My Hutterite Life

Lisa Marie Stahl grew up in a Hutterite Colony in Montana. As a teenager, she submitted newspaper columns to the Great Falls Tribune which described life in the Anabaptist group. This book is a collection of the articles.

The author does an excellent job of inviting the reader into an understanding the values and habits of her people. She talks about the three groups of Hutterites and how they differ from each other but, at the same time, share a common idea about separating themselves from mainstream North America.

Ms. Stahl writes about daily life on the colony which includes task assignment and completion. She clearly describes how activities such as farming, sewing and meal preparation are done. Besides this, she outlines all of the special occasions that the Hutterite people share and enjoy. Christmas, for example, has very strong traditions and the author talks about how preparations are made for these.

It is interesting to not only learn about the procedures and requirements surrounding marriage but also to read about the author's own wedding plans. She mixes her excitement for the upcoming ceremony a move to another colony with a detailed description of the protocol required.

Even though Ms. Stahl's columns were very welcome by readers and her new husband was supportive of her writing, she surprised everyone by stating that she would not continue with her column as she wanted to focus on her new role.

If you are interested in learning more about the Hutterite people this book is for you! If you are not interested, reading the book will change that perspective!

"My Hutterite Life" offers a positive window into a world that most of us know very little about.