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Daughter of Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious Cult
In this personal account, Lilia Tarawa exposes the shocking secrets of the cult, with its rigid rules and oppressive control of women. She describes her fear when her family questioned Gloriavale's beliefs and practices. When her parents fled with their children, Lilia was forced to make a desperate to stay or to leave. No matter what she chose, she would lose people she loved. In the outside world, Lilia struggled. Would she be damned to hell for leaving? How would she learn to navigate this strange place called 'the world'? And would she ever find out the truth about the criminal convictions against her grandfather?'A powerful and revealing book...' Kirsty Wynn, New Zealand Herald'An affecting parable and testament, in the most commendably secular senses.' David Hill, New Zealand Listener
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2017
134 people are currently reading
2487 people want to read
About the author
Lilia Tarawa
1 book28 followersLilia Tarawa is a New Zealand Māori #1 best-selling author and transformational speaker whose personal story has inspired millions of people around the world to speak their truth and claim their power.
Her #1 best-selling memoir Daughter of Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious Cult, was written in 4 months, part-time around her day job.
Her TEDxTalk, 'I grew up in a cult. It was heaven—and hell.' rocketed to over eight-and-a-half million views on YouTube, achieved 2018 Top Five most-viewed TEDxTalks in the Worldand is transcribed into six different languages on TED.com
The 5’44 curly-haired brunette passionately tells inspiring stories to anyone with listening ears and to her surprise, she’s managed to get quite a crowd to listen, including the Guardian, Life Matters, TVNZ 1 SUNDAY, Listener Magazine, Radio NZ
and many more.
She is a an artsy, bookish type who lives in Ōtautahi/Christchurch.
Her #1 best-selling memoir Daughter of Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious Cult, was written in 4 months, part-time around her day job.
Her TEDxTalk, 'I grew up in a cult. It was heaven—and hell.' rocketed to over eight-and-a-half million views on YouTube, achieved 2018 Top Five most-viewed TEDxTalks in the Worldand is transcribed into six different languages on TED.com
The 5’44 curly-haired brunette passionately tells inspiring stories to anyone with listening ears and to her surprise, she’s managed to get quite a crowd to listen, including the Guardian, Life Matters, TVNZ 1 SUNDAY, Listener Magazine, Radio NZ
and many more.
She is a an artsy, bookish type who lives in Ōtautahi/Christchurch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
July 12, 2025
I've been meaning to get to this book for literal years, now I finally have, huzzah!!
The audiobook was excellent, the narrator got the New Zealand accent down (I think she's American?) which really helped with the immersion.
The story was, of course, compelling. I knew little about Gloriavale before picking this up, so it was interesting to learn what life was like inside, the rules they followed, and ultimately what the last straw was to make Tarawa and her family leave.
It seemed like her parents weren't all the way in, they didn't have a rebellious streak like the kids, but they were open to some things that the cult forbade. Though being out was definitely an adjustment for all of them.
We get to see a lot of the author's firsts post Gloriavale, I couldn't help but be happy for her that she got to experience it all. And if anyone ever doubted her love of shoes, well, they'd just have to read this book!! Hah.
I can't believe Gloriavale is still up and running...I mean I can, but I don't want to. Hopefully everyone who wants out is able to do so.
The audiobook was excellent, the narrator got the New Zealand accent down (I think she's American?) which really helped with the immersion.
The story was, of course, compelling. I knew little about Gloriavale before picking this up, so it was interesting to learn what life was like inside, the rules they followed, and ultimately what the last straw was to make Tarawa and her family leave.
It seemed like her parents weren't all the way in, they didn't have a rebellious streak like the kids, but they were open to some things that the cult forbade. Though being out was definitely an adjustment for all of them.
We get to see a lot of the author's firsts post Gloriavale, I couldn't help but be happy for her that she got to experience it all. And if anyone ever doubted her love of shoes, well, they'd just have to read this book!! Hah.
I can't believe Gloriavale is still up and running...I mean I can, but I don't want to. Hopefully everyone who wants out is able to do so.
August 26, 2017
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would - it didn't feel sensationalist at all, and I thought she did a fantastic job of depicting her life in Gloriavale. It was an intriguing insight into the community, and overall, it's a book about overcoming difficulties, rather than something written for shock value (which, I'll admit, is what I was expecting going into it).
