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Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs Mass Market Paperback – February 24, 2009

by Elissa Wall (Author), Lisa Pulitzer (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,939 ratings
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“Both creepy…and quite moving.”
—New York Times Book Review

“Wall’s story couldn’t be more timely.”
—People

Stolen Innocence is the gripping New York Times bestselling memoir of Elissa Wall, the courageous former member of Utah’s infamous FLDS polygamist sect whose powerful courtroom testimony helped convict controversial sect leader Warren Jeffs in September 2007. At once shocking, heartbreaking, and inspiring, Wall’s story of subjugation and survival exposes the darkness at the root of this rebel offshoot of the Mormon faith.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    464 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    William Morrow Paperbacks
  4. Publication date
    February 24, 2009
  5. Dimensions
    4.19 x 1.19 x 6.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0061734969
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0061734960
  8. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. Our religion left no room for logical reasoning and honest questioning.
    Highlighted by 148 Kindle readers
  2. I looked like the person I felt like inside, and this is a magical thing when it has been denied for so much of your life.
    Highlighted by 117 Kindle readers
  3. Whether you call it God, or hope, faith—whatever word you use—the fact is, I couldn’t have survived if I hadn’t believed in something.
    Highlighted by 78 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Wall’s story couldn’t be more timely. Her descriptions of the polygamous sect’s rigidity are shocking, but what’s most fascinating is the immensely likeable author’s struggle to reconcile her longing for happiness with her terror of it’s consequences.” — People

From the Back Cover

In September 2007, a packed courtroom in St. George, Utah, sat hushed as Elissa Wall, the star witness against polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs, gave captivating testimony of how Jeffs forced her to marry her first cousin at age fourteen. This harrowing and vivid account proved to be the most compelling evidence against Jeffs, showing the harsh realities of this closed community and the lengths that Jeffs went to in order to control the women in it. Now, in this courageous memoir, Elissa Wall tells her incredible and inspirational story of her time in the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), detailing how she emerged from its confines to help bring one of America's most notorious criminals to justice.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow Paperbacks; 1/25/09 edition (February 24, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 464 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0061734969
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061734960
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.19 x 1.19 x 6.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,939 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Elissa Wall

    Elissa Wall

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Elissa Wall is a former member of the FLDS church who was forced into marriage at age fourteen. She left the FLDS at age eighteen and she currently resides with her two children and her husband, Lamont.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Lisa Pulitzer

    Lisa Pulitzer

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Lisa Pulitzer is a former correspondent for the New York Times andcoauthor of more than a dozen nonfiction titles, including the New York Times bestsellers Stolen Innocence, Imperfect Justice, and Mob Daughter.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
2,939 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

amartbetan12
5.0 out of 5 stars riveting and heart-wrenching
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2014
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Elissa Wall's story of growing up in the FLDS, the conditioning she, her family and friends (the whole of the FLDS) received, the abuse she endured, and her escape was both riveting and heart-wrenching. She does a wonderful job of telling her story, from her point of view, and as factually as possible. Throughout my read of her story, my emotions were pulled in every direction as I took in the details of her abuse, felt her desperate-ness, hopelessness, and utter despair as she tried to prevent being married to a man she detested. I was crushed when those in authority who were supposed to love and protect her stood by and allowed these atrocities to occur, and I felt the betrayal she felt.

I also drew hope from her story. Her escape and her ability to fight for herself and those who are unable is truly inspiring. I would absolutely recommend this book so that someone could understand how the FLDS has changed since Rulon's inability to carry out his responsibilities as Prophet, thus allowing his son Warren to slowly obtain utter control over a people who truly believe that he is their leader and only way to obtain eternal salvation. Under his rule, the practice of child-brides reared it's ugly head and became rampant. The FLDS community is often painted as a patriarchal community where only the men have power, but this book reveals that most men in this society are also very constrained by the FLDS practices and rules, and often lose everything if they step out of line (not to imply that women don't have it bad in the FLDS community and hold little to no control over their own lives or that of their children).

As someone who has been following the stories of escaped/ex-FLDS individuals for years, and has taken the time to learn a lot about their founding, their practices, their traditions, and how the community has changed under different Prophets, I believe this is a fantastic book that lays down the necessary foundation for those who are not familiar with the FLDS so that the reader can have a better understanding of WHY she couldn't leave sooner, and why her family COULDN'T help her.
10 people found this helpful
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JTWWeller
4.0 out of 5 stars Well written book about life inside a "religion".
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2012
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Interesting story about life inside what is called a religion but is more aligned with a cult. Where women have no say in any aspect of their lives and men, only a little more.

This is the true account of a young girl's strange but seemingly happy childhood in a polygamous family, until she is forced into an unwanted marriage at a young age. A well-written story, very captivating, heartbreaking. An interesting, eye-opener into life where there is no freedom of choice and the repercussions of those who do not accede.
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Guy's Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars Religious Abuse
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2023
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It is always interesting to read about other people’s experiences and beliefs. I’m always amazed at how people get or are brainwashed into believing certain things- good or bad. It is so unfortunate that a few people can affect so many lives. Elissa’s story, heartbreaking as it is, is one of many. However, because she spoke out, many others may have been saved. This is a great story that is definitely worth reading!
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LaurenT
5.0 out of 5 stars Enthralling
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024
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I have never cried while reading a book, but I did with this one. I truly hope this book found its way to members in the FLDS. What an incredible account of strength and raw emotion. I'm grateful to have had the chance to read this book.
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A. Starkey
5.0 out of 5 stars Kindle Version/Awsome Story worth reading
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2008
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Stolen Innocence was a unique story written about how one woman was able to escape the clutches of the FLDS after a 4 year forced marriage at age 14 to her first cousin who had been known to be abusive towards her as children. When she would not obey him, he repeatedly raped and physically abused her.

