Escape

By: Carolyn Jessop, Laura Palmer

Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee

Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

When she was 18 years old, Carolyn Jessop was coerced into an arranged marriage with a total stranger - a man 32 years her senior. Merril Jessop already had three wives. But arranged plural marriages were an integral part of Carolyn's heritage: She was born into and raised in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the radical offshoot of the Mormon Church. Over the next 15 years, Carolyn had eight children and withstood her husband's psychological abuse and the watchful eyes of his other wives, who were locked in a constant battle for supremacy.

Carolyn was miserable for years and wanted out, but she knew that if she tried to leave and got caught, her children would be taken away from her. But in 2003 Carolyn chose freedom over fear and fled her home with her eight children.

Escape exposes a world that is tantamount to a prison camp, created by religious fanatics. Against this background, Carolyn Jessop's flight takes on an extraordinary, inspiring power. She became the first woman ever granted full custody of her children in a contested suit involving the FLDS. And in 2006 her reports to the Utah attorney general on church abuses formed a crucial part of the case that led to the arrest of its notorious leader, Warren Jeffs.

©2007 Visionary Classics, LLC (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"The story Carolyn Jessop tells is so weird and shocking that one hesitates to believe a sect like this, with 10,000 polygamous followers, could really exist in 21st-century America. But Jessop's courageous, heart-wrenching account is absolutely factual. This riveting book reminds us that truth can indeed be much, much stranger than fiction." (Jon Krakauer, author of Into Thin Air and Into the Wild)

Escape

This was an amazing book. I loved it. It was unbelievable how much these women suffered. I could not imagine a life like they had. I would never want to share my husband.

wow! Highly reccomend both reading or audible

Very well told and written. even the audible reader was great. if I ever had the privilege of meeting Carolyn Jessop I think I would break down and be in awe of her strength courage and pain. I can not imagine what she just have gone through and can not think of a more determined and courageous person. I hope one day the entire FDLS and other cults like it are stopped permanently and there is actually real help and rehabilitation for those who suffer. I'm at a loss for a better review but read this and you won't regret it.

The Handmaid’s Tale in Real Life

Carolyn Jessop’s story is amazing. She is a courageous person. Her true story felt so much like a manifestation of Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. It was riveting!

Great!

Truly eye opening and was totally insane to hear the insides of the cult. Especially since I've lived/been to most of the places these stories take place. Some parts get really repetitive with how some things are explained over and over again but all and all it was wonderful. I would recommend to anyone who is interested in peculiar religions.

Amazing!

this book kept my attention and could not wait to hear more. I learned from this book, as many we all only see from the outside. When the sister wife was beating her son, I wanted to reach into my phone and help this child.

Loved it!

I binge listened to this book, it is so sad and horrible but also so exciting and interesting. As a Mormon, its interesting to hear how the FLDS split from our church and the struggles they had from continuing polygamy. It is so sad, I am so glad you and your family got out and are thriving

No Clue

No clue people lived like this in America and our Government lets them. Remarkable story and very enlightening.
Must Read.

Amazing

I’ve listened to this book twice now and it still gives me chills. Carolyn is a strong, amazing mother who made the best choice for her family. She never gave up and I admire her strength. I’ve read plenty of books based on polygamy as the lifestyle fascinates me, this one is definitely my favorite.

Unbelievable

I like the way this was delivered. The facts and how women and men both felt about the FLDS. Great book to listen to. Loved the narrator.

Horrific account of religious abuse & a Mother’s strength.

A must read/listen for those who wish to understand cults, brainwashing, and the loop hole of religious freedom in the USA. My heart goes out to those who are taught their soul is based on the abuse and relinquishment of free will. Warren Jeff’s MUST be de-throned from the hold he has on the souls of the FLDS.