Stolen Innocence: The Jan Broberg Story (2024)

This book is insane... I read the whole thinking "red flag red flag." I've never seen people as blind as this. Wow. Come on people, pull your head out.

The purpose and ultimate downfall of this book can be found simply in the first sentence of its description: "How does a mother cope when her twelve-year-old is suddenly abducted?" The tagline is "The Jan Broberg Story," and yet the first line isn't even about her: it is about her mother. Throughout the story, Mary Ann inserts herself needlessly into the story, making herself look concerned and as if she is doing her best. But she made countless unbelievable mistakes that ultimately scarred her daughter for life in ways she will never be able to understand no matter how much she tries to twist the narrative into being about her own pain as a mother.

A Netflix documentary recently came out about this case that interviews the family. Many details of the book do not match those of the documentary, and several accounts from the documentary are omitted entirely from the book. Several incriminating details of their incompetence are left out, further painting the narrative of the mother as a hopeless victim and denying her own culpability. Yes, it is horrible that this happened to her, but it cannot be denied that her daughter suffered immensely and unnecessarily when her mother could have intervened.

Mary Ann admits that writing this book was therapeutic, an idea she got when researching how to cope with the trauma. I'm sure that it was instrumental in her learning to move on, but as a publication it seems self-indulgent and written by an extremely unreliable narrator who does her best to leave out the many, many details that show her true incompetence.

This book was suspended from publication after Robert Berchtold contested it in court, meaning it is nearly impossible to get your hands on a copy (I personally read it on The Internet Archive). While I do believe the narrative and that he has no right to privacy and deserves everything he gets in life (and now death), frankly, the book itself is simply not good. It provides deeper insight into the kidnappings than the documentary does, but at the end of the day I find this story incomplete and a mother's attempt to cope with her terrible decisions by omitting the details of her failures.

Also, it is very poorly edited, with glaring spelling and grammar mistakes throughout.

Mary Ann states repeatedly her desire to inspire hope in the hearts of victims of tragedies, but I find it hard to find comfort in a young girl's trauma being completely untreated. It is truly a miracle that this girl grew up to be at all socially developed and lead any type of normal life. And while I am amazed and happy for her, I do not find hope or comfort in this. Yes, it is important to recognize that life goes on. But the pain and trauma that she had to endure while her parents did absolutely nothing to help her is unforgivable. They admit to much more active participation in his abuse in the documentary that is completely omitted from the book, such as allowing him to spend the night in her room. How can someone do this? How can parents allow this to happen to their daughter? A child's ability to survive these brutal circ*mstances is certainly remarkable, but her family's complete disregard for her safety hardly inspires hope. This book left me angry and unsatisfied. No justice is received. All we can hope is for Jan to live her life in happiness. While she may be able to remove Berchtold from her life after his death, I do not understand how she could ever forgive her parents for their reckless and selfish actions.

The best, or possibly only good, part of this book is the foreword and epilogue written by Judge Charles Gill, an advocate for the rights of children who spends his pages methodically going through each mistake the parents made (at least, those that were discussed in the book; the documentary revealed many more that were conveniently left out of this version of the story). His perspective is refreshing when juxtaposed with the author's denial and exploitative rhetoric.

That said, I did finish it rather quickly. Hate-reading is a hell of a page turner. The details of the case are simply fascinating (albeit disturbing). But this simply is not the format to receive them in. I would recommend Netflix's Abducted In Plain Sight, or looking for a more objective account of the story.

This book was good, but as a mother myself it was the craziest story I've ever heard and at times I was just speechless at the stupidity of this girl's parents. I can understand how a little girl can be manipulated and made to believe things that a trusted family friend who she calls "uncle" tells her, but this child is taken away by this "uncle" and the parents don't call the police. Are you kidding? Granted, it was the 1970s and the world was a different place, but COME ON. I almost stopped reading it when she was taken a SECOND TIME by this man. Seriously? It just made me crazy to read it!

I heard Jan Broberg tell her horrific story at a Women's Conference. She was abducted as a child by a family friend...and then brainwashed. An unbelievably bizarre and awful experience. If you have daughters...this is a must read as, like Elizabeth Smart, it can happen to anyone. As if this wasn't bad enough...her abductor showed up at the conference (outside) and nearly ran over one of the men that was there to protect her (I watched it all happen - the man was plastered on the hood of the abductor's van)!! I hope he's now residing in as cold, dark, and scary a prison as he held her in (mentally and physically).

