Unorthodox

In 'Unorthodox', Deborah Feldman recounts her childhood and teenage years within the strictly regulated Satmar sect of Hasidic Judaism.

Raised by her grandparents and aunt due to her mother's departure and her father's cognitive disability, Feldman grew up under stringent customs that governed every aspect of her life.

Despite the repressive environment, she developed an independent mindset, influenced by secret readings of literature by authors like Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott.

The book chronicles her journey from a forced marriage at 17 to her eventual escape from the community, highlighting the psychological, financial, and intellectual control exerted over young women in such sects.