The Truth Shall Set You Free: A Memoir

By Sally Lowe Whitehead

Book Overview

Introducing a stunning new voice in literary memoir. Sally Lowe Whitehead tells a poignant, compelling true story of her family's involvement in Christian fundamentalism, and the shocking discoveryafter 20 years of marriage and six sonsthat her husband is gay. A moving portrait of freedom and love discovered beyond the walls of spiritual and personal repression.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062513931
• ISBN13: 9780062513939
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Harper San Francisco
• Length: 261 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

The Compelling Account of a Journey Toward Wholeness

In a work of rare honesty and compassion, Sally Lowe Whitehead shares her heart with the reader. While focusing on the painful reality of discovering that her husband and the father of her children is gay, this work deals with much more. It is an honest and sometimes painful account of the author's coming to terms with a Church that is often unforgiving and unloving. Whitehead's journey toward faith and forgiveness is both moving and challenging to the reader. It is impossible to read her words and not re-evaluate one's own ideas and prejudices. The Truth Shall Set You Free is a work that is not only honest in its presentation, it is one that encourages the reader to equal honesty.

Christian Spirituality & Homosexuality - Not a Contradiction

Although the book explores her husband's journey toward reconciling his faith and his sexuality, it truly explores the myths and realities of faith in the context of sexuality in general. A refreshing memoir about one family's maturing into authentic Christian faith, "The Truth Shall Set You Free" demonstrates that "real" Christians and "gay" Christians can come together in the reality of life and faith to develop close, intimate friendships that strengthen the faith of each.

Enlightening read for someone from the Bible belt

This book was engrossing as I felt the struggle of this couple dealing with being a married couple in the south with one partner being gay. It led to me read Mel White's book STRANGER AT THE GATE: TO BE GAY AND CHRISTIAN IN AMERICA. Both of these books take the reader into the heart of their struggle with the Christian church. And both reveal true healing and connection with the church.

Captivating, heart-wrenching and heartwarming!

I believe that this book will minister to other couples who are going through a similar experience (where one of the partners is gay)... they will see that there is HOPE! Also this family's spiritual journey before, during and after "fundamentalism" was fascinating and will lead one to understand that God is a lot bigger and merciful than we may think! As a gay man, who is a non-custodial father of three children, I was captivated by this book and literally read it in about 3-4 sittings! It is great!!!

Richly detailed and painfully honest journal of a woman.

I read Sally Whitehead's book with keen interest because my wife and I are in it! I have known Sally for...how many years??? Her book is an honest look at some painful experiences, from which Sally grew as a human being and brought hope and renewed life to her family and friends. I am supportive of this book for many personal reasons, but I can also highly recommend it because it will speak to many people who have similar journeys