DO NOT buy this book. This the mother's story -- and it is just her seeking fame. The parents were not "naive" or "ignorant" -- they were culpable. Both the mom and the dad had sexual relationships with the pedophile. They sacrificed their 9 year old child to get what they wanted. People keep saying "it was a different time" -- I am the same age as Jan, and even then -- married men knew not to have sex with other men, and married women knew not to have sex with other men. The parents weren't "groomed" -- adults aren't groomed. They were seduced, maybe. But they went into it as adults, knowing exactly what they were doing. And now -- Mary Ann is profiting off her daughter's suffering and pain. She isn't helping anyone -- but herself. Don't buy into her garbage. She is a garbage person.

As others have stated, the decisions made by the parents seem insane in our world today, but the early 70s was a different time, and there was little awareness or understanding of pedophiles like Berchtold--these parents had never even heard the term! Priests had not been discovered as abusers of children yet either. Children weren't under the constant watch of their "helicopter" parents. I got the book at a film festival screening of the documentary film about Jan's abduction, "Forever 'B.'" It reveals even more about the two families and is worth a watch. Because I saw the film before I read the book, I was prepared for the incomprehensible (now) actions, or at times, inactions, of the parents. I remember wanting to scream at them on the screen-"Wake up and do something to protect your daughter!"

Very important book. The story of a twelve year old girl kidnapped and abused by a family friend. Her mother writes this story that gives an awareness to abuse, and shares mistakes made, hopefully to help others. This occurred in the 1970's and truly innocence to this crime contributed to mistakes made. We read this book for a book club, and were honored to have MaryAnn and Jan in attendance. Thanks to this family for sharing their experiences.

This book made me really angry! It’s very triggering how stupid and blind they all were.

I read this after watching Abducted in Plain Sight on Netflix. It has more details in some areas and less in others. This book reveals so much about sexual abuse and perpetrators—it's validating for those who have suffered sexual abuse and all of the psychological and emotional trauma that goes along with it, and provides valuable insight for those with children to protect. (Warning: though she doesn't go into much detail about the actual sexual abuse, this book has plenty of triggers.)
It's sad to me that so many people are attacking the parents for all the mistakes they made. I agree, they made a ton of them and missed all the red flags—but they didn't have the information we have now, and even today with more information, these kinds of things are still happening. I think it's amazing that despite all of the criticism they received (and continue to receive), they still chose to tell their story honestly, mistakes and all, so that the rest of us can learn from them. That takes a lot of courage and humility and should be applauded rather than shamed.
Like the judge says in the afterword of the book, they did just about everything wrong, but they also did something really right—they gave their daughter love and stability, and that's what made the difference and allowed her to heal.

It's been awhile since I've hate-read my way through a book, but I sure did with this one. I finally got around to watching the very effed up "Abducted in Plain Sight" doc on Netflix recently, and thought maybe this book would have more light to shed on how this family allowed all this to happen. Instead, it reads like the diary of a narcissistic mother (seriously, Mary Ann, it's called the JAN Broberg Story), who was either incredibly naive and/or incredibly stupid. I noticed she leaves a lot out of the book that paints her in an even worse light, but was very open about all the dirty details on the documentary. I guess because it wasn't just the Mary Ann Show that this book is?

I'm glad Jan made it through everything mostly intact, because she certainly had no support system at home before or after she met B. Her parents were oblivious, and then became complicit.
UGH.

Δεδομένου ότι είναι γραμμένο από τη μητέρα του θύματος, μοιάζει να επικεντρώνεται περισσότερο στα δικά της συναισθήματα και στη δική της οπτική των πραγμάτων, προσπαθώντας ν' αφαιρέσει σημαντικό βάρος ευθυνών από τις πλάτες τις δικές της και του συζύγου της. Πραγματικά, είναι μια "ενδιαφέρουσα" ιστορία, αλλά δεν παύει να είναι εξαιρετικά ενοχλητικό και αποτρόπαιο το πως χειρίστηκαν οι γονείς όλη την κατάσταση από την αρχή, αλλά και το πως προσπαθούν να ρίξουν όλο το βάρος στη χειραγώγηση του δράστη και ν' αποποιηθούν τη δική τους ηλιθιότητα. Το σχετικό ντοκιμαντέρ είναι πολύ πιο ολοκληρωμένο και ειλικρινές -όσο παράλογη κι αν φαντάζει όλη η ιστορία, ειδικά στα μάτια κάποιου που έχει και ο ίδιος παιδί και επ' ουδενί δεν θα έκανε τόσο τρομακτικά λάθη.

