Overview

Wife Material tells a story of religious abuse and sexual repression in the modern Church of Christ denomination, an American sect that forbids women speaking in services. Elizabeth Campbell's parents are violinists. Her father seems gay. Their church disallows musical instruments and homosexuality. Elizabeth succumbs to the twisted violence in her family and the pressure for early marriage at conservative Waltham University, the flagship Church-of-Christ college where suicides abound. Then, she escapes fundamentalism through a series of liberating sins. Written by a psychologist and former fundamentalist, Wife Material explores themes of emotional repression, child maltreatment, and the spiritual abuse that dominate many denominational cultures. The book also highlights a path to creative freedom through love that is discovered, not required.

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9798349472015

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Reviews

Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2016 Format: KindleVerified Purchase I wanted to challenge myself to step away from my normal genres, and read something that would challenge my spiritual perspective, and give me insight into another point of view. I was right on the money with this one. As a Christian, I couldn't help but oscillate between feelings of frustration and hopefulness as I delved into a different mindset. I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't read it, but I kept saying in my mind, ""This isn't Christianity. This isn't how it's supposed to go?"" This legalism, and hypocrisy, and graceless environment. I wanted to impart my two cents at every twist to protect the protagonist. Wife Material was reminiscent of the the slow drip of frustration that was delivered by Catcher in The Rye, but with a beautifully descriptive cadence. I was, as a writer myself, almost jealous of how creatively Mrs. Cox painted visual imagery. It immerses you, and from reading it, I feel I have gained some insight as to how terribly religion can be presented to a young mind, and how that perspective will stick. On a personal note, as a Christian, a husband, and a father, this book is a good check on how we perceive and teach grace vs Pharasaic moralism. When asked about the mood of the book, I couldn't decide between dark, hopeful, suspenseful, and thoughtful. This book is all four. Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2015 Format: KindleVerified Purchase Living authentically requires the ability to discern truth from lies, for which Elizabeth Campbell was shown no favor. Born into a family that thrived on appearances, hers is a world fraught with mixed messages and riddled with blatant contradictions. Lacking stability, predictability and connectivity, her parents exhist in their own strange and polarized bubbles, unable to nurture or hear the children. Bewilderment accompanied Lizzie during the formative years, creating a bleak and frightening backdrop where endless chaos reigned. From her thoughts to fears, confusion and realizations, and from her sinking to her swimming ""Lizzie"" ducks and weaves through life, attempting to make sense of the senseless. Then slowly and deliberately she begins to trust her own thoughts and before long, Elizabeth grows up - and into - herself. From one emotion to the next, Deborah Cox pens a raw, brave and startling story that captivates and compels the reader to contemplate their very own truth. Fasten your seat belt and prepare for a riveting read!

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