Prophet's Prey: My Seven-Year Investigation Into Warren Jeffs And The Fundamentalist Church Of Latter-Day Saints (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
The subject matter of Prophet's Prey is very disturbing. Sam Brower gives us a look inside of a well-organized cult, run by a madman (a series of madmen), and based on a perverse religion in which polygamy, pedophilia and intense psychological abuse is commonplace. Only one man, the prophet, can access the will of God through direct revelations that he then selectively shares with the people as the "mouthpiece of God." They follow him absolutely. Brower quotes one man with the gruesome statement "I would cut my wives' throats if the prophet called upon me to do so."Brower's knowledge of the cult is probably the most comprehensive of anyone in the world of the "gentile." As a private investigator, his narration is matter-of-fact. It is clear and he keeps his distance, in contrast to some of the first-person perspectives written by, mostly, women who have escaped from the group (e.g. Flora Jessop in "Church of Lies.") In a way, it's much better to read the story with the distance that Brower gives. I am not a naive or sheltered person, but reading stories from the escapees is so raw and horrific that I was actually having nightmares from it. As far as his writing, his tone is very self-assured, which is distracting. He's almost cocky. As the story progresses I didn't notice it as much. Occasionally he reuses some of his more witty remarks, or repeats incidents from earlier without clarity about the time frame, so it can be a bit confusing to follow. Overall it's pleasant and readable. I enjoyed the book. It ends without a completely satisfying conclusion. The sad truth of it, is that many of these offenders are still out there, and this stuff is still going on even though the Prophet featured in this book, Warren Jeffs, is now behind bars. This is a fascinating true story. The author is a private investigator, which lends a unique perspective to the narrative.One thing I appreciate about this book is that it doesn't unduly demonize the religious beliefs of the FLDS or paint the followers as idiots. The reader comes to understand how the members are brainwashed and trapped in a dysfunctional system that perpetuates abuse. The book only condemns the abuse and the illegal activities, not the unusual beliefs themselves. This is a crucial distinction that our media often misses.A great read for anyone interested in social work, criminal justice, religious studies, politics, psychology, and history. Pairs well with Jon Krakuaer's "Under the Banner of Heaven."
What do You think about Prophet's Prey: My Seven-Year Investigation Into Warren Jeffs And The Fundamentalist Church Of Latter-Day Saints (2011)?
Well that was depressing - because of both the believers & the inability of the law stop the abuse.
—Jannarod123
Not bad. Interesting perspective into the doomsday cult of FLDS by a Mormon private investigator.
—Resa
Not the greatest writer; still a compelling narrative.
—jstanford