Oh my lanta. I read and watch a lot of true crime but this was a whole different level, I had to put it down several times because it was so hard to read. That being said it is a powerful story that needs to be told. Gave it 4 stars because the writing quality is not the greatest, written by the mother not a professional writer.

This is a true story about a local woman in St. George (Jan Broberg-Felt) who was abducted and manipulated by a terrible man (who was a close friend of the family)from the time she was 12 to 16 while living in Idaho in the '70s.

I have seen Jan in local musical productions and have always admired her remarkable talent, I had no idea she has suffered something so horrible. In the book, you hear details from her mother and Jan herself about how something so terrible happened. They were so native that this evil man took advantage of them and played on every emotion.

It's an important read for parents to further protect your children and never to be too trusting or too careful. It's also important to read about the strength of the human spirit. That she could endure something so crippling and rise above it to be a loving, successful woman full of faith and goodness is astounding.

The actual writing was a bit choppy, perhaps it could have flowed a bit better but it's unbelievably courageous of her mother to write. Throughout the book I was so shocked at her parents being so trusting and blinded. The '70s was a different time without the information we have about abuse of all kinds so I didn't want to judge them but the fact that the mother was frank about the mistakes and misjudgements they made was moving.

I was moved too by how the family pulled together and survived such an ordeal. I looked up the sicko (not convicted by the way-read the book for details) and found that he thankfully died a few years ago. I read on the goodreads forum that it was rumored to be a suicide. I'm sure he's getting the justice in the next life that he didn't have here. Good riddance...

This is a long review but a powerful read.

At times I was dumbfounded at how unbelievable this story is, and how utterly stupid this family was to allow this to happen. After completing the book, I realized that it does take place in the 70's, in a place where people are often much more gullible and naive than in other places. I came to the conclusion that it's a good lesson for people to learn about trusting others and discounting the unthinkable. I'm allowing my teenage daughter to read it, after much thought and consideration, because of the lesson it provides; that of the importance for every child to be able to talk to their parents about ANYTHING! No matter how ridiculous it may seem.

I think this was a great book. It shows everything that a family can do wrong when a child goes missing. It shows what the 1970’s what like when it came to assault and pedophiles. It also tells a story of how, even through all that went wrong, a family’s love can heal all.

Eye opening story that needs to be shared! So much has changed since this time that we’re all not quite as naive but still more awareness needs to be brought to these kind of things. 3 out of 4 kids will be sexually abused in their lifetime. Most likely by someone they know. Take the needed precautions to protect your kids! And keep an open line of communication so if something does happen you’ll know. I met Jan and her dad at my work and was blown away by their story. Such an incredible family!

I picked up this book after watching the documentary, Abducted in Plain Sight. I had to buy the book on Amazon, as my local library did not carry it. I don't usually purchase books, but I was curious after seeing the documentary. I should note that the book was written years prior to the release of the documentary. The book isn't as candid about what actually happened as the documentary is, and seemed more like it was used to justify the ignorant parents actions. Perhaps the mother decided her book didn't get enough attention or sell enough copies so they decided to go more sensational in the documentary. It seemed to me that not one single adult in poor little Jan Broberg's life had her best interests at heart. I don't care if this happened in 1974, these parents actions are unconscionable. They were self absorbed, ignorant dumbasses who cared more about getting their jollies off with their daughters abductor than what happened to their daughter. Don't waste your money on this book or give any more profit to this attention seeking mother.