September 2, 2017
A gem of a book. Lilia writes with deep honesty, exposing herself to the world with great courage. She describes vividly the metamorphosis from servitude and fearful self-doubt, to freedom and self-love. The pain of breaking the physical, emotional and mental chains must have been enormous. I certainly could not have had the strength to do what she did and not shatter.
I hope your story gives strength and hope to others who are striving for freedom of any kind.
Te Aroha Maia indeed Lilia. You deserve much happiness and peace and love.
I hope your story gives strength and hope to others who are striving for freedom of any kind.
Te Aroha Maia indeed Lilia. You deserve much happiness and peace and love.
September 3, 2017
I admire Lilia for having the courage to speak out about her experiences at Gloriavale , both positive and negative- as well as their real consequences as she left and adjusted to life outside the community. This book certainly both inspired and challenged me.
August 12, 2021
Taking the Lord's name in vain is a little bit less about OMG and a whole lot more about using God's name to justify one's own desires.
Tarawa grew up in the Gloriavale cult of New Zealand, living in a commune with her and many other large families where they labored without receiving wages* and held everything in common. Gloriavale was founded by Tarawa's grandfather, Neville Cooper, an Australian evangelist, who later called himself Hopeful Christian. He briefly served time for sexual abuse charges, but that never affected his standing in the cult, because they interpreted it as religious persecution.
Tarawa clearly explains why the cult grew so large, and why her family stayed in it for so long. Deep community bonds formed even with harshly punitive systems keeping everyone in line. Families grew large, children were joyfully welcomed, everyone knew his or her place in the community, and individual futures seemed secure when all the rules were followed.
Tarawa always struggled with the rules; the last third of the memoir details how she handled living outside Gloriavale restrictions. There seems to be no concept of eternal security in Gloriavale, so every action was weighted with salvation or damnation, and its effect on a creative child like Tarawa is chillingly detailed. As a Christian myself, it was excruciating to read how the cult leveraged literalist misinterpretations of the KJV to manipulate its members. Tarawa eventually left the faith altogether, though she did attend church after leaving Gloriavale. However, it was a Scripture verse that eventually gave her the courage to agree to leaving with her parents. Colossians 2:8 convinced her that Gloriavale was built more on the whims of her grandfather and less on Scriptural principles, which is completely true. (The Bruderhof comes to mind as a network of similar intentional communities, with better principles and opportunities for their members, and less of a separatist mindset.)
There's a portion where Tarawa discusses how Gloriavale tried to erase her Māori heritage, and notes the aggressions Māori members like herself experienced. Opposed to the Christian vision they were supposedly living toward (Revelation 7:9, 21:24), this tells much more about Neville Cooper's anti-indigenous streak, and the racist leanings of a prominent member from the American South, than what is truly Christian. This, alongside the cult's treatment of women, was the most disturbing to me: using the name of God to create abusive systems that directly contradict the vision of the Christian Scriptures.
I recommend Daughter of Gloriavale to anyone interested in Gloriavale or Christian-affiliated, extreme patriarchalist cults. To those looking for an ex-community memoir, Tarawa's is refreshing in that she still longs for her friends and the community she had at Gloriavale, rather than bashing it and its members completely. It's kind of like the Marie Kondo of ex-cult memoirs: thank you for the good things you gave me, cult, now get out of my house.
Content warnings: discussions of physical and sexual abuse of children (not suffered by the narrator)
*Because they don't receive wages, Gloriavale families qualify as low-income and receive government assistance, which goes into Gloriavale's coffers.
Tarawa grew up in the Gloriavale cult of New Zealand, living in a commune with her and many other large families where they labored without receiving wages* and held everything in common. Gloriavale was founded by Tarawa's grandfather, Neville Cooper, an Australian evangelist, who later called himself Hopeful Christian. He briefly served time for sexual abuse charges, but that never affected his standing in the cult, because they interpreted it as religious persecution.
Tarawa clearly explains why the cult grew so large, and why her family stayed in it for so long. Deep community bonds formed even with harshly punitive systems keeping everyone in line. Families grew large, children were joyfully welcomed, everyone knew his or her place in the community, and individual futures seemed secure when all the rules were followed.
