Beyond the Cabin

Beyond the Cabin by Jared Garrett is a novel based on true life events. A young teenaged boy searches for the meaning of family as he grows up in a religious cult where there are a number of children of several mothers and fathered by several men. The adults are called by their given names and come across as harsh and occasionally abusive. After a tragedy occurs, his focus turns to figuring out how fast he can get out and yet there begins a change in his relationships with the other children and even some of the adults. It is a poignant coming of age story. It is tragic and yet there is a beginning sense of self-actualization and purpose and a knowing of what a family could look like. The characters are portrayed realistically and their emotions are raw and relatable. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The book is narrated by Bill Nevitt and he does a great job telling the characters' story which makes for an enjoyable listening experience.