Review: The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly is a contemporary YA novel by Stephanie Oakes based on the Grimm fairytale The Handless Maiden and was published a few years ago. Minnow Bly is living in a religious commune in the woods with her family under the faithful guidance of their Prophet. Yep, you guessed it, it's a cult novel; or should that be a novel set in (or about) a cult? 

The Kevinian inhabitants of 'the Community' have forsaken their old lives but Minnow doesn't believe the ways of the Prophet and is desperate to escape him at any cost.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly is told in first person narrative while Minnow is incarcerated in juvenile detention and covers themes of love, faith, coming-of-age, crime, repentance and hope.

I'll admit, the cover art is what first drew me to this book although the meaning of the title continues to elude me. I don't recall m/any significant or sacred lies in the story, but it's possible I missed them. I wouldn't call her story lies, rather a slow unfolding of what happened at the commune that led to Minnow being incarcerated.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly is an enjoyable contemporary YA read, and it was good to tackle something a little different for a change. I hope you do the same from time to time.

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!