Tarawa always struggled with the rules; the last third of the memoir details how she handled living outside Gloriavale restrictions. There seems to be no concept of eternal security in Gloriavale, so every action was weighted with salvation or damnation, and its effect on a creative child like Tarawa is chillingly detailed. As a Christian myself, it was excruciating to read how the cult leveraged literalist misinterpretations of the KJV to manipulate its members. Tarawa eventually left the faith altogether, though she did attend church after leaving Gloriavale. However, it was a Scripture verse that eventually gave her the courage to agree to leaving with her parents. Colossians 2:8 convinced her that Gloriavale was built more on the whims of her grandfather and less on Scriptural principles, which is completely true. (The Bruderhof comes to mind as a network of similar intentional communities, with better principles and opportunities for their members, and less of a separatist mindset.)
There's a portion where Tarawa discusses how Gloriavale tried to erase her Māori heritage, and notes the aggressions Māori members like herself experienced. Opposed to the Christian vision they were supposedly living toward (Revelation 7:9, 21:24), this tells much more about Neville Cooper's anti-indigenous streak, and the racist leanings of a prominent member from the American South, than what is truly Christian. This, alongside the cult's treatment of women, was the most disturbing to me: using the name of God to create abusive systems that directly contradict the vision of the Christian Scriptures.
I recommend Daughter of Gloriavale to anyone interested in Gloriavale or Christian-affiliated, extreme patriarchalist cults. To those looking for an ex-community memoir, Tarawa's is refreshing in that she still longs for her friends and the community she had at Gloriavale, rather than bashing it and its members completely. It's kind of like the Marie Kondo of ex-cult memoirs: thank you for the good things you gave me, cult, now get out of my house.
Content warnings: discussions of physical and sexual abuse of children (not suffered by the narrator)
*Because they don't receive wages, Gloriavale families qualify as low-income and receive government assistance, which goes into Gloriavale's coffers.
June 18, 2022
Contains A+ cult quote: “Thank god for the chance to gawk at yummy church boys on the weekends because I still had a crush on Willing Steadfast.”
September 7, 2017
Enjoyed reading this as it is such a contrast to the very saccharine tv documentaries that have aired in New Zealand. I admire Lilia's determination to dismantle the indoctrination she received, and to make a life for herself, outside the strictures and restrictions that she had absorbed growing up in Gloriavale.
I think a family tree or list of people mentioned and their relationship to Lilia would have been very useful though, as the families are very big and keeping track of how people were related required a bit of effort!
I think a family tree or list of people mentioned and their relationship to Lilia would have been very useful though, as the families are very big and keeping track of how people were related required a bit of effort!
July 20, 2021
Daughter of Gloriavale - Lilia Tarawa
Gloriavale is a closed Christian community based in the isolated Haupiri Valley on the rugged West Coast Of New Zealand. To this very day, the Gloriavale community is still going and according to google has up to 500 members.
Lilia is the granddaughter of Neville Cooper (a.k.a Hopeful Christian) who established Gloriavale and is the cult leader. Gloriavale is only a few hours drive from where I live and it is not unusual to see ‘Cooperites’ in town. They are not hard to spot as Cooperites are only ever permitted to wear the distinctive, modest, blue uniform.
Cooperites are taught solid values. They are extremely hard working, community driven and 110% dedicated to their faith. These are some of the wonderful values Gloriavale is built on.
Unfortunately there is also an extremely ugly side too. The power and control held by leaders is scary. The level of brainwashing has members unreasonably terrified of the consequences of sinning. Bear in mind a sin in Gloriavale could be anything from disobeying leaders to chewing gum or listening to music.
Lilia is of Māori descent. Her birthright is not something that was accepted in Gloriavale and the leaders basically stripped her of her identity. The leaders denied diversity and believed everyone was all one race with one set of beliefs.
Every role is strongly gendered. As a woman your value lies in domestic duties, serving your husband, baring children and not being heard.
In the last half of the book Lilia talks about her families decision to leave Gloriavale. Leaving behind family, friends and everything you have ever known was bittersweet. It’s hard to appreciate how difficult it must have been coming into a whole new world, creating a new belief system and unlearning everything you were previously taught about life in general. Lilia’s life after Gloriavale could not be more different to her time in the community.
Over the years the cult has been no stranger to controversy and being in the media. Lilia’s extremely personal account of Gloriavale added a lot of detail to all of the above.
This book is extremely difficult to do justice in such a short review as it covers so much. Lilia’s journey is one that will shock you. An incredible read by an inspiring and brave wāhine.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gloriavale is a closed Christian community based in the isolated Haupiri Valley on the rugged West Coast Of New Zealand. To this very day, the Gloriavale community is still going and according to google has up to 500 members.
