When she was eighteen years old, Carolyn Jessop was coerced into an arranged marriage with a total stranger: a man thirty-two years her senior. Merril Jessop already had three wives. But arranged plural marriages were an integral part of Carolyn's heritage: She was born into and raised in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the radical offshoot of the Mormon Church. Over the next fifteen years, Carolyn had eight children and withstood her husband's psychological abuse and the watchful eyes ...
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When she was eighteen years old, Carolyn Jessop was coerced into an arranged marriage with a total stranger: a man thirty-two years her senior. Merril Jessop already had three wives. But arranged plural marriages were an integral part of Carolyn's heritage: She was born into and raised in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the radical offshoot of the Mormon Church. Over the next fifteen years, Carolyn had eight children and withstood her husband's psychological abuse and the watchful eyes of his other wives, who were locked in a constant battle for supremacy. Carolyn was miserable for years and wanted out, but she knew that if she tried to leave and got caught, her children would be taken away from her. But in 2003, Carolyn chose freedom over fear and fled her home with her eight children. Escape exposes a world tantamount to a prison camp, created by religious fanatics. Against this background, Carolyn Jessop's flight takes on an extraordinary, inspiring power. She became the first woman ever granted full custody of her children in a contested suit involving the FLDS, and in 2006, her reports to the Utah attorney general on church abuses formed a crucial part of the case that led to the arrest of its notorious leader, Warren Jeffs.
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Add this copy of Escape to cart. $45.99, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Books on Tape.
Add this copy of Escape to cart. $45.99, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Books on Tape.
This is a compelling inside look into an abusive polygamist society. Carolyn Jessup's courage and determination to escape abuse of herself and her children is an inspiration to anyone in difficult circumstances.
skyprincess
Feb 8, 2009
Big Love, Big Heartache
Carolyn Jessop was raised in a poligamist family. She was married at 18 to a 56 year old man with three other wives. She proceed to have eight children in her marriage. She was dominated in this family by a sister wife and her husband. Her life and her children's were placed in danger by her uncaring husband. She was mistreated repeatedly, as were her children. When Warren Jeffs became the 'Prophet' Carolyn realized she must get herself and her children out of the situation. This is a fascinating look at a secretive cult lifestyle. The book is fascinating and hard to put down. Highly recommended.
MumontheGo
Feb 1, 2009
Riveting story
We read this for our book club last month and it was so hard to put it down. The courage this woman had and the life she use to lead was so depressing! Great story, must read.
Obmckenzie
Jan 18, 2008
Gripping, well writen, fantastic read
When I saw this book in my local bookstore I was drawn to it immediately. I purchased it but didn't expect very much of the book, something boring and mildly interesting. Man was I wrong!
"Escape" is the story of Carolyn Jessop. From her early childhood; where she was born into the world of the FLDS, to her marriage to one of the more powerful men of the faith, to her eventual escape. It's incredibly well written and extremely gripping story. Her journey is incredible and gives you a great inside look at a group of people that are otherwise unknown and secluded.
Once I picked up the book I could not put it down, I've reread it twice since I purchased it three months ago and I still cannot believe the story. I highly recommend for anyone that is interested in strong women, or cults.
