Shut up Sarah

Shut Up Sarah
By Marion Field
Highland Books. 255 pages. £5.99
ISBN 1 897913 28 1

This true account reads like a novel and makes compelling but shocking reading.
The book seems to expose the pressures forced on members of the authoritarian and secretive Exclusive Brethren led by the late James Taylor Junior. The narrative traces 'Sarah's' life from the age of 13, when she personally experiences the psychological cruelty of the leadership, until she breaks free from the sect, aged 19. One gets a sense of the loyalty 'Sarah' has for her family and her fear of the consequences to them and to herself should she leave the 'Brethren'. The wonder of 'Sarah's' discovery that there are other Christians 'out there' will ring true with many ex-Exclusives.
One might wonder whether the Exclusive Brethren teaching is as bad as the book suggests. Sadly, all that is written corresponds with my own experiences and from information that I have managed to glean from other sources. The positive thread running through the book is the way 'Sarah's' relationship with the Lord is seen to grow and how he answered her prayers.
The extensive use of jargon may prove confusing to the uninitiated reader although the author does explain many terms in the text. A glossary would have been useful. There are also a number of printing errors.
For readers living near or working with members of the Exclusive Brethren, this book will provide an excellent insight into the background of these people, many of whom are sincere Christians. It may also be helpful to place a copy in the hands of a former member. Read the book and pray for God's guidance as to whether it is appropriate to give a copy to someone who is still in the movement and also remember that our all-wise God does not always rescue whole families.

Ruth Hollands