Exclusive Legacy: The Brethren Years (1959–1988)
NZ$30.00
Paperback | English
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.
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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
12 reviews for Exclusive Legacy: The Brethren Years (1959–1988)
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Cris bell (verified owner) –
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) –
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 –
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.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
An extremely well-written book, it draws out a whole range of emotions from deep compassion to anger at the callousness and cruelty of the cult members, beliefs and practices that failed her so badly.
Fiona –
Wow, I knew very little about the Brethren Church and appreciate this 1st hand account so kindly offered by Kate. I am shocked by their crazy rules, and silent treatment and boozed up elders having affairs. A must read, to gain insight into the goings on, in that criminal church, that likely, sadly, dont know any better.
Peter warren –
The book really took me through the journey of understanding. very well written making it a great read and kept me going all the way through. Praise to the writer for her sharing of life and the grace this book is written with.
Sue –
This book is incredible. I did not know how the Exclusive Bretheran operated. Kate tells her story of how Exclusive Bretheran treat their followers, and how it affected her and family. Cults need to be stopped. Its an abusive system especially for females. Kate shares her story in such a way that you feel sadness for her, but also lots of empathy. Kate is incredibly brave, resiliant and strong. I highly recommend this book. Eager to read her next two books following journey.
Emma Maguire (verified owner) –
I found this a compelling read, once I picked it up, I had to keep reading until I was finished, thank goodness I started it on a weekend! I was so shocked about many of the things that were described about Kate’s experiences in the Exclusive Brethren. The control tactics were really eye opening and made me think about this and other high control cults. Since finishing the book, it has opened up some really good conversations between me and my teenagers, which I hope helps them have more awareness about power and control dynamics. Despite the heavy subject, I found the book easy to read, interesting, the were light hearted moments too, and as soon as I finished, I wanted to read the next one! I hope it is out soon!
Anna Wilkinson –
A very honest look at life growing up in in NZ EB society. Emotional and heart breaking. Well written and engaging, hard to put down. Looking forward to the next book.
Anonymous –
This book is a testimony to Kate’s courage to break free and lose everything she had ever known, in order to pursue a life of honesty and integrity. It is a deeply moving read, challenging us all to consider which rules and definitions are most important, those we inherit, or those our hearts lead us to through the truth of our experience. Highly highly recommend.
Jenni Blyleven –
A hard read emotionally but very well written. I look forward to reading the next 2 books!!!
Karen –
Thank you for telling your story Kate. it was sad, poignant, shocking and enlightening. Having myself been born into a high control world was good to think and unpack some of our history. Looking forward to book 2.