BIOGRAPHY
Kia ora,
My name is Theo, and I am a cult survivor. Nine years ago, I was forced to leave Gloriavale.
At 18, having been utterly sheltered from the outside world and with no knowledge of how society operated, I was cast out of the community, dropped at a bus stop, and left to fend for myself.
This is my story.
My intention in writing this book is not only to give my own story a voice but also to help others who have lived in controlled environments feel seen and relate to what I experienced throughout my childhood and teenage years.
I also want to inspire others—no matter their age or ethnicity—to find a way to be seen, heard, and acknowledged through whichever means they choose to share their story.
I am now a qualified occupational therapist and own my home in Auckland, New Zealand.
By telling my story, I aim to unveil the secrets of the community and empower other survivors to break free from the cycle of abuse.
My journey was featured in the recently aired TVNZ documentary Escaping Utopia, in which I travelled to India to meet my sister Precious, who resides in the Gloriavale community there.
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IN THE PRESS
Having been taught as a child to be meek, agreeable and unopinionated, Theo's bravery, strength and intelligence blaze across the page as she tells the story of her life both inside and outside the isolated ‘Christian’ community of Gloriavale. Imbued with her passion for change, her ability to find humour in the worst of times and her empathy for those still in the community’s grip,
a highly recommended read.
Theo's book is many things: Revealing, heartbreaking and often shocking. But it is also an inspiring story of a brave and resilient young women who is putting her past behind her and moving on with a new and fulfilling life.
Judy Bailey, News Presenter
Nicola McCloy, Editor
