I'm not Esther

I'm not Esther by Fleur Beale

***** 5/5 stars  Non- Fiction

Kirby's mother, Ellen, has always told Kirby everything - except for one part of her life that she has kept buried for a very long time. Ellen has never told Kirby about her family and what happened before she ran away from them. However, Kirby finds out when her mother goes to help refugees in Africa, leaving Kirby with her uncle whom she has never met. Kirby's mom's side of the family are all part of a strict religion called The Children of the Faith. There are no televisions, radios, newspaper, storybooks, paintings, or mirrors. Even Kirby's name is changed. As time goes on, Kirby begins to question her own identity and seeks a way to be reunited with her mom.
What I really liked about this book was that Kirby didn't change throughout the whole book. She didn't end up liking to wear long skirts and sewing. She continued to act rebellious and continued to speak out when she didn't like a rule the Children of the Faith insisted that she had to follow. I could not put this book down until I had finished it. By New Zealand author, Fleur Beale, I'm not Esther is a must-read book.