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Section 132 (2011)

by Helga Zeiner(Favorite Author)

3.64 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0986879800 (ISBN13: 9780986879807)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

POW Wow Books

review 1: I have to admit my bias up front. As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was thoroughly unimpressed with this book. I really struggled to finish reading it, but I wanted to post a review from my perspective and don't consider it fair to do so without reading the entire book.First of all, though the author appears to have researched the subject matter in depth, there are cultural aspects of the characters and story that just seem wrong to me. The portrayal of Mormon polygamy in this book seems to be more for the purpose of incrimination than for that of education. I do believe that the situations described in this story exist in real life and are absolutely despicable, but to focus all of the ugliness on the foundation of a church that ha... mores so many other aspects and does so much good in the world is equally despicable in my opinion.Furthermore, I found myself thinking, "Wow! That seems really out of character for him/her." throughout the story. My familiarity to some degree with the beliefs and teachings these characters supposedly espouse conflicted repeatedly with words and actions found throughout this book. The result was a feeling almost akin to what one feels when reading political propaganda that is blatantly one-sided.The one positive thing I have to say about this book is that it gave me a greater understanding of how at least some must view me and my religion. I am always eager to try to understand things from others' perspectives, and this book definitely gave me some insight into perceptions others have about me and my family (which contains only one wife, by the way).I am interested to read something else by this author because other reviewers of this book say plenty of positive things about her writing. For me, any quality in the writing itself was overshadowed by my negative perceptions of the subject matter. I would like to try something different. Until then, I will reserve judgement on her writing in general.My hope for this book is that anyone who reads it will decide they want to know more and seek a deeper understanding of the faith portrayed therein, and that they will find enough information to form a more educated opinion about the beliefs found in this book rather than allowing this to be the sole source of information on the subject.
review 2: My review: Helga Zeiner's book Section 132 took me by surprise. Even though I have read the summary of the book and few reviews prior reading, I was still awed. Section 132 is book which horrified me in a good way. It was captivating and seemed so real that I had difficulties with separating the reality and the fiction. Section 132 is based on facts and the author did an excellent job to add the fiction to the reality. The plot was interesting and the characters fascinating. Section 132 is definitely a page turner! Plot: Meet Lilian who is raised in American Fundamentalist Mormon sect. When she turns 13, she has reached the age of being a women and her parents marry her off to Bishop who practices polygamy. Even Lilian has been familiar with fundamentalist Mormon ways, she is still terrified by what she sees around her in the sect, especially the submissiveness of the wives and the justification of abuse and violence. Lilian is scared, but not scared enough to start asking questions from herself and as the times goes, the defiance against Bishop and his way of living grows. Lilian is well aware of what the consequences of her defiance can be, but when the land developer Richard Bergman buys a neighbouring piece of land. Lilian sees a hope. I was truly captivated by Lilian's story. I liked that the author did not preach about what is right and what is wrong, but raised the awareness and gave the reader the option to decide. I have to admit, that I have never understood religion used for taking away your freedom and especially freedom of choice. I understand that Lilian was born to the sect, but no religion justifies abuse and violence. I also enjoyed Richard's and Daisy's story line which was wonderfully woven into Lilian's. Religion is always a topic raising heated discussions and emotions and I admired the author's skill to not doing so in writing. The reader does it for the author. Author gives you a story and you just have to deal with it. For me Section 132 was definitely thought awakening and emotional reading. There were times when I thought - this can't be happening. Not because it was surreal, but because thinking of the modern information society it's very disturbing that that these kind of sects still exist. Characters: There was no single characters in the book who wasn't need, they were all necessary parts of the puzzle and felt into their right place during the story. Helga Zeiner has a very strong eye into the details and it also showed when talking about the characters. They were so real. I was thinking that all the characters in the book left an impression and it does not matter if you like them or not, they were characters whom you will remember due to their importance in the story long after finishing the book. Generally: Section 132 by Helga Zeiner is a thought awakening book. It captivates you and before you know you are drawn into the world of fundamentalist sect and even though you might not like what you read, the author keeps you spellbound until the very last page of the book and keeps you thinking about it. It does not leave you indifferent. less

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