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The Secret Lives of Saints: Child Brides and Lost Boys in Canada's Polygamous Mormon Sect
The Secret Lives of Saints paints a troubling portrait of an extreme religious sect. These zealous believers impose severe and often violent restrictions on women, deprive children of education and opt instead to school them in the tenets of their faith, defy the law and move freely and secretly over international borders. They punish dissent with violence and even death. No, this sect is not the Taliban, but North America's fundamentalist Mormons.
From its very beginning, the Mormon church, an offshoot of Christianity, found itself on the margins of both convention and the law. In addition to their unorthodox interpretation of the more mainstream Christian denominations, the Mormons embraced one tenet in particular that others found hard to the idea that only by engaging in polygamous marriage could a man enter the highest realms of the kingdom of heaven.
In 1890, under immense pressure from the federal government in the United States, the Mormons agreed to renounce polygamy in return for the right to the status of statehood in Utah, where they had settled. Since then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially taken the position that plural marriage is unlawful and is not to be pursued.
However, colonies of renegade fundamentalist Mormons have continued to practise polygamy and thrive to this day in Canada and the United States, despite the fact that they are flouting the law. In the U.S., the "prophet" Warren Jeffs made headlines when, having been placed on the list of America's Most Wanted, he was apprehended in 2006 and was convicted as an accomplice to rape. While his acolytes and subjects lived in poverty, Jeffs was driving around in a luxury SUV when state troopers pulled him over.
The story is much the same here in Canada, where the "bishop" of a fundamentalist sect in Bountiful, B.C., Winston Blackmore, heads up a multi-million dollar group of companies and flies on private jets while his supporters and employees live hard-scrabble lives and tithe their meager earnings to the church.
Daphne Bramham explores the history and ideas of this surprisingly resilient and insular society, asking the questions that surround its continued existence and telling the stories of the men and women whose lives are so entwined with it — both the leaders and the victims.
How can it be that a group can live in open defiance of the law for over 100 years, when its leaders appear on the Phil Donohue Show and CNN and boast of their practices, which include marriage to girls well below the legal age of consent? How do their schools receive government funding when they teach racism and indoctrinate pupils into the belief that women are naturally subordinate to men? How do fundamentalist Mormon businesses escape prosecution for their regular violations of child labour laws? How does the sect manage to straddle the Canada—U.S. border so effortlessly, with American girls living as plural wives in Canada without actually immigrating and Canadian girls shipped off to the U.S. the same way?
These are pointed questions, and a great deal depends on the answers. By delving into the life stories of the men and women who make up the ranks of the fundamentalist Mormons — or "Saints" as they call themselves — Bramham makes it clear that the arguments swirling around the legality of what goes on in Bountiful are anything but abstract. She tells the stories of young girls forced into "marriages" with men old enough to be their grandfathers and installed in households more like motels than homes, with each wife quartered separately and rigorously scheduled to have regular intercourse with her husband. She takes us into the life of a young girl forced into a "marriage" with such complex genealogical implications that she became her own step-grandmother.
And it is not just the girls who suffer under the religious regime of the fundamentalist patriarchs. As Bramham shows, simple math is enough to tell you that boys must suffer as well. And they do. Because the Saints believe they are compelled to marry more than one wife, it is inevitable that while some men — invariably the most powerful — have more than one wife (or indeed dozens), others are doomed to have none. These young men work doggedly for the businesses run by their leaders, at a fraction of the wage they should be earning, in the hope of one day being rewarded with a bride and, therefore, a ticket to heaven. But there will never be enough girls, and so some of the boys — those less compliant — are cast off and become "Lost Boys," uneducated and unprepared for the outside world, but cut off all the same from the only community they have ever known.
But for all the power wielded by the fundamentalist Mormon leaders, they are far from invincible. The Secret Lives of Saints also tells the stories of the men and women who have escaped the sect and challenged the Saints. Although, as Bramham argues forcefully, the government has often been asleep at the...
From its very beginning, the Mormon church, an offshoot of Christianity, found itself on the margins of both convention and the law. In addition to their unorthodox interpretation of the more mainstream Christian denominations, the Mormons embraced one tenet in particular that others found hard to the idea that only by engaging in polygamous marriage could a man enter the highest realms of the kingdom of heaven.
In 1890, under immense pressure from the federal government in the United States, the Mormons agreed to renounce polygamy in return for the right to the status of statehood in Utah, where they had settled. Since then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially taken the position that plural marriage is unlawful and is not to be pursued.
However, colonies of renegade fundamentalist Mormons have continued to practise polygamy and thrive to this day in Canada and the United States, despite the fact that they are flouting the law. In the U.S., the "prophet" Warren Jeffs made headlines when, having been placed on the list of America's Most Wanted, he was apprehended in 2006 and was convicted as an accomplice to rape. While his acolytes and subjects lived in poverty, Jeffs was driving around in a luxury SUV when state troopers pulled him over.
The story is much the same here in Canada, where the "bishop" of a fundamentalist sect in Bountiful, B.C., Winston Blackmore, heads up a multi-million dollar group of companies and flies on private jets while his supporters and employees live hard-scrabble lives and tithe their meager earnings to the church.
Daphne Bramham explores the history and ideas of this surprisingly resilient and insular society, asking the questions that surround its continued existence and telling the stories of the men and women whose lives are so entwined with it — both the leaders and the victims.
How can it be that a group can live in open defiance of the law for over 100 years, when its leaders appear on the Phil Donohue Show and CNN and boast of their practices, which include marriage to girls well below the legal age of consent? How do their schools receive government funding when they teach racism and indoctrinate pupils into the belief that women are naturally subordinate to men? How do fundamentalist Mormon businesses escape prosecution for their regular violations of child labour laws? How does the sect manage to straddle the Canada—U.S. border so effortlessly, with American girls living as plural wives in Canada without actually immigrating and Canadian girls shipped off to the U.S. the same way?
These are pointed questions, and a great deal depends on the answers. By delving into the life stories of the men and women who make up the ranks of the fundamentalist Mormons — or "Saints" as they call themselves — Bramham makes it clear that the arguments swirling around the legality of what goes on in Bountiful are anything but abstract. She tells the stories of young girls forced into "marriages" with men old enough to be their grandfathers and installed in households more like motels than homes, with each wife quartered separately and rigorously scheduled to have regular intercourse with her husband. She takes us into the life of a young girl forced into a "marriage" with such complex genealogical implications that she became her own step-grandmother.
And it is not just the girls who suffer under the religious regime of the fundamentalist patriarchs. As Bramham shows, simple math is enough to tell you that boys must suffer as well. And they do. Because the Saints believe they are compelled to marry more than one wife, it is inevitable that while some men — invariably the most powerful — have more than one wife (or indeed dozens), others are doomed to have none. These young men work doggedly for the businesses run by their leaders, at a fraction of the wage they should be earning, in the hope of one day being rewarded with a bride and, therefore, a ticket to heaven. But there will never be enough girls, and so some of the boys — those less compliant — are cast off and become "Lost Boys," uneducated and unprepared for the outside world, but cut off all the same from the only community they have ever known.
But for all the power wielded by the fundamentalist Mormon leaders, they are far from invincible. The Secret Lives of Saints also tells the stories of the men and women who have escaped the sect and challenged the Saints. Although, as Bramham argues forcefully, the government has often been asleep at the...
496 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2008
18 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
Daphne Bramham
2 books2 followersDaphne Bramham has been a columnist at the Vancouver Sun since 2000 and has won numerous awards for her writing, including a National Newspaper Award. She was named Commentator of the Year by the Jack Webster Foundation in 2005 and was honoured by the non-profit group Beyond Borders for a series of columns on the polygamous community of Bountiful, B.C.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 18, 2008
A fascinating and disturbing look at how a polygamous sect was allowed to establish a strong foothold in British Columbia and how powerless we seem to be in trying to combat it. What I learned the most from this book is how much of a blind eye that governments will turn when it comes to dealing with a local group claiming religious freedom and protection under our Charter of Rights of Freedom and yet, can perpetuate horrific abuse against women and children alike. As the author points out, why can we speak up on behalf of citizens in Afghanistan against the Taliban but we remain silent for our citizens against the fundamentalist Mormons?
August 2, 2014
This book took me forever to finish, partly due to life in general, and partly due to the fact that it was So. Dry. The book reads like an academic paper, and in parts, a legal transcript. The information and interviews were extensively well-researched, and if someone was looking for a primer that covers all of North American polygamist history, this book would be great. For someone who is looking for a riveting and interesting read about polygamous culture, this is one to pass on, as there are numerous other books that do a much better job in being readable than this one. Overall, Daphne Bramham's work is a fantastic reference book, but it is difficult to get through all 470+ pages (though the last fifty pages or so are citations/notes/acknowledgments). 4 stars for research, 1.5 stars for enjoyability.
January 18, 2015
I was very disappointed in this book. I've read alot about the FLDS and was hoping to learn more about the Canadian branch but found this book very convoluted, repetitive, and outdated. I need to investigate what has happened since its writing, although I fear not much has changed. I really didn't learn anything new and felt frustrated trying to keep the various people and groups straight. There are definitely better books out there, if you're interested in learning about this cult.
September 19, 2020
“Saints” in the title refers to the religion, “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” (LDS), or more specifically, fundamentalist LDS (FLDS) – that is, the polygamous branch of the LDS/Mormons. This book includes info from various, mostly former, FLDS – that is, it includes some memoir-type info with regard to some people (again, mostly those who have left), but the second part talks about the law, courts, trials, and even that some governments look the other way (British Columbia in Canada seems the worst for that).
This book does focus more on the Canadian FLDS (and leader/prophet Winston Blackmore) than any other I’ve read, so that was interesting to me. I’m in Calgary, Alberta, and though I knew about Bountiful, BC (actually called Lister, which I didn’t know), I did not know that there is a small population of FLDS in Alberta, as well, mostly in/around Cardston. The FLDS is so intertwined, though, that it started with a history, and there is also much about the communities in Utah and Arizona, and of course, about Warren Jeffs.
I have read quite a bit about the FLDS so many names are already familiar to me in that I’ve read some of those memoirs. I know that a few of the Canadian FLDS had a trial wrap up in BC last year, so I’m going to look that up to refresh my memory on what happened there. This book was published in 2008, so things have happened since then (like the trial in BC). I found the second part of the book – the legal stuff – much more interesting than I expected, and found myself even more interested than in the first half of the book; I guess much of that was exasperation and frustration at all the laws they are breaking... and in some cases, flaunting (in addition to polygamy, there is, of course, all kinds of abuse, plus bilking the government (i.e. taxpayers) out of as much money as possible – they need all that extra income to feed their 15+ wives and 70+ children (ok, that might just be Blackmore with that many, but you get the picture)).
This book does focus more on the Canadian FLDS (and leader/prophet Winston Blackmore) than any other I’ve read, so that was interesting to me. I’m in Calgary, Alberta, and though I knew about Bountiful, BC (actually called Lister, which I didn’t know), I did not know that there is a small population of FLDS in Alberta, as well, mostly in/around Cardston. The FLDS is so intertwined, though, that it started with a history, and there is also much about the communities in Utah and Arizona, and of course, about Warren Jeffs.
I have read quite a bit about the FLDS so many names are already familiar to me in that I’ve read some of those memoirs. I know that a few of the Canadian FLDS had a trial wrap up in BC last year, so I’m going to look that up to refresh my memory on what happened there. This book was published in 2008, so things have happened since then (like the trial in BC). I found the second part of the book – the legal stuff – much more interesting than I expected, and found myself even more interested than in the first half of the book; I guess much of that was exasperation and frustration at all the laws they are breaking... and in some cases, flaunting (in addition to polygamy, there is, of course, all kinds of abuse, plus bilking the government (i.e. taxpayers) out of as much money as possible – they need all that extra income to feed their 15+ wives and 70+ children (ok, that might just be Blackmore with that many, but you get the picture)).
December 20, 2024
Needed a pallet cleanser and this was perfect. It reads more like an academic, so at times was a little tough to get through, but I’m so glad I got to read this. If you know me, you know I’m fascinated by group mentalities, especially within religious sects and cults. Documentaries like “Keep Sweet, Pray, and Obey” and “Murder among Mormons” got me super interested in Mormons and FLDS, and this book delves into the lesser known Canadian aspects of everything. Right off the bat I LOVED Daphne Bramham’s voice in her writing, she says what everyone thinks but is too scared to say. Her sources were fantastic, speaking to a lot of current and ex members of the group. It is so unsettling to know that a lot of this stuff is still going on
May 30, 2023
The bottom line of this book is that rich, powerful, white men can get away with anything they want because other rich, powerful men will let them do it and it takes the entire community to force governments to enforce the laws that they pass. This book is just that a call for community to step forward and deal with men who under the guise of religion force young girls to marry men and have babies while in their teens. Unfortunately if these things are not dealt with they grow until they undermine the lives and the faith citizens have of the law and we are so much poorer for it.
September 15, 2023
This was a pretty in depth look at the disgusting FLDS cult - going way back to the start.
I thought the subtitle was misleading seeing as there’s way less written about child brides and the lost boys compared to Blackmore and Jeffs which was a disappointment.
There was, in my opinion, too many people introduced for too short of times to keep everyone straight.
I thought the subtitle was misleading seeing as there’s way less written about child brides and the lost boys compared to Blackmore and Jeffs which was a disappointment.
There was, in my opinion, too many people introduced for too short of times to keep everyone straight.
October 15, 2019
this was an interesting find an entertaining read in the beginning! However I feel like the books could have been wrapped up earlier and tended to drag on and on.. fascinating content but maybe needed an executive summary?
April 9, 2021
This was eye opening. I had no idea that fundamentalist Mormon groups were living in Canada and our governments are doing nothing about the abuse and rape of women and children. In fact the BC government funds their schools which teach white supremacy.
September 9, 2017
Riveting, Terrifying and horrifying
October 21, 2020
As the great-great-great-grandchild of people who immigrated to this continent to practise their Morman faith, I'm very glad not to have been raised in one of this radical sects of human traffickers.
May 17, 2022
- v repetitive and one sided
-> would have been way more interesting with perspectives of current FLDS members
-> would have been way more interesting with perspectives of current FLDS members
July 18, 2022
I liked this book because I like reading anything about polygamy. It was interesting to see the perspective of polygamy in Canada and the development of the Bountiful community.
May 24, 2016
This book was recommended to me after I had read a book portraying the journey of a child-bride from her childhood to escaping and charging Warren Jeffs.
As with each book dealing with the FLDS that I've read I learned even more with this book. It focuses primarily on Bountiful and what has gone on there but ties together the connection with the FLDS south of the border. The book shares the history of the FLDS from the early days of keeping quiet about how they wanted to live their faith (polygamously) from the mainstream LDS through to choosing one-man rule. The book explores the complex nature of not only the sect but the relationship the sect has with nearby Creston - how the economic ties make it difficult for people in Creston to publicly disapprove of what they see going on. Also, how through essentially indentured labour, the FLDS businesses can undercut any other competition during a bidding process.
As with each book dealing with the FLDS that I've read I learned even more with this book. It focuses primarily on Bountiful and what has gone on there but ties together the connection with the FLDS south of the border. The book shares the history of the FLDS from the early days of keeping quiet about how they wanted to live their faith (polygamously) from the mainstream LDS through to choosing one-man rule. The book explores the complex nature of not only the sect but the relationship the sect has with nearby Creston - how the economic ties make it difficult for people in Creston to publicly disapprove of what they see going on. Also, how through essentially indentured labour, the FLDS businesses can undercut any other competition during a bidding process.
February 10, 2009
Bramham is a journalist, working for the Vancouver Star. This book developed out of her investigative articles about the FLDS community called Bountiful, located in British Columbia. As Utah, Arizona and Texas continue to pursue the issue of exploitative treatment of women and girls within the FLDS belief system, Bountiful and its residents will be in U.S. newspapers more frequently. Young women have been moved back and forth from Canada to Texas over the recent past. Bramham obviously has bias on the treatment of women in this polygamous society.
February 13, 2010
Love love love anything to do with Mormonism and the FLDS, but as usual with this sort of "expose", I found the writing a bit dry and journalistic. Worth reading though, and I learned that a consultant we have worked with in the AIDS Service Field was an advisor to the ministry of children and family development (perhaps previously called "child welfare"?) and one of the key original players in trying to get Blackmore charged for exploiting and abusing women and children ... Dyan Dunsmoor-Farley - a very inspiring and capable consultant (not to mention expensive ...) ;)
July 12, 2015
- interesting read
- fascinating subject
- somewhat overly detailed, I thought
- I was not aware of the statistics: between 1,200 and 2,500 polygamous Mormon relationships in Canada (primarily in B.C.), completely in violation of Canada's Criminal Code, but systematically tolerated by the courts, the police, and politicians in general
- girls forceably married off at age 14 or 15 (sometimes to men in their 50's, 60's, or even 70's)
- fascinating subject
- somewhat overly detailed, I thought
- I was not aware of the statistics: between 1,200 and 2,500 polygamous Mormon relationships in Canada (primarily in B.C.), completely in violation of Canada's Criminal Code, but systematically tolerated by the courts, the police, and politicians in general
- girls forceably married off at age 14 or 15 (sometimes to men in their 50's, 60's, or even 70's)
November 9, 2014
This doesn't touch too much on Warren Jeffs, but more on their cult in Canada. It gives a brief history of Mormonism, and how polygamy was revitalized. It tells how older men where "married" to child brides, and of the lost boys who were booted out of the FDLS.
If you're interested in learning more about Sister Wives , then pick this book up!!
If you're interested in learning more about Sister Wives , then pick this book up!!
October 20, 2011
The author somehow manages to make this topic, which I usually find fascinating, totally boring and slow moving. Her writing feels disjointed, jumping all over the place and chapters end abruptly. A shame, I was hoping for better.
January 20, 2012
This was interesting, although I found some of her arguments disingenuous. It was also confusing at a number of points, mostly because there are only 4 or 5 last names in the entire book, and the first names get shared around a lot, too.
August 19, 2013
Sensationalized. Relies too heavily on apostate narratives rather than triangulating sources. Makes the mistake of focussing on polygamy as the source of the oppression in FLDS communities rather than extreme patriarchy.
August 4, 2008
This one is about polygamous groups in Canada. They are everywhere.
January 20, 2009
horrifying..in the middle and I need a light mental break..so reading Home from the Vinyl Cafe..then back to it..
July 17, 2009
Things that make you go 'hmmmm' and make you cock your eyebrows. This is a fascinating, and harrowing, read.
November 2, 2009
Being from Creston, I am very familiar with the FLDS. This book gave the history or the FLDS in Canada. It was a very heavy read but was well worth it.
December 2, 2010
It only took me 2 days to read this book. I really appreciated the background on the community and it's relation to both the FLDS and the LDS church.
August 4, 2011
Makes me glad I'm not a Mormon!
August 20, 2011
fasctinating really, however not the most well-written book out there. excellent to follow carolyn jessop's biography, more history and detail to what her life must have been like.
February 5, 2013
An eye opener. Wonderfully written. Fascinating and a powerful story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews