The Polygamist's Daughter

Author: Anna LeBaron

One-sentence summary: Anna details her childhood inside a polygamist cult and also her escape from that life and the aftermath.

B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 7

Our favorite thing about it: The story is just mesmerizing and also offers a lot of hope.

Our least favorite thing about it: Probably just having to learn about everything Anna went through. It’s rough.

Main Topics of Discussion: Polygamy (of course!), Religion, Power, Misogyny, Counseling, Child Labor

Our favorite quote: “I was starving. But that physical hunger paled in comparison to my hunger for someone – anyone – to care for me and want me.”

Notes: We’ve read books about polygamy before (actually, one by Anna’s aunt), but this was the first one we have read from the perspective of a child and not a wife. Anna was able to escape before she was married off as a wife of a polygamist. So, while all stories like this are fascinating, hers was a new perspective for us and we really enjoyed it.

One of the unique things about her story is that she details how her life unfolded after she was able to get out of the polygamist cult. There were so many things about this part of the story that would not have been complete had she stopped when she got out. Continuing relationships with family, fall-out after Ervil’s death and remaining orders to his followers, her family and children. They all played a part in her whole story.

Equally as important is her details about her childhood. We all talked about how we could completely believe that she remembered all of these details because they were traumatic. Some parts were hard to read and it’s hard to believe they really happened and still probably happen in some form or another to children.

Probably the most wonderful thing about Anna’s story is her overcoming all of this tragedy in her life. She talks about getting counseling and addressing the PTSD that she suffers still today from all of these events.

Finally, it was such a treat to speak with Anna herself – in person! She lives just 30 minutes from us and came to our meeting. She was really personable and answered all of our questions with candor. Honestly, she addresses so much in her book and in the Q&A at the end, that there were few questions we had, but she still filled in with insight, hope, and details. She is such a strong, faithful example and just a delight to have as our guest. And we are always thrilled when we get to speak with authors!

Memorable Meeting Moments: The most memorable thing about this meeting was that we got to meet Anna in person! She came to our meeting and talked to us about life and her book for hours. It was so unique and fun and insightful. The other major memorable thing was that we celebrated Lindsay’s 40th birthday!

What We Ate: We took Lindsay to Frisco’s Rail Yard food truck park for her birthday dinner. We all got different things, but several had empanadas, and the sweet and spicy shrimp. We had dessert chocolate chip cookies back at Rachel’s house (along with some cheese and crackers, wine, and veggies – in honor of Lindsay!).