Shut Up Sarah [Paperback]

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 James Taylor Junior. 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. 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. 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.

An author is hoping her new book will be blacklisted by the religious group it criticises - to guarantee its success. Her book, Shut Up Sarah, details a teenager's desperate attempt to break free from the authoritarian regime of the Taylorite Brethren. And author Marion Field believes the only way Taylorite members will hear about the book is for it to be banned by Brethren leaders. She said: "They know it has been published and are not happy. Hopefully, younger members who are having doubts will find strength in the story. It proves that you can break away from the group."

Sarah was born into the Taylorites, the most exclusive of those Brethren who look to J N Darby as founder. Her problem was that she would not toe the line ...

This true story of a teenage daughter refusing to be browbeaten by either family or elders will be compulsive reading for mature teenagers struggling between loyalty and the need of change - as well as for any who want to understand where certain Brethren could have lost their way.

Marion Field is an ex-schoolteacher, writing coach and author of several books, including most recently the biography 'Susanna Wesley: A Radical in the Rectory'.