This is the true story about a young girl who is kidnapped by a family friend. The man psychologically manipulates her for years after the event as she feels a dependence on him. This is a true story, which makes it all the more powerful and so sad, and it's written by both the girl and the mother, showing both of their thoughts and feelings as events occurred. The writing was hard for me, it reads choppy and contradictory sometimes, I wish they had hired a really good editor or even a ghostwriter to blend the words and keep the story smooth, it would have made for easier reading. But the story is great, and a good reminder of why adults--even the ones we trust--should never have access to our children. I was very grateful for the chance to see Jan as a grown woman, she's an actress I had seen in several LDS films, and it let us know that she's okay, she's not 'stuck' in this experience. Had they not told us this I'd have wondered.

An inspiring story of family strength and healing, and an eye-opening story about the naivete of American families and law enforcement about kidnapping in our not-too-distant past. I think the most important parts of the book are the foreword and afterword in which the judge straightforwardly addresses the way the Brobergs, a loving, religious, perfect family, did absolutely everything wrong in handling their daughter's multiple kidnappings and brainwashing. Mary Ann is also self-aware enough to point out where she and her husband naively and trustingly made choices and took actions (or lack of) that failed to help their victim daughter. This memoir was a good reminder to better educate yourself to keep your children safe not only from strangers but from those close to us.

Amazing story. I met the author and discussed her life with her. I cannot believe that everything in this book actually REALLY happened to her. This book makes me thankful that the topic of child molestation is so much more talked about today than 30 years ago. As mothers today, we know much more of how to protect our children than the mothers of the past. We are more aware of the dangers, and we know that when we see a red flag, and something doesn't feel right, we SHOULD NOT IGNORE IT! I always err on the side of my children's safety. I wish Jan's mother could have felt more empowered to do the same. You live; You learn.

Jan's story is incredible. She was kidnapped twice as a teenager by the same man who only spent a few days in jail for it. He brainwashed her, took her abroad, and made her hate her own family. This story will make you want to rip your own hair out at the innocence of the 1970s and make you wonder how on earth this man got away with it.

Garbage book from a horrible mother trying to monetize decades of disgusting choices and behavior. Who tries to make money on this crap? The Broberg parents exhibit just as much mental illness as the predator and they want money out of it. Sick, sick people.

The poorly written selectively edited chronicles of the most incompetent parents to ever exist. The fact that the lady makes no mention of the stuff they did sexually with the guy is too big of an omission for me to take this book seriously.

Infuriating on many levels for many reasons. Especially as someone who is a mother and would never allow my daughter to spend any alone time with a non family member that was male. That just seems an absolute given.

This story is disturbing in many ways.

i kinda like it but made me mad with so many thing parents did wrong

This book was heartbreaking, but it was truly eye-opening to what so many people face behind closed doors. The public needs to be more aware of how conniving and manipulative pedophiles are or can be. If something doesn't feel right, follow your gut unless you are proven wrong. We need to always err on the side of the child. This woman is so brave to open up about her past & let the world know just how easy it can be to be tricked int a false sense of safety when it comes to trusting our 'friends'. We must be more diligent in watching for signs of things not being just right, and I am glad that things are more out in the open now. Parents need to make sure their children know it is okay to say no to things, even with people they know, and they can always be open with them. I believe everyone should read this book; especially, parents.

This book is a heart wrenching, jaw dropping, confusing, and empowering book. The story is told from the mother’s perspective about the horrific kidnapping of their daughter and all the circ*mstances and events that went along with all of it. The events that transpired are hard to read and fathom but are necessary for all parents to read in hopes of preventing these events from happening to their children. What makes this book empowering is that readers can get first hand experience of common tactics of sexual predators that they can look out for in their own circles. They have a documentary on Netflix called Abducted in Plain Sight that provides more insight.

It's almost unbelievable how a man could brainwash a young girl and keep her from telling her parents or anyone else about the sexual abuse that she experienced for a three to four year period. This man was the most manipulative criminal I've ever read about. And what's really sad is not only the trauma that he caused the girl and her family, but that he was never really punished for his egregious crimes. This book was hard to put down and a very fast read.

While the story is horrifying, the stupidity of the parents, police, counselors, the justice system and all involved are beyond belief. How these parents could be so naive and continue to behave this way is beyond my comprehension. Ad while I understand that religion tells you to forgive, there are some things that are just too heinous to ignore and to "turn the other cheek". The perpetrator certainly knew how to play the system and did so cunningly.