
Displaced is a gripping true story of a young girl and her young siblings’ escape
from a conservative Mennonite Colony in Bolivia. In the span of her early childhood
through adulthood, Esther takes you on a journey of unspeakable losses, survival,
resilience and strong family bonds.
For Esther, the youngest of fourteen siblings born into a conservative Mennonite Colony in the heart of South America, everyday life revolves around rules, routine and monotonous chores on a family farm without so much as electricity and running water. As she sees it, her childhood is normal and ordinary. That is until one catastrophic day when everything changes. Suddenly, eleven-year-old Esther must leave behind everything she’s ever known.
This is the true, heartbreaking account of growing up in a Mennonite family and the
harrowing events that eventually lead to her and her three youngest siblings’ dramatic escape to Canada. Everything Esther has ever known about her identity is left behind as she struggles to find a place for herself in a new country, a new culture, and a new language.
from a conservative Mennonite Colony in Bolivia. In the span of her early childhood
through adulthood, Esther takes you on a journey of unspeakable losses, survival,
resilience and strong family bonds.
For Esther, the youngest of fourteen siblings born into a conservative Mennonite Colony in the heart of South America, everyday life revolves around rules, routine and monotonous chores on a family farm without so much as electricity and running water. As she sees it, her childhood is normal and ordinary. That is until one catastrophic day when everything changes. Suddenly, eleven-year-old Esther must leave behind everything she’s ever known.
This is the true, heartbreaking account of growing up in a Mennonite family and the
harrowing events that eventually lead to her and her three youngest siblings’ dramatic escape to Canada. Everything Esther has ever known about her identity is left behind as she struggles to find a place for herself in a new country, a new culture, and a new language.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2020
606 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Esther Wiebe
5 books8 followersEsther is a survivor and lover of life. She has been a grocery clerk, florist, cake decorator, business owner, homeschool teacher, and missionary. She has always been a gardener, but until now, never a writer.
Born in Bolivia, Esther has lived in multiple countries and adapted to varying cultures. After living in Nicaragua for ten years as missionaries, she and her husband moved to beautiful Langley, British Columbia, Canada, where they currently live with their mostly grown children. She is passionate about Jesus, her husband Wally, and their delightful kids. She loves her enormous family and remains close with her siblings.
Born in Bolivia, Esther has lived in multiple countries and adapted to varying cultures. After living in Nicaragua for ten years as missionaries, she and her husband moved to beautiful Langley, British Columbia, Canada, where they currently live with their mostly grown children. She is passionate about Jesus, her husband Wally, and their delightful kids. She loves her enormous family and remains close with her siblings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 5, 2020
There were so many layers to this book! On one hand, I enjoyed peeking into the lives of people without electricity and running water - both in Canada and in Bolivia! On the other hand, I was challenged by the faith journey of a girl from strict religiosity to a woman with a personal, deep, strong relationship with her God and His Son. AND, I was enthralled by the intrigue of a life with SO many twists and turns. Most of all, I loved the story of this brave young girl and her grit and love for her family and her God.
December 8, 2021
Thanks to Books Go Social and NetGalley for the early read. A sobering memoir about a family that endured numerous tragedies and separations. I have read numerous memoirs about Mennonites, but never ones who lived in Bolivia. I was aghast at the horrible tragedy that preceded the author and her siblings frantic move to Canada. I appreciated the author including many family photos.
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March 15, 2022Not sure how to rate this one. Wiebe's life and immigration was very interesting.
September 12, 2022
Excellent read
A story of a closed knit family, faith, struggles and enduring love! A DP like I was but very different times!
A story of a closed knit family, faith, struggles and enduring love! A DP like I was but very different times!
January 22, 2021
Such a worthwhile read, couldn’t put it down!
September 18, 2025
Displaced: A Memoir by Esther Wiebe is one of those books that’s nearly impossible to put down. Esther tells her story of growing up as the youngest of fourteen children in a strict Mennonite colony in Bolivia. Life there was marked by rigid rules, isolation, and hardship — and then devastating tragedy struck her family, leaving her without parents and several siblings.
The memoir follows her journey through grief and survival, and ultimately the daring escape to Canada with siblings and a cousin. What struck me most was how raw and honest she is about the pain of loss, the trauma of the colony, and then the shock of being thrust into a completely new culture. In Canada, she faced loneliness and the struggle of finding her identity in a world so different from everything she had known.
I was horrified by how her family was treated in the colony, heartbroken by the losses she endured, and deeply moved by her resilience as she learned to rebuild her life. This book is both heartbreaking and inspiring — a story of courage, survival, and the search for belonging.
