Review of 'The The Taking of Irene Hart' by Madeleine Reiss

Review of 'The The Taking of Irene Hart' by Madeleine Reiss

Release date: Feb 13th, 2024

Publisher: HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

REVIEW

This is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking stories I have ever read and to know it is based on a real cult that flourished in Somerset England in the mid 1850’s puts it in an even more distressing light. It is not a novel that made me feel good as the subject matter cuts like a knife through the sane psyche.

Many years ago in Sociology class I studied cults and why some people fall into them and under the spell of their charismatic leaders. Of course, we had to analyse the modern cult of Jonestown and the massacre that followed. It is one of those events in history that always comes to mind, I suppose, as a result of its horrid effects and outcome. Even then, when I learned all about it and had to write an essay, I felt as if I could not breathe after knowing the facts. The bondage and entrapment experienced by the deluded felt horrifying. It is a sad day of revelation for those to discover they have been taken in—that they have trusted someone with their lives who have evil intent. Of course, some never come to this conclusion or get the chance. And one fact that makes me even angrier is that such cults are created in the name of religion. The focus may initially be on ‘God’ as a means to justify their existence but devotion ultimately is transferred to the cult leader. The Taking of Irene Heart is an incredible example of such a perverted system. The ‘community’ as they call it is built on falsehoods. They succeed by taking control and separating its members from the rest of society to brain wash them: make them believe that their ‘salvation, eternal life, and chance to live forever’ is reserved only for those in their ‘community.’ Anything outside their four walls is a distraction, sin and damnation.

After the death of Rubie and Irene’s father, their mother one day decides to give all her belongings, home and money to the one they call “The Beloved’ or ‘Pastor Peters – a man who was once a medical doctor but has set up his Garden Kingdom. The daughters initially are appalled and Rubie does not want to be part of her mother’s plans. But after much struggle within herself, she goes along with it to stay with and care for her sister. Irene has seizures, that, of course, we know today it is a neurological disorder. But her condition is used by the ‘community’ to proclaim she has some prophetic abilities. And the longer they remain in this cult, the more of their true selves are lost. Though Ruby is the only one to fight against it. Her mother in time, becomes like stranger to her, losing all sensibility, all desire to protect or assert herself. This demeanour is ‘replaced by a kind of indifference and the same unblinking gaze she saw on many of the saints’ faces.’

Suicides with messages attached to the victims and an abandoned baby brings Police Constable Hodge inside the community to question Pastor Peters. His slippery answers show a lot about his character. Also, the fervour of his declaration that he is leading his flock to redemption fills the Constable with dread. This man who has written his own narrative and of those around him, is someone with ‘absolute control over the way the story’ ends. He ‘could justify almost anything and would always be able to shape things to fit his own purposes.’ The Constable is very perceptive and knows this makes Peters a very dangerous man.

So many things that happen in this story have scientific or medical explanations but are interpreted as some handiwork of the Pastor, like the Solar storm seen by many inside the community. And as Ruby discovers also seen by others across the world. Pastor Peters, like many cult leaders, want their followers to believe they have some supernatural powers as it gives them more control when people have faith in them. So sad, this blind trust.

This novel is about so many things related to cults, spiritual seduction and blindness. It is a real study in human behaviour that includes betrayal and false justification to defend those actions. In an environment such as this, that puts itself outside the law, people begin to lose a sense of right and wrong. And as Ruby confesses to her friend, ‘This place is full of shadows.’ Leading to frightening truths, shocking secrets, mysterious happenings and plenty of on the edge of your seat action in the lead up to the finale.

But…I am glad to report, there is a happy ending and light re-enters the once darkened scene. I will say no more but if you dare to enter this realm, it will pierce your heart and awaken your spirit. The Taking of Irene Hart covers a difficult subject matter but the author handles it well and makes you appreciate your freedom. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for a review copy.