Kate Gale Recounts Leaving a ‘Religious Cult’ in SJP Lit Memoir “Little Soldiers” — See the Cover (Exclusive)

**Memoir ‘Little Soldiers’ Set to Offer Insight into Author’s Challenging Upbringing**

In an upcoming memoir, author and publisher Kate Gale candidly reflects on her formative years spent within a rigid “intentional community” in rural New Hampshire. The book, titled *Little Soldiers: Escaping an Evangelical Cult*, will be the inaugural nonfiction release from SJP Lit, the book imprint established by actress and producer Sarah Jessica Parker.

Due for publication on March 2, 2024, *Little Soldiers* aims to shed light on Gale’s tumultuous experiences growing up in a setting marked by strict religious beliefs and harsh living conditions. According to the synopsis, much of Gale’s childhood was spent in a community that instilled a belief in an impending apocalypse, which led its members to prepare for what they termed “the Rapture.” This extraordinary upbringing started when Gale was just four years old, as she moved with her mother into the community and remained there for the next 14 years.

The memoir details not only the physical hardships Gale faced—including abuse, neglect, and a lack of education—but also highlights her resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. As members of the community engaged in unsettling practices, including building boats to survive their anticipated end times, Gale managed to find solace and escape through literature that had been taken from new arrivals. This connection to the written word became a crucial lifeline for her.

Gale’s narrative is presented through what she describes as “visceral flashes and shards of memory,” capturing both her painful past and her eventual liberation from it. Within the pages of *Little Soldiers*, she offers insights into her journey of self-discovery and her formidable determination to forge a path for herself outside the confines of her childhood environment. The memoir also recounts Gale’s later successes as the founder of Red Hen Press and her commitment to nurturing emerging writers.

Sarah Jessica Parker has expressed her admiration for Gale’s story, praising her ability to articulate her past with both beauty and vulnerability. Parker noted that though the memoir’s themes may delve into dark corners, they are infused with moments of humour that resonate with readers. “Kate reconstructs her past with breathtaking lyricism and heartfelt vulnerability,” Parker stated, adding that the narrative serves as both a reclamation of the past and a portrayal of one woman’s courageous journey toward freedom.

As the first nonfiction offering under SJP Lit, *Little Soldiers* adds to the imprint’s growing collection of compelling narratives. This venture was established in 2022 and has previously published fictional works such as *Room 706* by Ellie Levenson and *I Am You* by Victoria Redel. Parker has emphasised her goal of uplifting diverse stories and voices within the literary community through her publishing efforts.

Kate Gale is not unfamiliar with the literary world, having authored seven poetry collections, including *The Goldilocks Zone* and *The Loneliest Girl*. She is also set to release her debut novel, *Under a Neon Sun*, in 2024. With *Little Soldiers*, Gale’s personal story promises to resonate deeply with those who have encountered struggles within their own lives, providing a testament to the power of literature as a vehicle for liberation.

*Little Soldiers: Escaping an Evangelical Cult* is now available for pre-order across various bookselling platforms. As anticipation builds for its release, readers are encouraged to immerse themselves in this vivid account of resilience, imagination, and the transformative impact of storytelling.

For those seeking their next literary adventure, Gale’s memoir is poised to be an essential addition to any reading list, offering poignant reflections on identity, escape, and the ability to rise above one’s circumstances.