Uncultured

Holly says: Daniella Mestyanek Young grew up in Brazil, not just a member of The Children of God but a child of the leadership. In this memoir, she recounts her abuse as a child, leading up to her escape at fifteen years old. Young’s journey was not over yet: she pursues a long-denied education and joins the Army as a way to build a new future for herself. Yet Young struggles in this move from one high control group to another (albeit of a very different type), and questions how the hierarchies and regimentation of the military are impacting her on her healing journey. I’ve found many cult memoirs end shortly after the victim’s escape; Young’s stands apart in offering a close look at what her journey out looked like and the struggles she encountered along the way. I listened to this memoir on audio, as narrated by the author, and recommend this format. Content warnings apply.