A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy

Tia Levings was recruited into the fundamentalist Quiverfull movement as a young wife and taught that being a good Christian meant following strict, secret rules. In Christian Patriarchy, she learned that godly wives must be silent and submissive, confined to the home, subject to strict discipline and isolation. To outsiders, her family appeared normal, but Levings could not risk exposing their hidden lifestyle to authorities or anyone outside their church. For years, Levings endured abuse while hiding in plain sight. When she realized her children risked becoming the next generation of patriarchal men and submissive women, she began to question their way of life. In the patriarchy, however, a woman with opinions faces danger. Levings eventually confronted an urgent choice: remain and face severe consequences, or escape with her children. This memoir recounts Levings's journey to save herself and her family, exploring how extreme ideologies can shape a marriage and family life.