01 August, 2012

#BookReview :: Section 132 by Helga Zeiner

Book Summary & My Thoughts

There are two parallel storylines in the beginning. First is that of Richard & Daisy who are business partners who are looking at a particular plot for development. Richard believes that if he can pull this project off, then it will be his greatest success. The second storyline involves a fundamentalist sect who practices polygamy. A girl named Lillian is only 13 when her parents marry her to a ‘Bishop’ settled in Canada. With all her innocence intact, she expects a loving handsome and loving husband at the time of her marriage. What she doesn’t expect is to lose her identity at the moment of her marriage and harsh truth rocks her world at the same time she loses her innocence. Lillian feels caged from the very first day in this foreign land which only grows with time.

The story comes to a point where the two worlds collide as Richard approaches his neighbor with the intention of buying off some land from him. The Richard is left astounded as he discovers more about his new neighbours’ lifestyle. Lillian in the meantime is desperate to get away from this family. Will Richard’s entry into the folds bring hope to Lillian? Will Richard be able to make a difference?

First and foremost, Ms.Zeiner’s writing style is absolutely captivating. She will have you right from the word go and will certainly take you on for a ride. Her attention to details is amazing as is her mix of facts and fiction. Her characterization is flawless – whether be the development or their contribution to the story. There’s not a single character whose presence in the book is not justified and there isn’t a single character you would wish to read less off.  As you read, you are slowly but completely transported into this world of Polygamous lifestyle and mark my words you, as a reader will not be able to stop yourself from thinking. Whether be it thinking about this sect & lifestyle or about the injustice that Lillian feels or the dark feelings that her desperate emotions evoke in you – you will not be able to help from thinking.

This is a total powerhouse of a novel and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to all Fiction & Non-Fiction lovers.




Guest Post :: Plight of Women

Some time ago a friend of mine asked me why all my novels feature strong females who have to fight their way out of terrible injustice and suppression. She practically accused me of sensationalizing the plight of women trapped in unfortunate social situation. She added that she has little sympathy for those women as they are usually weak and certainly don't show characteristics like my heroines usually do. And to top it all, she even suspected the reason for this literary obsession of mine might be that I had personal bad experiences with male dominance.

Let me assure you, I am not a battered woman. My social background was and is stable middle-class. But I have always been head-strong, opinionated to a fault and I hate injustice! Throughout my life and my extensive traveling I have met many passionate, intelligent, brave women who were locked in a life-style that did not allow them freedom of choice. It makes me angry that those women are considered weak. Needless to say, my 'friend' with the unforgiving attitude is not my friend any more.

Section 132 is the story of such women. Imagine being born into a polygamous cult, knowing no other life but one of religiously sanctioned slavery. Yes, slavery! The physical and mental cruelty inside such cults includes sexual exploitation, even child molestation and child-bride trafficking.
As I writer, I was intrigued when I discovered that this happens right here in America and Canada – right here and right now!

From all the facts I have been gathering over several years, slowly a story started to emerge. Characters came to life, telling their own story, fictional, yes, but based on facts.

For quite a while I shared my life with Lillian, the child-bride, Marion, the fist wife and all her sister-wives. It was an interesting time and  I am very grateful for my talent which allowed me to give them a voice. I hope I have done them justice and create a novel which will grip and at the same time entertainment my readers.

