The Witness Wore Red

By: Rebecca Musser, M. Bridget Cook

Narrated by: Rebecca Musser

Length: 14 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's Summary

Rebecca Musser grew up in fear, concealing her family's polygamous lifestyle from the "dangerous" outside world. Covered head-to-toe in strict, modest clothing, she received a rigorous education at Alta Academy, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' school headed by Warren Jeffs.

Always seeking to be an obedient Priesthood girl, in her teens she became the nineteenth wife of her people's prophet: 85-year-old Rulon Jeffs, Warren's father. Finally sickened by the abuse she suffered and saw around her, she pulled off a daring escape and sought to build a new life and family. The church, however, had a way of pulling her back in - and by 2007, Rebecca had no choice but to take the witness stand against the new prophet of the FLDS in order to protect her little sisters and other young girls from being forced to marry at shockingly young ages. The following year, Rebecca and the rest of the world watched as a team of Texas Rangers raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, a stronghold of the FLDS.

Rebecca's subsequent testimony would reveal the horrific secrets taking place behind closed doors of the temple, sending their leaders to prison for years, and Warren Jeffs for life.

The Witness Wore Red is a gripping account of one woman's struggle to escape the perverse embrace of religious fanaticism and sexual slavery, and a courageous story of hope and transformation.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 Rebecca Musser (P)2013 Hachette Book Group

Compelling and emotional read

I normally shy away from audio books read by the author, but this is a gem. Her story is powerful, and to hear her share her own FLDS experiences will leave you wanting to know more. I finished this book in 2 days, and I'd love to read more by this author. I'm fascinated by the FLDS, and this memoir stands apart because it delves into the aftermath of growing up in such an environment. I commend this woman for stepping out and for being so vulnerable.

24 people found this helpful

Very compelling, well read, brought me to tears.

I have listened to many audio books in the past several years, approaching 100 or so, and I must say, this one is close to the top of my favorites. Rebecca Musser is an AMAZING narrator. I am not sure what she is doing nowadays but she could earn a living at Audible.com. Her voice is so articulate and smooth and full of measured emotion. The story of the FLDS itself for me was not a complete surprise, as I have studied religion for over 20 years. (Also been an atheist for over 40.) I spent some time in southern Utah many many years ago and got a taste of what went on there via a super-secret girlfriend. The "leaders" of these people are very demented, in fact, the FLDS is similar to the fundamentalist Muslims in the way they brainwash their young and completely control their women. It is very sad indeed. It is amazing to me how these sects can continue to exist in this country. I can only hope that more of these young girls can escape this hell on Earth they live in. Rebecca Musser is no doubt a hero. Her bravery and tenacity are examples for others to follow. . A champion of the oppressed indeed. I would love to meet her one day just to shake her hand.

15 people found this helpful

Stunning...Shocking...Amazing...Gripping

This book is truly incredible -- you may have read other books about the the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (e.g., John Krakuer's "Under the banner of heaven") but none reveal the inner workings of this bizarre world like this book does. Rebecca Musser was married to the top person in the church ("The Prophet") and witnessed first-hand events that are truly hard to believe are real.

At many points during my listen I felt compelled to talk out loud (to myself!) about how truly astonishing and shocking this world was: Guys "marrying" 60+ wives, some of them 70 years younger than their husbands; women with basically no rights who are forced/brainwashed into being totally subservient to their husbands; men abusing pre-teenage girls "in the name of God," and so on.

Rebecca Musser was very brave to escape the church, agree to be a key witness in Warren Jeff's prosecution, and write this book.

All I can say is: listen to it. you won't be disappointed.

22 people found this helpful

This is a great story!

I loved this book from start to finish. Becky Musser is a real hero. The adversaries and odds she was fighting were overwhelming but she fought her foes with a growing confidence and dignity. Becky did the narration and it too was very well done. She expressed the emotions she was feeling in the various situations in such a way that you could feel the situations in a more personal and authentic way. I loved her interpretations of the Texas sheriff. :) I have read Under the Banner of Heaven and Escape and enjoyed them all but Witness gives you the best description of life inside the FLDS.

7 people found this helpful

Amazing story, bizarre performance

The story is amazing but her cadence and pronunciation of some words is incredibly strange. I only mention this because it's severe enough to become distracting.

6 people found this helpful

Read Under The Banner of Heaven instead.

This account albeit genuine ends up sounded like a series if monotonous sad event and it feels a lot was left out because of red tape. it does not feel like it succeed at making you feel the atmosphere of the places and people like other books o. the subject did. it reads like a long newspaper article.

