Many thanks to author Graham Higson for this fabulous review of my father's memoirs, Exclusive Pedigree: My life in and out of the Brethren.
A worthwhile read
By Graham Higson on 17 December 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
This is a tricky book for me to review. Why? Because it is unlike any other book I have ever read. Written by John Fear, and assembled and edited by his son Robert (of "Fred's Diary 1981" and "Travel Stories and Highlights 2017" fame), this memoir covers his life, having been born into a religious sect that became rather controlling and cult-like. And here is where the conflict lay – with a protective environment on one hand, and the influences of the unchartered outside world on the other.
His story is well-written, with an easy to read style, and shows how he broke away from the Exclusive Brethren, entering a more tolerable and comfortable brethren, then eventually working for the famous Billy Graham, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Cliff Richard, and becoming an experienced journalist and broadcaster working abroad.
The final chapters are personal. By this time I felt that this man had befriended me, telling me about himself, showing me his photos, sharing his private correspondence and family affairs, so much so that when he died I felt the loss personally
A worthwhile read
By Graham Higson on 17 December 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
This is a tricky book for me to review. Why? Because it is unlike any other book I have ever read. Written by John Fear, and assembled and edited by his son Robert (of "Fred's Diary 1981" and "Travel Stories and Highlights 2017" fame), this memoir covers his life, having been born into a religious sect that became rather controlling and cult-like. And here is where the conflict lay – with a protective environment on one hand, and the influences of the unchartered outside world on the other.
His story is well-written, with an easy to read style, and shows how he broke away from the Exclusive Brethren, entering a more tolerable and comfortable brethren, then eventually working for the famous Billy Graham, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Cliff Richard, and becoming an experienced journalist and broadcaster working abroad.
The final chapters are personal. By this time I felt that this man had befriended me, telling me about himself, showing me his photos, sharing his private correspondence and family affairs, so much so that when he died I felt the loss personally
