Saturday, September 10, 2011

Review: I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale

Title: I Am Not Esther
Author: Fleur Beale
Release Date: July 1st 2004
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 256
Source: Library

"Imagine that your mother tells you that she is going away. She is leaving you with relatives whom you have never heard of-and they are members of a strict religious cult. Your name is changed to a biblical one, Esther, and you are forced to follow the severe set of social standards set by the cult. You don't know where you mother is, and you are beginning to lose your own identity." (Goodreads)


When I heard about this book I knew I had to read it. I have always been interested in what it is like to live inside a cult. And that is exactly what this book does, it offers a glimpse of what its like to be raised and dropped off inside of a strict religious cult. 


Kirby is only 16 when her mother suffers a break down and ships her off to live with her uncle and cousins. All of which she never knew existed beforehand. A sense of normal is completely lost when she arrives and is forced to take on a new identity. All Kirby wants is to go back home to her mother. Will she be able to or will ''The Rule" completely take over her life? 


I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't nearly as dark as what I thought it was going to be, but it still had some intense moments that made me go WOW! It was really interesting to read about how someone raised outside of the cult views it as opposed to someone actually raised in it. The book itself was believable. I could picture Kirby as a real girl fighting for her freedom. Although the book was good I didn't think it was anything too amazing but it definitely was not bad! Overall the book was good and insightful! I recommend reading it, especially if you also want an insight into what is like being in a cult!


Rating: 3/5

5 comments:

  1. It does sound really dark, and the plot sounds awesome. I would like to say that all cults are not made equal. Some drink the kool-aid, some not so much.

    Beth ^_^
    http://sweetbooksnstuff.blogspot.com/

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  2. Haaaaaaaaaa! That comment made me laugh! Thanks for stopping by

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  3. I've also always been intrigued by the inner happenings of cults. Your review's making me jump on over to the B&N website to buy it now!!

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  4. The cover is spooky. I haven't read any book involving cults. The word "religious cult" makes me think of something dark. But as you said, it's not as dark, I hope it would be a good reading.

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