The memoir follows her journey through grief and survival, and ultimately the daring escape to Canada with siblings and a cousin. What struck me most was how raw and honest she is about the pain of loss, the trauma of the colony, and then the shock of being thrust into a completely new culture. In Canada, she faced loneliness and the struggle of finding her identity in a world so different from everything she had known.
I was horrified by how her family was treated in the colony, heartbroken by the losses she endured, and deeply moved by her resilience as she learned to rebuild her life. This book is both heartbreaking and inspiring — a story of courage, survival, and the search for belonging.
April 26, 2021
Esther Wiebe was the youngest child of a large Mennonite family living in a conservative community in Bolivia, where we first meet her. A series of tragedies sees the children orphaned and displaced, and each has to forge his or her own way in the world, sometimes rejecting and sometimes accepting their faith. I found it an interesting read, although as a non-Christian myself the constant references to God’s goodness became a bit wearing. It’s an excellent insight into the Mennonite faith in all its manifestations – from liberal to strict – and confirmed in me once again how faith so often doesn’t result in love and charity. I was relieved to discover that Esther managed to overcome the difficulties and sadnesses of her childhood to make a good life for herself and her own family.
July 15, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've read a couple of books about the Mennonite church and their followers but from this book, I learned more about them and that there are a lot of Mennonite people who have Colonies in Bolivia. That part of the culture makes this book interesting. Having these huge families split up and some move to Canada was new to me too.
As the author is the youngest child in this large family, and the only one to be born in Bolivia makes her displaced and it's easy to see how she is very close with her family she knows best but then when they move to Canada, she's thrown in a different culture plus she meets family she's never met before and others who left when she was too young to remember.
There are also several tragedies that befall this family that are absolutely heartbreaking.
Overall, this book was interesting but at times, it did drag a little. But most of it was enjoyable.
I've read a couple of books about the Mennonite church and their followers but from this book, I learned more about them and that there are a lot of Mennonite people who have Colonies in Bolivia. That part of the culture makes this book interesting. Having these huge families split up and some move to Canada was new to me too.
As the author is the youngest child in this large family, and the only one to be born in Bolivia makes her displaced and it's easy to see how she is very close with her family she knows best but then when they move to Canada, she's thrown in a different culture plus she meets family she's never met before and others who left when she was too young to remember.
There are also several tragedies that befall this family that are absolutely heartbreaking.
Overall, this book was interesting but at times, it did drag a little. But most of it was enjoyable.
November 9, 2024
Great
I loved this story, partly because it’s true and partly because the ways it’s written. Clear, to the point and authentic.
I loved this story, partly because it’s true and partly because the ways it’s written. Clear, to the point and authentic.
November 27, 2020
This book contains the beautiful, messy, vulnerable, and roller-coaster of a life of the author. She bravely shares her experiences in a way that is inviting, completely brilliant, and pulls at the heart strings. You will laugh and cry your way through this book. An amazing story of deep sorrow, resiliency, and enduring hope.
November 23, 2020
Displaced is a captivating memoir of young Esther’s life. She takes you through her life experience and opens your eyes to life in some Mennonite Communities. This book was engaging and fascinating to read. You could feel the emotions of a young Esther as she experiences suffering and heartbreak. A well written account of life in an isolated religious community. I particularly enjoyed learning what goes on “behind closed doors” in some of these communities. Esther tells a story of intense familial bonds and resilienece.
October 16, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: DISPLACED: a memoir
Author: Esther Wiebe
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
11 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A tragic story but also inspiring. I very much enjoyed it. I also learnt a lot to regarding what a Mennonite Colony is. Fascinating, a bit scary, shocking in parts. I´d thoroughly recommend this book.” Male reader, aged 43
“A compelling story from the first page. Much of it is gritty, dark, and heartbreaking, but I´m glad she escaped to Canada in the end. It must have taken a lot of courage to revisit what happened to her to pen this book. I congratulate her for that.” Female reader, aged 67
“I wouldn´t say I enjoyed reliving this author´s journey but I´m still glad I did. Shocking in many ways, but Esther´s strength (and faith) wins through in the end. Although the story is a little hard to following parts, it is still interesting in terms of Bolivia and extreme religious sects.” Female reader, aged 66
To Sum It Up:
‘Dark, gritty, but ultimately inspiring. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: DISPLACED: a memoir
Author: Esther Wiebe
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
11 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A tragic story but also inspiring. I very much enjoyed it. I also learnt a lot to regarding what a Mennonite Colony is. Fascinating, a bit scary, shocking in parts. I´d thoroughly recommend this book.” Male reader, aged 43
“A compelling story from the first page. Much of it is gritty, dark, and heartbreaking, but I´m glad she escaped to Canada in the end. It must have taken a lot of courage to revisit what happened to her to pen this book. I congratulate her for that.” Female reader, aged 67
“I wouldn´t say I enjoyed reliving this author´s journey but I´m still glad I did. Shocking in many ways, but Esther´s strength (and faith) wins through in the end. Although the story is a little hard to following parts, it is still interesting in terms of Bolivia and extreme religious sects.” Female reader, aged 66
To Sum It Up:
‘Dark, gritty, but ultimately inspiring. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
October 12, 2021
Displaced is a memoir written about a little girl named Esther and her life story. She is only eleven and is the youngest in her family of four. Her parents have passed away, and the elder of their colony church believes that separating all the children is the best way to raise them.
Esther ends up in a home where she is beaten up, but her spirit is strong, and she plans to escape with her siblings and her cousin to Canada. The memoir then takes you on a journey introducing so many more scenes and events that shape up this beautiful story.
I found the entire read to be enticing because of its premise. Esther life is so heartfelt. The memoir discusses so many things but, above all, displays the strong notion of love for one’s family. There are religious references used in the story, but none dominate the principle of the tale.
I recommend this book to memoir readers and those who like to read an honest story.
Esther ends up in a home where she is beaten up, but her spirit is strong, and she plans to escape with her siblings and her cousin to Canada. The memoir then takes you on a journey introducing so many more scenes and events that shape up this beautiful story.
I found the entire read to be enticing because of its premise. Esther life is so heartfelt. The memoir discusses so many things but, above all, displays the strong notion of love for one’s family. There are religious references used in the story, but none dominate the principle of the tale.
I recommend this book to memoir readers and those who like to read an honest story.
October 4, 2024
as this is my auntie Esther, I may be slightly bias.
I did read this book a few years ago however, I still think about it. Growing up with my auntie Esther, I would have never been able to tell that her story started off so different than mine.
Her youngest daughter and I are 6 months apart in age and I pictured a version of her going through this entire book and it made it so real. I'm not the type to typically pick up a memoir but man did I sob throughout this one.
If you ever get the chance, please read her story! I read the one star review on this book and it said, " was waiting for the happy ending but never got it.." and did that guy ever miss the mark on this book.
This woman has gone through a lifetime of horrors that the average person would call themselves unlikely by living through the meekest one.
It's knowing my Auntie Esther that makes this book all the more special. 5 million stars.
I did read this book a few years ago however, I still think about it. Growing up with my auntie Esther, I would have never been able to tell that her story started off so different than mine.
Her youngest daughter and I are 6 months apart in age and I pictured a version of her going through this entire book and it made it so real. I'm not the type to typically pick up a memoir but man did I sob throughout this one.
If you ever get the chance, please read her story! I read the one star review on this book and it said, " was waiting for the happy ending but never got it.." and did that guy ever miss the mark on this book.
This woman has gone through a lifetime of horrors that the average person would call themselves unlikely by living through the meekest one.
It's knowing my Auntie Esther that makes this book all the more special. 5 million stars.
May 19, 2023
This book was engaging, beautifully written and gut-wrenching. Obviously I knew there was going to be a lot of over-the-top religious views and passages in the book, those simply weren’t for me. However, as someone who does not admonish others religious views, I can admire the authors ability to still find peace in her religion after all the horrible trials she has experienced.
There were times where my jaw was on the floor and other times I was simply bored reading this. It was interesting to see behind closed doors in a community that traditionally closes itself off, but like I said, at times it was simply just boring text and I found myself speed reading the bits about laundry and when it would become overly repetitive about their faith.
Overall 3 stars and no regrets about reading this one.
There were times where my jaw was on the floor and other times I was simply bored reading this. It was interesting to see behind closed doors in a community that traditionally closes itself off, but like I said, at times it was simply just boring text and I found myself speed reading the bits about laundry and when it would become overly repetitive about their faith.
Overall 3 stars and no regrets about reading this one.
March 5, 2024
What a Life's Story
Esther, you are so courageous to have gone back in your memory to tell the story of you and your family, and to be so honest about your feelings. I thank you for that. It is sad that people who profess to be following what the Bible teaches can so distort things that they cause pain for others. It makes me
happy that you were able to rise above that and see what it means to truly follow Christ even after going through so much pain and suffering, and that you have a happy and stable life with a wonderful family of your own. Your mom was a blessing to you and your siblings. I know you still miss her because I miss mine after 43 years. God bless you all.