The marriage was arranged, in part, as punishment to her and her mother because they had spoken out on several ocassions and were thought to be a "troubled" family. Despite her begging and pleading not to marry a cousin "I hated," she was told she either went through with the marriage or her family would be excommunicated and set out on the highway. She had seen this happen to her brother and others, so out of fear went through with the "marriage."

Although I don't in any way condone her husband's actions, it appears from the book that he, too, was a victim of this order. There was NEVER any sex education: in fact, the word sex was never used, and was a subject not even married women were allowed to discuss. Children were taught to think of the other sex as "snakes," and even casual touching was forbid. Then, suddenly you are married, and all the girls have ever been told is "Your husband will explain your wifely duties to you." Sex is only supposed to happen to pro-create and NEVER for pleasure. In this case, the young man didn't seem to have any more knowledge of what he was supposed to do than she did. A man will have his "pristhood" taken away from him if he cannot control his family. This means he will not be allowed to enter the Celestrial kimdom, so it is a big deal. Fearing he was loosing control of his 14 year old wife, he began to rape her to insure she provided him with children. Unfortunately, she suffered 3 miscarriages and 1 stillbirth with NO medical care.

This religious group believes that Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, was correct when he stated Pologamy was a revelation from God. The purpose was to create a family on earth that would be transferred to the Celestrail Kingdom for those who "stay sweet," and take advice from the Prophet, whom they believe are receiving messages directly from God. The men will then be set up as God's of their own "Kindoms." BUT ONLY IF THEY ARE OBEDIENT,and have duitiful wives.

The biggest problem in this story was that a sociapathic man who studied Hittler, manipulated his way into becoming the professed prophet. Because this group had been brought up to believe that anything the Prophet says is coming directly from God, no one questioned his actions. Those who did were x-communicated, had their wives and children taken away, their homes taken, and were left penniless. Under Warren Jeffs rule, the governing body of 12 was done away with, all property individually owned was taken and given to the "church," who then gave out land and houses to the "most worthy" of followers.

Because the people are carefully removed from society and taught that outsiders are evil and will only cause extreme harm, they are afraid to come forward. All the local Police, Judges, etc are FLDS members, so going to the authorities is fruitless.

This women came forward with the truth of what was happening in this isolated town despite death threats to her and her family. She risked her very life to come forward, and as a result has brought knowledge to authorities, who then were able to act on reports by many who had fled.

The book is well written, flows well, and explains why and how this has happened.

.
What the Kindle version lacks is nice pictures. The pictures are displayed, but black and white and faded.
11 people found this helpful
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patrick alesia
4.0 out of 5 stars a hard to read book
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023
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Yes hard to read but harder to put down. I compliment the author on her courage. It was truly an eye opener into a world very few of us have ever seen.
One person found this helpful
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Claudia Fain
5.0 out of 5 stars Earth shattering
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
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Wow...this is a real life Handmaid's Tale. What Elissa went through is an absolute nightmare. I am do glad she shared her testimony and wrote this book to help others. My heart breaks for those trapped in the FLDS.
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Top reviews from other countries

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L.B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Discussed with those older men
Reviewed in Canada on April 12, 2013
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I love reading these types of books. It's discussing that older men can control these women or young children(girls) for their own sexual needs and use their religion to do it. And throw these poor young men out to defend on their own at a very young age with no money,food or a place to live if they are ever caught talking to a young girl.
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C. E. Cree
5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly compelling from beginning to end
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2013
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This book was utterly gripping from beginning to end.
From Elissa's explaination of her childhood and school days growing up as a member of the FDLS church, her tales of real every day life within a very large family with several mothers and then how, at the will of one man, that family unit was divided and how her journey as a child bride began- I couldnt put this book down.
Her accounts of the strict life of a church child, with no explanation of sex and the stern phrase "treat men like snakes", her father who has so many children and three wives, how those wives fought for dominence and affection within that home and then how her mother took Elissa and her siblings away at the ruling of the Jeffs, its mindblowing to see people who were clearly rational sensible adults giving away the power that was theirs in their home. A marriage was over on a word, but not the word of the husband and wife. Then Elissa's mother became wife to another man and again life in a massive home began, with Sharon giving power to the church without taking any to protect her children.
Elissa's accounts of her pain and sorrow, her fear and her desperate attempts to not be married were shocking, devestating and made me want to reach out and save her. Her terror in the marriage and then her depression and constant miscarriages made me cry. What hurt the most was that her parents didnt save her,, although I applauded her siblings for standing up for her.
When she finally met her true husband and escaped the church, when she got the courage to go to court, I was jubilent- and I am so glad she has been able to tell her story here.
No person should be forced to wed, or be treated as property. This book is one which I will read with my children to show them how courage, open mindedness and the strength from within yourself can bring you back from no mans land to a safe haven.
4 people found this helpful
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MladyDex
4.0 out of 5 stars just as should be
Reviewed in Canada on December 13, 2021
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great read
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Client d'Amazon
3.0 out of 5 stars Livre
Reviewed in France on December 2, 2018
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Bien mais un peu long avec beaucoup trop de detail
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scatterbox
4.0 out of 5 stars A very brave account
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2013
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This is a very honest, true account of one young girl's life having being brought up in a polygamous sect.It is educating to learn about a religion I knew little about.As the story unfolds you see her struggle with what she has known and been brought up to believe and the nagging realisation that it is not right.Her beliefs are not all bad of the sect as she points out even at the end of the book she still has love for those left behind.It is about a stong woman who takes on the system(FDLS)and wins but at the cost of losing her Mum and sisters in the process.One very courageous lady.An inspiration.Would definately reccomend this book if you are looking for something different to read.
5 people found this helpful
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