Lilia is the granddaughter of Neville Cooper (a.k.a Hopeful Christian) who established Gloriavale and is the cult leader. Gloriavale is only a few hours drive from where I live and it is not unusual to see ‘Cooperites’ in town. They are not hard to spot as Cooperites are only ever permitted to wear the distinctive, modest, blue uniform.
Cooperites are taught solid values. They are extremely hard working, community driven and 110% dedicated to their faith. These are some of the wonderful values Gloriavale is built on.
Unfortunately there is also an extremely ugly side too. The power and control held by leaders is scary. The level of brainwashing has members unreasonably terrified of the consequences of sinning. Bear in mind a sin in Gloriavale could be anything from disobeying leaders to chewing gum or listening to music.
Lilia is of Māori descent. Her birthright is not something that was accepted in Gloriavale and the leaders basically stripped her of her identity. The leaders denied diversity and believed everyone was all one race with one set of beliefs.
Every role is strongly gendered. As a woman your value lies in domestic duties, serving your husband, baring children and not being heard.
In the last half of the book Lilia talks about her families decision to leave Gloriavale. Leaving behind family, friends and everything you have ever known was bittersweet. It’s hard to appreciate how difficult it must have been coming into a whole new world, creating a new belief system and unlearning everything you were previously taught about life in general. Lilia’s life after Gloriavale could not be more different to her time in the community.
Over the years the cult has been no stranger to controversy and being in the media. Lilia’s extremely personal account of Gloriavale added a lot of detail to all of the above.
This book is extremely difficult to do justice in such a short review as it covers so much. Lilia’s journey is one that will shock you. An incredible read by an inspiring and brave wāhine.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 14, 2019
Another intense story of a young woman (and her family, in this case) escaping the bondage of a "Christian" cult, in New Zealand.
I saw Lilia Tarawa's TEDX presentation and was impressed with her poise and ability to explain about the conflict she felt between the beauty of the Gloriavale locale and her idyllic childhood experiences with a loving extended family, and the oppression she felt and observed as she grew up into an adolescent.
The book had what I consider a good pace, and was well planned and set up. There were no lengthy rehashes of situations, and the history and daily workings of Gloriavale were very interesting. As with Tara in "Education" (about a young woman whose parents were fundamentalist Mormon), Lilia was a bright, sensitive young woman who noticed increasingly the impacts of power and control of the all-male leadership upon the followers of the Church, and more significantly, upon herself. Access to the outside world through the Internet and a renegade cousin were highly influential in her developing understanding of what she wanted her life to be like.
I saw Lilia Tarawa's TEDX presentation and was impressed with her poise and ability to explain about the conflict she felt between the beauty of the Gloriavale locale and her idyllic childhood experiences with a loving extended family, and the oppression she felt and observed as she grew up into an adolescent.
The book had what I consider a good pace, and was well planned and set up. There were no lengthy rehashes of situations, and the history and daily workings of Gloriavale were very interesting. As with Tara in "Education" (about a young woman whose parents were fundamentalist Mormon), Lilia was a bright, sensitive young woman who noticed increasingly the impacts of power and control of the all-male leadership upon the followers of the Church, and more significantly, upon herself. Access to the outside world through the Internet and a renegade cousin were highly influential in her developing understanding of what she wanted her life to be like.
December 3, 2017
Everyone in New Zealand should read this book....Lilia writes with honesty and clarity about the confines of the religious cult of Gloriavale on the West Coast of NZ. I think many Kiwis can say after watching the TV documentaries also, this particular cult has been of huge interest to the public in general. I loved her writing style and that she has gone on to live a successful life despite what she's been through. Highly recommend
Read
September 24, 2025Dnf at chapter 18. A real shame actually, I really wanted to hear Lilia’s story but the narration was horrendous the whole thing sounded like the time Sharon Osbourne mocked Dannii Minogue on Parkinson. If you’re looking for an example of how not to do an NZ accent I have something here for you.
October 18, 2019
I enjoyed this book as a bit of voyeuristic 'not in my back yard' type of read. It's so strange to think that there is this extreme pocket of conservative religious sect on the West Coast. The abuse is awful and I like how the author didn't shy away from that, but also focused on the good parts.
I did find the writing very simple and stilted at the beginning of the novel. When recalling the community and her life at Gloriavale, the story just didn't flow as well as in later chapters. I realise it might be because she was recalling times from childhood but for me there was a big change after she left and was able to reflect. The latter part of the book was better written but felt almost rushed... And I know that most people would read this book for the cult part, it still felt like it needed a good edit to flow a bit better.
But ultimately this is a book about triumph, about female power, and about not letting your past dictate your true path. I couldn't help but feel a bit of pride for Lilia and I hope our paths cross one day so I can tell her how inspirational she is.
I did find the writing very simple and stilted at the beginning of the novel. When recalling the community and her life at Gloriavale, the story just didn't flow as well as in later chapters. I realise it might be because she was recalling times from childhood but for me there was a big change after she left and was able to reflect. The latter part of the book was better written but felt almost rushed... And I know that most people would read this book for the cult part, it still felt like it needed a good edit to flow a bit better.
But ultimately this is a book about triumph, about female power, and about not letting your past dictate your true path. I couldn't help but feel a bit of pride for Lilia and I hope our paths cross one day so I can tell her how inspirational she is.
September 13, 2018
"That evening I poured it all out to Mum. She was furious, both at what Nathaniel had done but also because she couldn't do anything about it. She was a woman and had little power to intervene in the men's realm. Both of us waited to see what punishment the men would give to Nathaniel. Nothing happened...I was disgusted."
Oh how the feels rose up around me. The beginning of this book made me angry. There were so many moments where the full blown power of my rage at ignorance let vent to some absolutely ungodly words. And then I sat in my privilege a little longer and felt fully thankful that I HAD the privilege to do that.
I will never understand why certain people use God and the bible as a weapon instead of a resource. There is no way Neville Cooper/Hopeful Christian could be called a Godly man, he has so twisted Christian beliefs and passages of the bible to suit HIS brand. I really hope those who are still at Gloriavale manage to make something better of it, or get out if needed, now that he's gone.
Lilia is a breath of fresh air. I was quite glad that this book wasn't a complete hate fest or reversal of everything in her life. I've not read a book based around religion or a memoir relating to any cults before. I appreciate the stories she has shared both inside and outside.
Yes, some awful things happened, and yes, she managed to get out from underneath her oppressors. But she also reflects on some of the skills and experiences as leading to good - especially in relation to her family, and close relationships - she is especially caring, was brought up to be close to her family/extended family and look after each other, and works hard in helping others. Plus the adversity seems to have made her stronger.
Her story is very unique, and the writing was easy to follow. It drummed up varying different thoughts and feelings, and made you question where you sit in your beliefs and values.
"No matter my sexual preference, skin colour, gender or belief system - I was worthy of love as was every other creature on the face of the earth."
Sing it sister!
Oh how the feels rose up around me. The beginning of this book made me angry. There were so many moments where the full blown power of my rage at ignorance let vent to some absolutely ungodly words. And then I sat in my privilege a little longer and felt fully thankful that I HAD the privilege to do that.
I will never understand why certain people use God and the bible as a weapon instead of a resource. There is no way Neville Cooper/Hopeful Christian could be called a Godly man, he has so twisted Christian beliefs and passages of the bible to suit HIS brand. I really hope those who are still at Gloriavale manage to make something better of it, or get out if needed, now that he's gone.
Lilia is a breath of fresh air. I was quite glad that this book wasn't a complete hate fest or reversal of everything in her life. I've not read a book based around religion or a memoir relating to any cults before. I appreciate the stories she has shared both inside and outside.
Yes, some awful things happened, and yes, she managed to get out from underneath her oppressors. But she also reflects on some of the skills and experiences as leading to good - especially in relation to her family, and close relationships - she is especially caring, was brought up to be close to her family/extended family and look after each other, and works hard in helping others. Plus the adversity seems to have made her stronger.
Her story is very unique, and the writing was easy to follow. It drummed up varying different thoughts and feelings, and made you question where you sit in your beliefs and values.
"No matter my sexual preference, skin colour, gender or belief system - I was worthy of love as was every other creature on the face of the earth."
Sing it sister!
July 13, 2019
Let's say that this is a strong 2.5.
First, let me say that Lilia Tarawa is an intelligent, brave young woman who has done a lot of good with her life already. I am genuinely excited to see what else she does in her life to empower others and to expose religious abuse. While reading this book, I watched her TedX talk and the TV interview she did while still in the cult.
