Theophila Pratt, named Honey Faithful at birth, was born and raised in the fundamentalist Christian community of Gloriavale. The isolated community on the west coast of the South Island was founded in 1969 by Neville Cooper, aka Hopeful Christian. Despite decades of allegations of sexual and physical abuse, and worker exploitation, the community continues to operate today.
Pratt found herself questioning her life within the community. At the age of 18, sheltered from the outside world, she was forced to leave and dropped at a bus stop to fend for herself. This book documents her experiences within Gloriavale to her journey beyond as a qualified occupational therapist with her own home.
She lifts the veil on the secretive community, writing passionately and with self awareness. What shines through is her drive and dedication to helping others. Pratt is driven by an urge to let everyone in Gloriavale know their lives can be so much more, but also for outsiders to stop stereotyping those that leave. Her courage to stand up for those in the Indian Gloriavale community, including her sister Precious, is inspiring and educational - I had no idea of the reality of that offshoot of Gloriavale.
As well as Pratt's deeply personal experience, she gives space for other women to share their stories from within Gloriavale. The appendix, and the other documenting criminal cases involving Gloriavale members, and businesses owned by the community, are as fascinating and enlightening as Pratt's story.
Pratt's story pulls at the heartstrings, while also being empowering and educational. She is a woman of strength and determination and her story shines an important light on this secretive community, while urging all of us to action.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Bateman Books