Cult Insanity

A Memoir of Polygamy, Prophets, and Blood Atonement

By: Irene Spencer

Narrated by: Laural Merlington

Life for Irene Spencer was a series of devastating disappointments and hardships. Irene's first book, Shattered Dreams, is the staggering chronicle of her struggle to provide for her children in abject poverty and feelings of abandonment each time her husband left to be with one of his other wives. Irene was raised to believe that polygamy was the way of life necessary for her ticket to heaven. The hard knocks of her environment were just the beginning of Irene's shocking tale.

In Cult Insanity, Spencer reveals the outrageous behavior of her brother-in-law Ervil---a self-proclaimed prophet who determined he was called to set the house of God in order---and how he terrorized their colony. Claiming to be God's avenger and to have a license to kill in the name of God, Ervil ordered the murders of friends and family members, eliminating all those who challenged his authority. Cult Insanity is a riveting, terrifying memoir of polygamist life under the tyranny of a madman.

©2009 Irene Spencer (P)2009 Tantor

Why do they do it?

I read these books because I am continually amazed at how these seemingly intelligent people buy in to these wacko cults. In writing these books, it begs the question as to whether they are really completely normal now; how can they be? A good study in abnormal psychology, I guess.

Narrator problems

The narrator mispronounces many names common to Mormon culture. The writing also is somewhat repetitive in places, and keeps referencing another book written by this author, as though reading footnotes, which is strange. That being said, it’s a fascinating and tragic history of the LeBarons.

Couldn’t stop listening

I’ve been reading all the LaBaron story books….they are all so captivating. The stories are wild and to know what some of these people went through during a religious culture……it’s eye opening. The only thing that bothered me was the narrator pronouncing “Chenoweth” as “Shenoff” when other books pronounced it “Chenowith”.

The utter chaos

The story was decent, a little hard to follow in a couple spots. I had to rewind and make sure I knew who we were talking about.

The narrator pronounced Moroni, Deseret News and Zion incorrectly, there may have been some others but it distracted from the reading.

Buckle up or find something else

I did listen to this entire book, but it was hard. I nearly abandoned it several times, in fact. This isn't because it wasn't interesting or well-told, and the performance was fine, if a bit stiff at times. The problem for me was how horrific Spencer's account is. It is a constant onslaught of abuse, blasphemy, scripture-twisting, doctrinal heresies, murder, misery, lies, trauma, betrayals, and so on--just evil after evil. I do think Spencer was right to bring it all into the light, to expose it and allow the public to understand it from the inside; however, it is not for the faint of heart. What I don't understand is why she didn't try to escape at some point, but then, I've never been caught up in a cult. If you want to understand it, then take the time to listen to this book, but don't do it for fun. There is none to be had.

A must read!

Any additional comments?

I didn't think this sequel was quite as enticing as the first but I would highly recommend them both! Irene seems to be an amazing lady that has conquered and acquired much throughout her life and her story needs to be shared. This series really opened my eyes to Polygamy. I am LDS and these books gave me an interesting perspective as to how their religion differed from ours and I am so glad that I read them!

Not as goon as Shatter Dreams, but still good!

What made the experience of listening to Cult Insanity the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the narration. Listened to her read the first book & I enjoyed her voice & inflexion in reading. It never ceases to amaze me that perfectly "sane" people could believe in this movement & follow these prophets & beliefs.

What does Laural Merlington bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I can listen much easier than reading (when I fall asleep).

Not as good as the First

I really wanted to enjoy Irene Spencer's second book; couldn't wait for it to be released. I have to admit, upon completion, that I found it difficult to follow. There were simply too many names and it jumped around too much and then it just dropped at the end. I was, I regret to say, disappointed. This woman has led an incredible life and her first book, "Shattered Dreams," was a treat to listen to. I would have preferred her to share more of her first-hand experiences than quoting other books as much as she did. I would recommend "Cult Insanity" only to die-hard fans of anything to do with Mormon Polygamy.

A First Hand Account

I am really into books about cults, especially mormon polygamy, and this was one of the best ones I have read in a while. I loved Shattered Dreams, so it was no surprise that I added this book to my wishlist. I read a few of the reviews that say this book is not as good as Irene Spencer's other book but I disagree. This book focuses more on the individual events that went on in Irene Spencer's life, rather than it being a broad account of her life. This book is an excellent lead into other accounts of the Labaron family like Ana Labaron's book or Ruth Warner's. If you really love books about mormon polygamy, this helps to fill in gaps in other stories that have been told. Over all, excellent read, and very good information.

irene you wete a very strong woman may you now RIP

this story was ok but Irenes first book was much better im looking forward to hearing the 4 oclick murders!