Unfortunately, despite her talents and the potential for this book, it is just not engaging. Everything is told, not shown. Instead of a more fluid approach, the narrative progresses in a dogged linear fashion. Some events are clearly glossed over, which represents missed opportunities to illuminate the cult more. There are times when I wish she'd answer obvious questions or flesh out clearly important moments more. She does so towards the end of the book, but the rest is filled with missed opportunities.
I'm glad I got to learn more about this fascinating, bizarre, and horrifying little world, but I do wish reading the book hadn't felt like so much of a chore. I hope Tarawa writes more in the future.
First, let me say that Lilia Tarawa is an intelligent, brave young woman who has done a lot of good with her life already. I am genuinely excited to see what else she does in her life to empower others and to expose religious abuse. While reading this book, I watched her TedX talk and the TV interview she did while still in the cult.
Unfortunately, despite her talents and the potential for this book, it is just not engaging. Everything is told, not shown. Instead of a more fluid approach, the narrative progresses in a dogged linear fashion. Some events are clearly glossed over, which represents missed opportunities to illuminate the cult more. There are times when I wish she'd answer obvious questions or flesh out clearly important moments more. She does so towards the end of the book, but the rest is filled with missed opportunities.
I'm glad I got to learn more about this fascinating, bizarre, and horrifying little world, but I do wish reading the book hadn't felt like so much of a chore. I hope Tarawa writes more in the future.
September 3, 2017
Amazing book. could not put it down. Lilia shares with such honesty and openness sharing her struggles, questions and pain Such a well written book !!!! I wish her all the happiness in the world for her bravery. Torn between two worlds....one she was bought up in and knew no other way ...then another world of freedom but causing her turmoil and conflict in her heart. wishing you much love Lilia for your future...for total healing and happiness xxxx
February 15, 2022
Insightful and well written. My heart goes out to my Gloriavale friends.
“There sat a Gloriavale girl on a summer beach with her rebel brother, wearing worldly clothes and listening to forbidden music. By Gloriavale’s standards everything was wrong with that picture, but in my heart I knew that what I saw couldn’t possibly be wrong. The love in my heart dissolved the voices of guilt and as they began to disappear so did Gloriavale’s expectation that I choose to hate my family.”
“There sat a Gloriavale girl on a summer beach with her rebel brother, wearing worldly clothes and listening to forbidden music. By Gloriavale’s standards everything was wrong with that picture, but in my heart I knew that what I saw couldn’t possibly be wrong. The love in my heart dissolved the voices of guilt and as they began to disappear so did Gloriavale’s expectation that I choose to hate my family.”
July 18, 2025
this is a great easy read, so it's not a literary masterpiece . Having said that,
I couldn't put it down. what a life people in a cult live in, and it makes me grateful for my lot. I admire Lilia Tarawa hugely for her bravery and being to break away from so much indoctrination and make it in the outside world
I couldn't put it down. what a life people in a cult live in, and it makes me grateful for my lot. I admire Lilia Tarawa hugely for her bravery and being to break away from so much indoctrination and make it in the outside world
June 7, 2018
Daughter of Gloriavale exposes life in Gloriavale and how every one has a job and how every decision is made for you by someone else.
It's taken Lilia years to emerge from the shadow of Gloriavale, to share her story, "Transformation and healing don't happen overnight," she writes in her book.
"You have to be willing to get uncomfortable, stay open-minded and speak up for what you believe in. It is the best rebellion."
There have been many allegations about Gloriavale, most of them bad, such as former female members claiming they were victims of sex crimes, claims of unfair work conditions, members isolated as punishment and senior members operating bank accounts of members without their knowledge.
Lilia is a strong woman whose learnt the power of independence and the strength that comes with it.
Daughter of Gloriavale is an inspiring story of Lilia's evolution and one that, will stay with me for a long time.
It's taken Lilia years to emerge from the shadow of Gloriavale, to share her story, "Transformation and healing don't happen overnight," she writes in her book.
"You have to be willing to get uncomfortable, stay open-minded and speak up for what you believe in. It is the best rebellion."
There have been many allegations about Gloriavale, most of them bad, such as former female members claiming they were victims of sex crimes, claims of unfair work conditions, members isolated as punishment and senior members operating bank accounts of members without their knowledge.