Esther, you are so courageous to have gone back in your memory to tell the story of you and your family, and to be so honest about your feelings. I thank you for that. It is sad that people who profess to be following what the Bible teaches can so distort things that they cause pain for others. It makes me
happy that you were able to rise above that and see what it means to truly follow Christ even after going through so much pain and suffering, and that you have a happy and stable life with a wonderful family of your own. Your mom was a blessing to you and your siblings. I know you still miss her because I miss mine after 43 years. God bless you all.
December 12, 2020
This book caught my attention because of a Bolivia connection. My children’s grandparent’s were founders of Tres Palmas. I have heard many tales of Bolivia. Everything I have just read in Esther Wiebe’s is an incredible witness to a period in time and place. The legalism is truly astounding isn’t it? As a historian, I hope more people write down their memories as Wiebe has.
Displaced will be fascinating to both Mennonites and “English” people like me. Wiebe paints a clear picture of life in the colony and of life in Canada.
Tears were brought to my eyes many times. This is an amazing testimony.
Displaced will be fascinating to both Mennonites and “English” people like me. Wiebe paints a clear picture of life in the colony and of life in Canada.
Tears were brought to my eyes many times. This is an amazing testimony.
June 3, 2021
Read in less than a day
I found this book to be a very compelling read. At first I only intended to skim it in order to satisfy my curiosity about what happened to the author's parents and why orphanhood sent children fleeing halfway across the world. That's not the way this story works though. You get a fascinating view of a world and way of life that's largely closed off to all who aren't born Mennonites with the good, bad, ugly, and everything in between. What happened with the parents was tragic, but what was done to those poor children is the real storyline. I definitely recommend this one.
I found this book to be a very compelling read. At first I only intended to skim it in order to satisfy my curiosity about what happened to the author's parents and why orphanhood sent children fleeing halfway across the world. That's not the way this story works though. You get a fascinating view of a world and way of life that's largely closed off to all who aren't born Mennonites with the good, bad, ugly, and everything in between. What happened with the parents was tragic, but what was done to those poor children is the real storyline. I definitely recommend this one.
November 3, 2023
So Intensely Real
One of the most real memoirs I’ve read, I couldn’t put it down.
I was shocked at how heartless, judgmental and unhelpful the Mennonite leaders (who resemble a cult more than a church) were in Bolivia. Why did no one scoop this little girl up in their arms and comfort her when tragedy struck?? Why didn’t church leaders and other members help them with their farm or even bring them food?? After what Esther has been through, she deserves an adult lifetime of happiness and ease!
One of the most real memoirs I’ve read, I couldn’t put it down.
I was shocked at how heartless, judgmental and unhelpful the Mennonite leaders (who resemble a cult more than a church) were in Bolivia. Why did no one scoop this little girl up in their arms and comfort her when tragedy struck?? Why didn’t church leaders and other members help them with their farm or even bring them food?? After what Esther has been through, she deserves an adult lifetime of happiness and ease!
September 14, 2025
A Fascinating, Inspiring Memoir. For sure!
With big families comes lots of happiness multiplied by the shared love of so many different members. Also, soul-searing pain gets multiplied, too. Esther's family worked SO hard together. Their simple life was not simple. It was hard work that seemed to never end. The deaths of their parents was beyond tragic. Esther her siblings were so strong. They really could live through anything God, or fate, asked them to bear. Truly inspiring.
With big families comes lots of happiness multiplied by the shared love of so many different members. Also, soul-searing pain gets multiplied, too. Esther's family worked SO hard together. Their simple life was not simple. It was hard work that seemed to never end. The deaths of their parents was beyond tragic. Esther her siblings were so strong. They really could live through anything God, or fate, asked them to bear. Truly inspiring.
July 13, 2021
Autobiography of Esther Wiebe
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Mennonites, cross cultural adaptation, religious beliefs, self sustainable life, and family dynamics within a large group. One complaint: It reminded me of Jim Jones, his patriarchal religion, and transplanting members to a jungle community where individuals undergo brainwashing and lose their freedom to choose.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Mennonites, cross cultural adaptation, religious beliefs, self sustainable life, and family dynamics within a large group. One complaint: It reminded me of Jim Jones, his patriarchal religion, and transplanting members to a jungle community where individuals undergo brainwashing and lose their freedom to choose.
August 27, 2021
An incredible story!
What an amazing memoir this was. I appreciated the author’s vulnerable honesty. It was hard to believe that so many things, often terrible, happened to her. But it was encouraging to see her strength keep rising through her faith which (almost unbelievably) kept growing as well. Thank you for sharing about your life and the little-known community where you grew up.
