I am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby is an autobiographical look at life as a Hutterite. Mary-Ann Kirkby spent the first 10 years of her life living in a Hutterite colony until her parents chose to leave because of political problems. She then must find a way to fit into the rest of society as she grows into an adult.
This story really did read like fiction. It was interesting, well paced and a great read. I'd not known much about the Hutterite community before this and thanks to Kirkby, I have a much better understanding of their beliefs and their ways. I even found myself sometimes thinking that that kind of life wouldn't be so bad. I fell in love with many of the people she described. I especially enjoyed that it takes place in Manitoba. Being Canadian, I love reading books about or by other Canadians. This book made me smile and left me wanting more.
I received this book for free from Booksneeze in exchange for an impartial review.
Mary-Ann Kirkby is a wonderful writer. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. Reading her memoir is like reminiscing with a close friend. Having grown up in Winnipeg, I often saw the Hutterites in the Sears and Woolco department stores, and wondered about these odd people who looked like they stepped out of the 18th century. My grandparents knew a lot about the Hutterites, given our family's German Baptist heritage. Looking back, it is amusing to think the the Hutterites would have thought of my very strict, religious grandparents as being "English". Mary-Ann's account gave me a pretty good idea of what life was probably like for my great great grandparents in the German farming communites in Poland and Russia. All in all, a wonderful book, probably the best I have ever read.
ReplyDeletei also loved this book!!!
ReplyDeleteJust finished the audiobook, which was read by the author herself. She is a wonderful reader & I couldn't stop listening until the end. I loved her story, her passion & her family. I highly recommend this book!
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