Lilia is a strong woman whose learnt the power of independence and the strength that comes with it.
Daughter of Gloriavale is an inspiring story of Lilia's evolution and one that, will stay with me for a long time.
October 12, 2018
I picked this book up on a whim. Actually, a friend of a friend was reading it and I 'borrowed' it. I probably wouldn't have read this kind of book otherwise. I don't tend to read a lot of non-fiction but I do want to read more of the genre.
This book reads like a good novel in a lot of ways. The writing style is simple but the story sucked me in. Yes, it is difficult and horrifying to read about some of the events that occurred (the fact that these events actually took place is hard for my fiction obsessed self to wrap my head around sometimes). But, there are moments that are empowering, especially toward the end of the book.
One of the things that I love about books is that they encourage us to think about issues complexly and see different sides and perspectives on things. Daughter of Gloriavale does this and does it with kindness and empathy. The book has a fantastic message about loving and accepting yourself and the people in your life.
This book reads like a good novel in a lot of ways. The writing style is simple but the story sucked me in. Yes, it is difficult and horrifying to read about some of the events that occurred (the fact that these events actually took place is hard for my fiction obsessed self to wrap my head around sometimes). But, there are moments that are empowering, especially toward the end of the book.
One of the things that I love about books is that they encourage us to think about issues complexly and see different sides and perspectives on things. Daughter of Gloriavale does this and does it with kindness and empathy. The book has a fantastic message about loving and accepting yourself and the people in your life.
November 3, 2018
Quick interesting read. Lilia Tarawa was Gloriavale royalty as the grandchild of Hopeful Christian. Her mother managed/directed all the female activities and her father traveled on business to support the community, frequently coming into contact with non-cult members. The book falls flat because the author failed to utilize her parents experiences to build out her book and give thorough explanations. Many of the chapters seem half complete as she relies almost solely on her childhood memory/interpretation. The evolution of the community, structures and its impact on the members lives is what I wanted her to explore, not her later interest with high heels and lingerie.
The book starts strong but loses momentum by the end. I enjoyed the references to their rulebook “What we believe” and biblical quotes in chapter headers but there was an opportunity for more substance and explanation. It left me with so many questions that I felt unsatisfied.
The book starts strong but loses momentum by the end. I enjoyed the references to their rulebook “What we believe” and biblical quotes in chapter headers but there was an opportunity for more substance and explanation. It left me with so many questions that I felt unsatisfied.
July 29, 2019
Three Stars
I enjoyed this book for what it was. Which at times reads more like a diary then a memoir. I wish that she went into more detail at times and explained how things worked. Maybe even go into her grandfather’s background more.
And while I realize Lilia is in no way a professional writer, I did have problems with the formating of events.
Within three chapters we learn about the accusations against her grandfather which takes us out of Lilia’s head and feels as though I am being told the events.
This left me feeling she didn’t know how she wanted to write the story. Step by step through her entire life in Gloriavale, or looking back at those times from a wiser point of view.
Overall, it was enjoyable and easy to read book. But as a memoir about such an interesting subject, I wish that it has been better and more detailed.
I enjoyed this book for what it was. Which at times reads more like a diary then a memoir. I wish that she went into more detail at times and explained how things worked. Maybe even go into her grandfather’s background more.
And while I realize Lilia is in no way a professional writer, I did have problems with the formating of events.
Within three chapters we learn about the accusations against her grandfather which takes us out of Lilia’s head and feels as though I am being told the events.
This left me feeling she didn’t know how she wanted to write the story. Step by step through her entire life in Gloriavale, or looking back at those times from a wiser point of view.
Overall, it was enjoyable and easy to read book. But as a memoir about such an interesting subject, I wish that it has been better and more detailed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2017
Fascinating! Of course we all knew what we were watching in the documentaries was hammed up for the outside world, but Lilia's story really shows why Gloriavale is a cult and not the harmonious religious community that the leaders want us to believe. Each to their own but what they are doing there is nothing short of 'religious' conditioning and brainwashing. My personal opinion. Welcome to the world Lilia.
March 15, 2018
this was a super interesting read! i found it really easy to read, which was good for me, because generally i don't enjoy non fiction, but this writing style and content was very interesting and drew me in. gloriavale is super interesting to me, so it's cool to see a book about it, and i found this better written than sins of the father (tho i did enjoy that one too). good read.