What an amazing memoir this was. I appreciated the author’s vulnerable honesty. It was hard to believe that so many things, often terrible, happened to her. But it was encouraging to see her strength keep rising through her faith which (almost unbelievably) kept growing as well. Thank you for sharing about your life and the little-known community where you grew up.
May 21, 2022
Surviving hardcore religious dogma
Strict Christian fundamentalism ruined me emotionally and stunted my ability to mature into healthy emotional state. For that reason, I like reading accounts of people who survived much worse religious situation than I. This book was spellbinding , and as heartbreaking as it was to me, the ultimate victory in the author's life provides hope for anyone suffering from an unhealthy view of who God is.
Strict Christian fundamentalism ruined me emotionally and stunted my ability to mature into healthy emotional state. For that reason, I like reading accounts of people who survived much worse religious situation than I. This book was spellbinding , and as heartbreaking as it was to me, the ultimate victory in the author's life provides hope for anyone suffering from an unhealthy view of who God is.
November 30, 2022
Loving Large Families
I enjoyed this book although it was heart wrenching in some parts. I would have to say Esther and all her siblings have had an amazing life but also a very sad life. I can certainly see Why she at times questioned God and her faith. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read true stories about different cultures, religions, geography and large loving families.
I enjoyed this book although it was heart wrenching in some parts. I would have to say Esther and all her siblings have had an amazing life but also a very sad life. I can certainly see Why she at times questioned God and her faith. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read true stories about different cultures, religions, geography and large loving families.
January 16, 2021
An honest look back
I feel we all have a story to tell. Esther's story is often painful but it remains hopeful. I am thankful that God has brought her through so much and she is still able to praise Him. As I have lived 7 years in Central America, I find cross cultural stories interesting. I would recommend this for young teens and up.
I feel we all have a story to tell. Esther's story is often painful but it remains hopeful. I am thankful that God has brought her through so much and she is still able to praise Him. As I have lived 7 years in Central America, I find cross cultural stories interesting. I would recommend this for young teens and up.
September 5, 2021
What a story!
I didn’t know much about the Mennonite culture until reading this book.This book what very interesting and at times extremely sad. It is a shining example of the resilience of the human spirit, and of unwavering faith. Thank you for sharing your life, you are amazing
I didn’t know much about the Mennonite culture until reading this book.This book what very interesting and at times extremely sad. It is a shining example of the resilience of the human spirit, and of unwavering faith. Thank you for sharing your life, you are amazing
March 12, 2022
I felt at home
I grew up in a Christian home. Both sets of grandparents were Mennonites. Ancestors left Holland because of religious freedom. My grandparents and parents would speak Plautdietsch the minute we crossed their thresholds. So funny as a child- I more or less understood what they said. It was a heartfelt book. Thankyou
I grew up in a Christian home. Both sets of grandparents were Mennonites. Ancestors left Holland because of religious freedom. My grandparents and parents would speak Plautdietsch the minute we crossed their thresholds. So funny as a child- I more or less understood what they said. It was a heartfelt book. Thankyou
April 8, 2022
Inspiring!
I learned so much from this book! I couldn't put it down, yet I didn't want it to end. I always enjoy reading memoirs. This one was especially enjoyable as a Christian learning how a Mennonite came to find Jesus and serves Him today in such wonderful ways. Thank you for sharing your life story.
I learned so much from this book! I couldn't put it down, yet I didn't want it to end. I always enjoy reading memoirs. This one was especially enjoyable as a Christian learning how a Mennonite came to find Jesus and serves Him today in such wonderful ways. Thank you for sharing your life story.
May 1, 2023
Very uplifting-WORTH THE READ!!
I found this book so inspiring and could barely put it down. I read it in 3 days. It’s amazing how this little girl and her family found strength in such times of grief. Also, very inspiring that she kept her faith through those times. If you need inspiration, read this book.
I found this book so inspiring and could barely put it down. I read it in 3 days. It’s amazing how this little girl and her family found strength in such times of grief. Also, very inspiring that she kept her faith through those times. If you need inspiration, read this book.
December 21, 2023
A journey of self richestness, courage, discipline and devotion to God
Having traveled a somewhat similar journey, it awoke within me memories of my long buried life experiences that I have for so long kept hidden and only shared with a select few. I related to it so much and it made me feel as if I was there with her, well written. Thank you for that.
Having traveled a somewhat similar journey, it awoke within me memories of my long buried life experiences that I have for so long kept hidden and only shared with a select few. I related to it so much and it made me feel as if I was there with her, well written. Thank you for that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews