Such a unique book about cults and religion and finding your voice!
I have always been fascinated by cults and their religious/spiritual beliefs. In fact, some of my favorite podcasts are dedicated to spreading the truth behind both well known and more obscure cults that have arisen. Because of this fascination, it's no wonder that I enjoyed reading The Virtue of Sin!
This book focuses on Miriam, a girl living in a strict community known as New Jerusalem, which is isolated away from society and it's influences. Women in the community are oppressed and not allowed to speak up. Girls are kept mostly separate from boys until it's time for a Matrimony ceremony, but Miriam had already fallen in love with a boy named Caleb. When they're not matched together for marriage, Miriam begins to question New Jerusalem, the rules of the cult, and what she wants for her life.
I really enjoyed the liberating tone of this novel, especially as Miriam begins to break free of her conditioning by the cult and sees the world as it is. I do feel that she began to "wake up" and see the truth very quickly, whereas real cult members typically need months or years of deprograming to finally reach a sense of "normalcy" and come to terms with the situation. Despite that, I loved the twists and turns of the novel and really enjoyed it!
This book focuses on Miriam, a girl living in a strict community known as New Jerusalem, which is isolated away from society and it's influences. Women in the community are oppressed and not allowed to speak up. Girls are kept mostly separate from boys until it's time for a Matrimony ceremony, but Miriam had already fallen in love with a boy named Caleb. When they're not matched together for marriage, Miriam begins to question New Jerusalem, the rules of the cult, and what she wants for her life.
I really enjoyed the liberating tone of this novel, especially as Miriam begins to break free of her conditioning by the cult and sees the world as it is. I do feel that she began to "wake up" and see the truth very quickly, whereas real cult members typically need months or years of deprograming to finally reach a sense of "normalcy" and come to terms with the situation. Despite that, I loved the twists and turns of the novel and really enjoyed it!