Exclusive Legacy: The Brethren Years (1959–1988)

NZ$30.00

Paperback | English

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 3 customer ratings

5.0 (3 reviews)

In this first instalment of her trilogical memoir, Kate describes the reality of growing up in the Exclusive Brethren Church, a strictly controlled, legalistic sect. The year of her birth, the sect’s universal leader decrees separation from the world, triggering a slow descent into cult territory that radically alters the lives of its members.

Throughout her school years, Kate increasingly realises that she is different from her classmates, having to be excluded from many of life’s activities. As a naïve teen, she is pressured into marrying a boy she barely knows, whilst separated from her parents under bizarre circumstances. With the move to a new town, an increasingly rocky marriage, a growing family, and the church’s forbidding environment overshadowing every aspect of her life, Kate struggles to stay afloat. Music is her one consolation.

In her mid-twenties, after falling foul of the local church, she and her husband are excommunicated several times. When it all becomes too much for him, he abandons her, and she must learn how to live independently whilst raising five children. Her life from this point can be read in her next instalment, The Single Parent Years.

NZ$30.00

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Categories: Biography & Autobiography Personal Memoirs

Book Details
Reviews (3)

Additional information

ISBN

9780473784379

Dimensions

165 × 244 mm

Format

Paperback | 146 pages

Language

English

Printed by

CopyPress

Publication Date

May 2026

Publisher

Kate Scarlett

Regional Interest

Nelson, Tasman

3 reviews for Exclusive Legacy: The Brethren Years (1959–1988)

Cris bell (verified owner) – June 10, 2026

Rated 5 out of 5
Such an awesome read.. great life story about growing up in a sect where there is sooo much control on women.. many aspects were familiar to me. Kate is a very brave, strong, and lovely person… can’t wait to read the next two.
Glennis (verified owner) – June 16, 2026

Rated 5 out of 5
Kate has written an authentic, raw look into growing up in one of the most damaging cults. So well written. I cried. Aspects of it….I was born into this cult and we left when I was ten and were excommunicated, I waa saying “Me too”.
She has been kind 😉 In the midst of her trauma she comes across with a lovely sense of resilience, humour and kindness. Explains the 3 F’s of a cult well.
I applaud this brave writer. I cant wait to read the coming books. I am hooked. Well worth a read.
Keren – June 17, 2026

Rated 5 out of 5
This book is quite an emotional read as I wish things could have been so different for Kate. Thanks so much for sharing this part of your story and look forward to the next two. The illustration on the cover is great.

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