Positives The book is widely praised for its chilling and well-told story, offering a rounded picture of life within the FLDS community, including both happy and sad times. Many readers found the author's courage, conviction, and determination admirable, particularly her pivotal role in bringing a prominent figure to justice. The memoir is seen as powerful, highlighting the dangers of high-control groups and providing valuable insight into growing up within the FLDS and the challenges of breaking away. Readers appreciated the raw emotion and the compelling narrative, which for many was difficult to put down. The book also prompts important legal and sociological questions, and for some, it offered a more three-dimensional and relatable portrayal of FLDS life compared to other accounts, including acknowledgments of happier moments and personal relationships. It is considered an encouraging story of self-discovery and escape, told with a notable degree of love and respect, focusing on criminal acts rather than broadly condemning the entire community.
Negatives Despite its strengths, several reviewers noted issues with the book's writing style and structure. Some found it overly long, dense, repetitive, and at times melodramatic, with a lack of dynamism that made it unengaging. The co-author's contribution was questioned, with some feeling it failed to make them care about the story or that the prose was amateurish. Critics mentioned a perceived self-pity or self-glory in the narrative, and a paucity of background information on the FLDS for those unfamiliar with the topic. Specific points of contention included the author's characterizations, with some reviewers feeling she justified her mother's actions too readily or failed to take responsibility for her own. There was also a sentiment that the book left certain details unexplained or psycho-analyzed characters excessively. For audiobook listeners, the narration was occasionally described as flat, slow, boring, or whiny, detracting from the experience.
Conclusion Overall, "Stolen Innocence" is presented as a significant and powerful true story of survival and justice, despite its literary shortcomings for some readers. It is recommended for those fascinated by fundamentalist groups, particularly the FLDS, and those interested in stories of women escaping oppressive religious environments. Readers who appreciate memoirs detailing personal journeys of self-discovery and the immense challenges of breaking free from deeply ingrained conditioning will likely find this book compelling. It serves as a valuable companion to other works on polygamy and cults, offering a unique perspective on the legal battles involved in challenging such systems. However, readers seeking a purely journalistic account or a highly polished literary work might find themselves less satisfied.
