Brent W. Jeffs is the nephew Warren Jeffs, imprisoned leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS)
His memoir, "Lost Boy," is a startling and frank discussion of his experiences as a part of this order, and what his life was like after leaving the polygamous sect.
It's startling because we've become somewhat accustomed to hearing the experiences of women who were once a part of this Mormon fringe - their subjugated role, and how they survived their experiences as male property. But what of men and boys who grow up in this milieu?
And what happens to them once they realize they don't fit in?
Jeffs breaks certain misconceptions as they pertain to boys and young men in the FLDS, foremost among which is that, from birth, they enjoy a certain privilege; Jeffs quickly shows that this is simply not true, and that being born a boy in the FLDS is not the privileged position it first seems to be.
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He writes that unless you are willing to completely bow down to the leaders and attempt perfect obedience with constantly changing demands and hierarchies, you are likely either to be expelled or to have a hard time getting even one wife, let alone the three required to attain a position of power.
As Jeffs puts it, the simple problem of mathematics is enough to put pressure on the sect to remove males from its population - as young women are a sought-after commodity.
For young men who grow up in this environment, and are suddenly required to leave, this transition can be traumatic - and many do not survive it.
Jeffs's book is about how many succumb to alcohol and drug addiction, and depression.
Jeffs deserves credit for writing a book that not only uncovers a world most of us would consider hidden, but one which elucidates its complexities - the FLDS preaches multiple Gods and multiple heavens, in addition to multiple wives. Jeffs explains this tangled world of birthright and convoluted religious practice very well.
He does this in the context of his own experience, and one cannot help but admire the courage it must have taken to bring out into the open certain memories and experiences which are not easily shared. Many of them are quite horrific.
Open and honest, well-written and relevant, "Lost Boy" is an enlightening book.
Ask for it at your library.
Darrell Squires is assistant manager of Public Information and Library Resources Board, West Newfoundland-Labrador division. You can contact him at: dsquires@nlpl.ca or by phone at 634-7333.
