Disclosure: I received this book from Tyndale. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

I’m not sure why this book cover feels so scary to me…..maybe it’s the covered eyes, or the context of the title.  While I don’t know much about polygamy, it has been the subject of many TV shows and news stories in the past few years.  The Polygamist’s Daughter was available from Tyndale’s blog network, so I requested it for review.  

My expectations were probably jaded due to media influence.  This wasn’t like a TLC show or an episode of Big Love. Instead, the memoir was quite depressing.  I couldn’t read it in consecutive sittings; the heavy sadness of author Anna LeBaron’s childhood just hurt my heart too much.

One positive thing that came from the book was the love between Anna and her siblings.  Though they were bonded due to a constant state of crisis, they depended upon each other for survival.

One of the things that struck me so deeply was the way LeBaron described her experiences with the local church, and even her class at school.  Getting to color on a banner, for example, made her feel accepted and included.  Since she was hiding so much from the teachers and other adults in her life, it must have been hard for her to reach out and accept love from those who weren’t in her immediate family.  It makes me want to be more aware of the students in my class.  Though I don’t usually know what they go through at home, it’s my responsibility to make them feel loved and accepted when they’re in my classroom.

While The Polygamist’s Daughter wasn’t a thrilling read, it did open my eyes to the trauma of cult life.  It also makes me remember to pray for children like Anna LeBaron.

Thank you to Tyndale for providing me with a copy of this book.