A memoir, recently made into a BBC documentary, Not My Idea
of Heaven is an account of the authors hardships and triumphs being brought up
in a very strict religious sect. A
detailed chronicle, it gives a complete view of some of the very stringent
sects in the world not much of which is written about.
When she was a child, Lindsey Rosa's every moment was
governed by the rules of an extreme separatist sect. It controlled what she
wore and what she ate; it forbade her to listen to music, to cut her hair, to
watch television, to use a computer. The Fellowship said her family was
special. Why would she believe otherwise? Then, when Lindsey was seven, her
elder brother was caught listening to music and the family were expelled from
the sect. But Lindsey's parents knew nothing but the ways of the Fellowship, so
they remained in hope that they would be accepted and continued to make the
family live by the sect's strict rules—cutting themselves off from their local
community. As Lindsey grew, so did her awareness of a world outside. And,
feeling increasingly isolated, she struggled with her own identity. Until
finally she was faced with a devastating choice: to continue to live by the
rules of the religious sect or to be brutally cast out and leave the family she
loved behind forever.
I must admit I have some fascination for religion. More so
about the cultural beliefs making people act and become the way they do. Although the book gives you insights on what
the rules of the Fellowship were, it does not speak about the core beliefs of
it. I found this a tad bit disappointing.
Unlike most other memories, this one is a lot more honest
and thought provoking. A fairly good read if the different religious beliefs of
people interest you.
I’m going to give this book 3/5.
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