I Am Hutterite

Mary-Ann Kirkby tells the engaging story of her childhood in I Am Hutterite. The close-knit, reclusive, community in south central Manitoba provided a warm, loving place for a child to grow up, surrounded by family members, well fed and well educated. But as she learned in later years, the community was not as welcoming for outsiders, like her father. Unable to resolve the tension between themselves and the leaders of the colony, Mary-Ann's parents packed their family and their belongings and left the colony to make a life for themselves on the outside.
With humor and vivid detail, Kirkby offers a child's memories of her formative years, as well as the trauma of life on the outside. Her adult insight and perspective presents an honest, authentic account of both the benefits and disadvantages of life in a tightly- controlled community. In adulthood she remains conflicted about her identity - understanding that it is an indelible part of her which she cannot leave behind. But she also comes to appreciate the gifts of forgiveness and freedom which her parents gave her in their decision to weglaufen (run away).
I chose to review this book because having lived in the Midwest, I was aware of Hutterite colonies in the Dakotas. I was surprised to learn that the community I was most familiar with was actually the first such settlement in North America.
I highly recommend this book. It is a well written account of coming-of-age in one of the most unique communities to dot  North America.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”