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Forbidden
by Judy Waite
Atheneum, 2006. 247 pages.
Forbidden is the disturbing and compelling story of a girl who grows up in a cult called True Cause.
The members’ greeting among themselves, “True Cause is the true cause,” says just about as much as one needs to know about the cult’s substance. But it says nothing about the cult’s expertise at controlling the human will.
The story is told by Elinor, a teenager who is among the Chosen of True Cause, thereby destined to be one of the “wives” of Howard, the group’s founder. Having been in True Cause since she was a child, isolated at the cult’s estate and only going into town to sell copies of The Book and recruit new members, Elinor has only vague memories of life before True Cause. But when a friend, Meryl, is punished in public and then never seen again for having Bad Thoughts, Elinor begins to quietly question her commitment and to pay closer attention when she is off the estate and in the presence of Outsiders.
When it is perceived by the leaders that Elinor might be straying, her day of consummation with Howard is brought about, making her the victim of a loveless and joyless union that actually constitutes rape. But a contact she has made on the outside continues to pursue her freedom, and as the story unfolds we learn more and more about Elinor’s origins, the Outsiders who try to help her, and the fates of herself and True Cause.
Forbidden rings a warning bell against cults, sects, and, yes, even “legitimate” denominations and faiths that practice methods of severe control and discipline. It is sure to raise discussion among young readers; youth ministers and leaders might also consider reading it and reflecting on their own methods in ministry with young people: Do they respect God’s gift to us of free will enough to leave a young person to make his or her own decision?
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