July 3, 2019
An easy read, albeit light on some details.
Picked this one up as a bookclub read and am glad I finally got around to it.
Strength to Lilia, you've done a brave thing.
For those who want more details about the early days of Gloriavale, I recommend Sins of the Father, by Fleur Beale (who assisted Lilia in the writing of this memoir)
Picked this one up as a bookclub read and am glad I finally got around to it.
Strength to Lilia, you've done a brave thing.
For those who want more details about the early days of Gloriavale, I recommend Sins of the Father, by Fleur Beale (who assisted Lilia in the writing of this memoir)
November 2, 2017
such a captivating book. Fascinating from start to finish, Looking at the world through Lilia's eyes really makes you appreciate your own up bringing but also look at life a little different to. Such brave step to tell her story.
November 4, 2018
I realize how I grew up in a cult and how some of the “churches” of America are cultish in some of their practices.
I want to recreate and discover myself! Find who I am! This book is a life changer for anyone raised in a strict religious and rule heavy environment!
I want to recreate and discover myself! Find who I am! This book is a life changer for anyone raised in a strict religious and rule heavy environment!
May 21, 2019
A great book about a young girl in New Zealand being raised in a strict religious cult and her eventual escape.
May 21, 2023
This was an interesting read. There were moments when you were totally outraged by what you are reading (90% of the time) and other moments when you totally understanding about what Gloriavale is like (5% of the time). It was fascinating to hear about the history of the cult from a former member, the grand-daughter of the founder and how it went from the humble beginning and morphed into the oppressive and restrictive cult we see today.
I connected well with a lot of Tarawa as a salvation army officers kid, there’s a lot in this book that I could really understand having grown up in a similar institution. Gloriavale has captured my interest since I went to visit the place as part of my Sociology degree so I really liked hearing about how it went from a normal church to a cult that escaping from is near to impossible. The hypocrisy is infuriating as is the misogyny, the racism, the bigotry all so some old rich white men can do whatever the hell they want because they are true Christians
I was really interesting to see how steadfast it was. The power head taking bits from the sculpting that cult read about the happy so I will incorporate sexual assault and to our beliefs and that was something that you don’t really usually hear about.
I connected well with a lot of Tarawa as a salvation army officers kid, there’s a lot in this book that I could really understand having grown up in a similar institution. Gloriavale has captured my interest since I went to visit the place as part of my Sociology degree so I really liked hearing about how it went from a normal church to a cult that escaping from is near to impossible. The hypocrisy is infuriating as is the misogyny, the racism, the bigotry all so some old rich white men can do whatever the hell they want because they are true Christians
I was really interesting to see how steadfast it was. The power head taking bits from the sculpting that cult read about the happy so I will incorporate sexual assault and to our beliefs and that was something that you don’t really usually hear about.
Read
January 26, 2025Unrated, as I feel it is morally questionable to assign someone’s memoir/autobiography a number and use that number as a basis to judge their story’s value.
A series of loosely connected vignettes throughout Lilia’s life, ranging from her birth to her mid twenties. The writing was very down to earth and easy to connect with. I do wish that she had been a bit more specific about dates/ages, as sometimes I couldn’t tell how old Lilia was when the anecdote took place.
I want to go to NZ now.
I appreciated that Lilia was able to recognize the good as well as the bad in her upbringing. I hope that she is doing well in her life, and that her friend Grace is thriving. Thank you for sharing your story, Lilia.
A series of loosely connected vignettes throughout Lilia’s life, ranging from her birth to her mid twenties. The writing was very down to earth and easy to connect with. I do wish that she had been a bit more specific about dates/ages, as sometimes I couldn’t tell how old Lilia was when the anecdote took place.
I want to go to NZ now.
I appreciated that Lilia was able to recognize the good as well as the bad in her upbringing. I hope that she is doing well in her life, and that her friend Grace is thriving. Thank you for sharing your story, Lilia.
April 13, 2025
She grew up in a cult in New Zealand called Gloriavale. Her grandpa is the one that started it and they had many strict rules such as what to wear. They were on a strict work schedule and they wouldn’t get paid for the work that they would do shoot often have to get up at 5 AM to start chores. Eventually, she and her family left/escaped to the cult. It was a transition to go into the rest of the world. She had to learn how to “fit in”. Later, as she learned, she started working in human welfare. And tried to empower other people that might be going through similar life circumstances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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