Thank you for giving it your attention.
Helga Zeiner


Say Hello to the Author


Giveaway
Ms.Helga has kindly offered to Giveaway One Copy of her Fantabulous book to one very lucky winner. Please enter in the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Participants
July 8th:  Review, Post & Giveaway~Cheryl @ CMash Loves To Read
July 9th:  Review & Giveaway~Emily @ The Many Thoughts of a Reader
July 10th:  Review, Interview & Giveaway~Nicole @ Purple Penguin Reviews
July 16th:  Review & Giveaway~Vera @ Luxury Reading
July 19th:  Review, Post & Giveaway~Lori @ Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
July 24th:  Review, Post & Giveaway~Shannon @ Shannon's Book Bag
July 26th:  Review & Giveaway~Joel @ Author Joel M. Andre
July 31st:  Showcase~Gina @ Hott Books
August 1st:  Review, Post & Giveaway~DDS @ book r3vi3ws
August 7th:  Review, Interview & Giveaway~Nicole @ Bless Their Hearts Mom
August 8th:  Review & Giveaway~Cheryl @ The Book Connection
August 9th:  Interview~Cheryl @ The Book Connection
August 15th:  Review & Giveaway~ Kriss @ Cabin Goddess
August 16th:  Review, Post & Giveaway~Louisa @ Words I Write Crazy
August 21st:  Review, Interview & Giveaway~Kari @ From The TBR Pile
August 23rd:  Review & Giveaway~Lauren @ Northern Plunder
August 28th:  Showcase~Lance @ Omnimystery News
August 29th:  Showcase~Molly @ Reviews By Molly
September 3rd:  Review & Giveaway~ Kristin @ Kritters Ramblings
September 8th:  Review, Post & Giveaway~Inga @ Me and Reading
September 10th:  Review, Post & Giveaway~Kathleen @ Jersey Girl Book Reviews
September 14th:  Review~Marjorie @ GoodReads
September 11th:  Review & Giveaway~Kathleen @ Celticlady's Reviews
September 16th:  Review & Giveaway~William @ Two weeks from everywhere
September 19th:  Review, Post & Giveaway~Melissa @ Keeping Up With The Rheinlander's
August 23rd:  Review & Giveaway~Lauren @ Northern Plunder
September 25th:  Review, Post & Giveaway~Farrah @ The Book Faery Reviews
September 26th:  Showcase~Kate @ Read 2 Review
September 30th:  Review & Giveaway~Cheryl @ Sweeping The USA





23 comments:

  1. Phenomenal!! Fantastic review and post!! Kudos! Job well done. I, like you, was totally captivated while reading this novel and you are right, it did have me thinking! Thank you for this amazing post!

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  2. Thank you for a most informative review, which is most illuminating. Insightful and honest i am now more keen than ever to add this book to my to-read list! x

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  3. It is always exciting for an author to read a review of one's work. Suddenly the 'baby' one nourished and protected for a long, long time is sent out into the world. To have it then accepted and even praised and recommended like my novel Section 132 is since publication makes me very proud and happy.
    I thank all reviewers who take the time to read and analyze it with all my heart.
    Without reviewers we authors would be lost souls. And in a certain way, I guess, readers would be too, because the trusted judgement of a reviewer saves them money and time in their search for good reads.
    Thank you.
    Helga Zeiner

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    1. Thank You Helga Zeiner!! Reading this book was an amazing experience for me. I am sure this is going to be one of those that I will always keep going back to.

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  4. I love stories where the authors write with such feeling and add a lot of details regarding the characters. :D I will have to check out this book.

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    1. Its really good... Why don't you enter the Giveaway Brionna? You might win a copy for yourself :)

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    1. Why don't you enter the Giveaway Jaime? You might win a copy for yourself :)

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  6. Great post Helga & great review Debdatta! I admit to knowing nothing about this topic, but the book sounds like it is written in such a way that I would love it. Can't wait to read it. Great job, as always, Debdatta. Best of luck to you Helga.

    Paul R. Hewlett

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  7. Never heard of the polygamus society.

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  8. I'm only vaguely aware of it, but I would love to read this book. It sounds amazing.

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  9. Thank you so much for your Post, The book sounds very interesting..

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  10. I knew polygamy existed, but did not realize it was a "society".

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  11. I am aware that polygamy is practiced in the US and Canada on the west coast. I don't understand why the authorities allow these old men to marry underage girls. Of course these same men have to run off the boy children because they don't want the competition. There was a trial a while ago and I think one man was jailed.

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  12. What an interesting idea to combine to stories of a land developer and a polygamous sect. I'm aware that these societies exist, but it is always interesting to learn more.

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  13. A few years ago, some cable channel had a series on about a family who practiced polygamy. At first, the idea of it disgusted me, and I couldn't understand how those women could agree to live like that. But, watching it on the show really opened my eyes to a different society than one I'd ever lived in myself. No, I don't agree with that lifestyle, but I could understand how some people would accept it as a normal way of life. The story sounds very interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  14. I think this sounds like an amazing read. I find that polygamy interest me because I think so differently than they do and I am always looking towards learning more about others beliefs. Over time I have noticed that not all polygamy is the same..you have the old school ways with compounds and the new way with families living in suburban neighborhoods. Thanks for a great review!

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  15. Sounds like an interesting read! Heard and read some about polygamy....it ials a fascinating concept for me but also very disturbing concept as well !

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  16. Sounds like an interesting read! Heard and read some about polygamy....it ials a fascinating concept for me but also very disturbing concept as well !

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  17. never heard of them before but I don't find their ways particularly surprising in light of other similar controversies. Normally not my wheelhouse but I'm mildly interested this book could turn out dull or compelling based on the strength of the authors.

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  18. Sounds great :)

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