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A review by jenbsbooks
My Story by Elizabeth Smart, Chris Stewart
3.0
I live in Utah, so while the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping made national news, it was close to home. I remember I was picking up my oldest from kindergarten when I heard on the news that she had been found. I've been vaguely aware of her life (public speaking, a mission, marriage, this book). I was in a thrift store when I saw the book, and grabbed it, and then checked out the audio and kindle copy (both readily available). I saw mixed reviews, so went in a little unsure of what to expect.
Overall ... not judging the experience, but the writing and presentation, it was just okay. I had several frustrations with the book:
Dialog: There was a lot of dialog. In a book presented as non-fiction, this is an issue for me. In other non-fiction books, there is usually an author's note stating that anything in quotes is taken from documented references. A clarification of what had been recorded (in writing/audio) and what was from memory/interviews, that memories could conflict. Here, it just seemed to be presented as fact, but while I'm sure the author has a general memory of things, I doubt she remembers all these conversations word for word. I'm sure this is meant to be understood, but it just came across as inauthentic. I'm honestly trying to remember dialog in other memoirs and biographies, if there was as much undocumented dialog as there was here.
Defensive Explaining: I'm sure the author and her family have had a lot of "why didn't ...??" questions asked, and I know I have had some cross my mind. This took it to the other extreme though, explaining and rationalizing (Why didn't Mary Katherine tell her parents sooner? Why didn't Elizabeth attempt to escape?) While I can see why it was included, there was so much of it.
Religion: Religion plays a big part, as BDM took Elizabeth as part of his "religious" zeal, feeling himself a prophet. While it's admirable that Elizabeth could keep her own faith ... I'll admit to feeling struggles with it all, God's plan, a loving God, miracles ... she sees a cup of water as a sign. If you are looking, you will see things, be able to explain away things, if that's what you want to believe.
Narration: Elizabeth narrated her own story. I do prefer that in memoirs (and author's notes in novels) ... and I've heard Elizabeth is an eloquent speaker. Here, it came across a little forced. Attempting to do some "voices" like a professional narration, without the same skill. Some odd inflection, almost laughter/lightness ... I didn't really feel emotion (which is understandable, needing to try to stay separated still). I probably wouldn't do any better reading my own (unexciting) life history, but I am used to wonderful narrators in audiobooks most of the time.
As with many of the new physical copies ... no Table of Contents. I do not understand this lack? 40 chapters with headings (in kindle/audio ... helpful in looking over and remembering what was in the different sections. To know where one is in the book, reference between formats). Prologue and Epilogue.
For a factual accounting of the events ... I wonder if I would appreciate a straight, 3rd person factual retelling (with Elizabeth quotes), more distanced, straight-forward. I'm not sorry I took the time to listen.
No proFanity. Rape mentioned many times, but nothing described in detail. Pornography/Drinking.
Overall ... not judging the experience, but the writing and presentation, it was just okay. I had several frustrations with the book:
Dialog: There was a lot of dialog. In a book presented as non-fiction, this is an issue for me. In other non-fiction books, there is usually an author's note stating that anything in quotes is taken from documented references. A clarification of what had been recorded (in writing/audio) and what was from memory/interviews, that memories could conflict. Here, it just seemed to be presented as fact, but while I'm sure the author has a general memory of things, I doubt she remembers all these conversations word for word. I'm sure this is meant to be understood, but it just came across as inauthentic. I'm honestly trying to remember dialog in other memoirs and biographies, if there was as much undocumented dialog as there was here.
Defensive Explaining: I'm sure the author and her family have had a lot of "why didn't ...??" questions asked, and I know I have had some cross my mind. This took it to the other extreme though, explaining and rationalizing (Why didn't Mary Katherine tell her parents sooner? Why didn't Elizabeth attempt to escape?) While I can see why it was included, there was so much of it.
Religion: Religion plays a big part, as BDM took Elizabeth as part of his "religious" zeal, feeling himself a prophet. While it's admirable that Elizabeth could keep her own faith ... I'll admit to feeling struggles with it all, God's plan, a loving God, miracles ... she sees a cup of water as a sign. If you are looking, you will see things, be able to explain away things, if that's what you want to believe.
Narration: Elizabeth narrated her own story. I do prefer that in memoirs (and author's notes in novels) ... and I've heard Elizabeth is an eloquent speaker. Here, it came across a little forced. Attempting to do some "voices" like a professional narration, without the same skill. Some odd inflection, almost laughter/lightness ... I didn't really feel emotion (which is understandable, needing to try to stay separated still). I probably wouldn't do any better reading my own (unexciting) life history, but I am used to wonderful narrators in audiobooks most of the time.
As with many of the new physical copies ... no Table of Contents. I do not understand this lack? 40 chapters with headings (in kindle/audio ... helpful in looking over and remembering what was in the different sections. To know where one is in the book, reference between formats). Prologue and Epilogue.
For a factual accounting of the events ... I wonder if I would appreciate a straight, 3rd person factual retelling (with Elizabeth quotes), more distanced, straight-forward. I'm not sorry I took the time to listen.
No proFanity. Rape mentioned many times, but nothing described in detail. Pornography/Drinking.