6 people found this helpful

Intriguing story--Texas accent super annoying!

Would you listen to The Witness Wore Red again? Why?

I enjoyed listening to this book until the author began using a horrible Texan accent. It was annoying and distracted from the story.

What did you like best about this story?

It shows the insidious nature of the FLDS church (cult), and how it sanctions child, and spousal abuse. I read "Under the Banner of Heaven" and this was a worthy addition to my education about the FLDS church.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes, until the accent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me angry that the followers of the FLDS church have buried their heads in the sand, and allowed the systematic abuse of children!

7 people found this helpful

Compelling yet sad story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, gives real insight into the FLDS church in a frightening yet real story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rebecca, obviously as the story was from her.

Would you be willing to try another one of Rebecca Musser’s performances?

No. The reading was way too dramatic which really distracted from the story. When Brooks and the other Texas characters were introduced things got worse in her attempt to imitate them. At one point I almost stopped listening. A different narrator would have been a better choice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, this book could have used some additional editing as many parts seemed like excess information that didn't pertain to the message of the book.

Any additional comments?

Overall good book, frightening story especially since it's true.

6 people found this helpful

Where was her editor?!

The story coulda, shoulda, woulda been so much more compelling with the right editing! Becky goes into excruciating details over the most mundane things and recounts similar scenarios or events over and over again. And as others had shared, eeesh, pronunciation and “accents” were pretty tough to get through at some points.

Overall, giving it three stars as it was interesting learning about the “culture” and society of the FDLS. She does a good job of painting the picture of what life was like inside the cult. I do wish she would have gone into more details or explanation on her thinking/mental space immediately following her escape....I was left wondering what exactly led her to so quickly jump into the life she did.

2 people found this helpful

WOW ~ An Incredible Read by an Amazing Woman!!!

What made the experience of listening to The Witness Wore Red the most enjoyable?

First, I prefer the author to read their own book, and knowing that this is Rebecca's own story added to my interest. Secondly, this is a shocking and amazing story, of what happens when people are born into a belief. They don't know any better, and it's so sad.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Witness Wore Red?

I love the trials, where finally, there is justice, and Rebecca faces the men who abused women and children for years.

Have you listened to any of Rebecca Musser’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Witness Wore Red is the best title for this book, and for a movie.

Any additional comments?

I just love and applaud Rebecca Musser, for having the courage to question what was going on in her community and for having the incredible strength and tenacity to actually end the abuse and suffering within the community of people she loves. It was not about revenge, it was about exposing the truth to free innocent children, and to free herself. Revenge isn't wiinning, but LOVE is, because that's the ultimate victory for all. Thank you Rebecca, for
telling your incredible story. I wish I could give you a BIG HUG!

2 people found this helpful

Incredible story of a religious cult

This is the most engrossing and thought-provoking true story of how one evil religious leader can control and manipulate hundreds of innocent people. A must for anyone who hates power-driven leaders.

4 people found this helpful

Inspiring and interesting

What about Rebecca Musser’s performance did you like?

I hope Rebecca narrates more books!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All of it

Any additional comments?

One of the most inspiring books I have read, Rebecca has more strength that most could ever imagine. I learnt a lot about flds and Mormonism

2 people found this helpful

Excellent

Apart from a bad Texan accent, this book was gripping from start to finish. The courage and desire shown by Becky throughout was nothing short of remarkable, or was it just a desire for fame? I'm still undecided. Great book nevertheless

3 people found this helpful

Exceptional

Truley exceptional book, written by an exceptional woman. Very inspiring and moving. Highly recommended read

Thankyou for sharing this story

I was recommended this book and I am so pleased that I listened , on Audible , to Rebecca reading her story
I have nothing but admiration for Rebecca Musser , not only has she got guts, determination , and love in abundance
She is an exceptional human being
Rebecca put the child first , she made a difference , she made a difference to those childrens quality of life
And exposed what can happen when one man believes he is untouchable , especiallly when he has
Total, unquestionably power and money
It showed how easily women and men can be brainwashed , and how dangerous the consequences can be
Let us hope, that the authorities will continue to monitor and censor those individuals who took part in this abuse
And look at ways and laws to ensure this never happens again to a child

What a story!

I was informed of this book whilst on a recent tour through the States when we were driving past some of the townships present in this book. What an amazing woman you are Rebecca!! Your strength is inspirational x

Revealing

An insight, from one woman's personal experience, into how manipulative individuals and organisations can operate, and how people's view of the world and themselves can be distorted and damaged. And an insight into how individuals outside the 'cult' can (and probably should more often) act to end the sway of these organisations