Charismatic, driven and self-righteous Neville Cooper set up his own brand of Christian utopia on earth: a reclusive community on the West Coast of New Zealand. For the 400 inhabitants of Gloriavale, his word is law u despite his 1995 conviction for sexual abuse. Phil Cooper, as headstrong as his father, had to escape. But Phil's wife Sandy was bound to the will of Neville and his brand of eternal salvation. And so began the monumental tug-of-war between father and son: a son who wanted to give his children a chance in the world. This is a true story of power and control, of abductions and night raids, of hearts broken and those trying to mend. It's also the story of the long shadow cast by the unyielding vision of one man, and the hope and resolve of one family to restore its shattered past.
About the Author
I was born in Inglewood, Taranaki. I met my husband at Teachers' Training College in Christchurch, we both got jobs in Hamilton, married at the end of 1969 and had two daughters who are now both adults and currently living in London. After Tim's death in 1998, I moved to Wellington, stopped teaching and became a full-time writer and manuscript assessor in between taking off overseas whenever I can u a monthlong trip to Brazil with my younger daughter was the most recent adventure.
Already own this item? Sell Yours and earn some cash.
It's fast and free to list! (Learn More.)
Reviews
–
This is a very easy book to read that has been well-written to reflect one family's fight to turn their life of sadness and devastation into something good. It is a story of grace, redemption and new beginnings. It is about mind-control and a group of people doing what they think is right despite what everyone else thinks. This book has intrigue, drama, tearful moments and parts that will make you laugh as one guy struggles to bring up six kids on his own and forge a new life for themselves. I recommend reading it for an understanding of what it is like for people who are controlled by others.
One of the best books ive ever red!
I know what happens at Gloriavale is true because we live quite close to the community and every 2 years as mentioned in the book, they hold their concerts for the community. Neville Cooper always in allot of peoples opinions 'spoils' the night with his boring speech about religion this and religion that.
Very inspiring story that I would highly recommend this story to anyone after a short, mixed emotions, exciting and inspiring story.
Overall one great book!
At the age of 27, father of five, Phil Cooper, walked away from the religious community his father Neville had created and still controls 20 years later. It is a powerful story of a love a father (Phil Cooper) has for his children and his struggle to keep his family together once they leave the community.
I admire that Israel (Phil's eldest son) honours his mothers integrity for making a decision she believed with her heart and soul to be the only one she could make for the salvation of her children.
It was a pleasure to watch Israel and the author Fleur Beale on GOOD MORNING quite recently, what a lovely young man Israel is.
Hoping you and your family along with Sandy, Dawn & Cherish will be in each others arms very soon.
An interesting story about how the Cooperite/Gloriavale community started, its development, and Phil Cooper's struggle to leave while keeping his family together. Here on the West Coast you see the Gloriavale men and women in town dressed in their blue 'uniforms' and wonder what it must be like to live in their world. This book gives a good insight.
The attraction of a community like Gloriavale must be very strong for those who've had a traumatic past and the motivation to join and stay in a place where thinking for yourself is not required (or desired) is understandable. At the end I was left with a sense of sadness for Phil and his family, particularly his children and wife still inside the community.
You can earn a 5% commission by selling Sins of the Father: The Long Shadow of a Religious Cult paperback book on your website. It's easy to get started - we will give you example code. After you're set-up, your website can earn you money while you work, play or even sleep!
Authors/Publishers
Are you the Author/Publisher? Improve sales by submitting additional information on this title.
Help
My Cart
Ships within 24 hours from local supplier
– 
– 