I am Rebecca by Fleur Beale

I Am Rebecca is the sequel to the popular book 'I Am Not Esther' It continues the story of the Pilgrim family - though this time it's told by Rebecca, one of the 13-year- old twins that has been born and raised in a strict fundamentalist Christian sect. The story begins with the family moving to the South Island, and then follows the young girls as they go through the exciting, yet nerve wracking, time of becoming betrothed. Exciting because the girls wish to fulfill their 'godly duties' nerve wracking because they know they have no choice in who they will be ordered to marry. The novel is harrowing at times, as the sect uses selective Bible teachings to maintain control over their followers. They also use “The Rule”, a set of laws developed by leaders, to keep order - though these rules seem mainly concerned with controlling the minds and bodies of women. However, the beauty of this story being narrated by Rebecca is that the details of life in the sect are presented in a non-judgmental way. Rebecca is simply stating the way things are - it is all she knows - so it is not a better or worse way of life, it just is. The ending is particularly powerful. I could imagine the impact this scene would have if it

occurred in real life. I highly recommend this book to everyone.