I was disturbed by the depiction of the Mennonites as physically violent and cruel people. Mennonites have become known as one of the historic peace churches because of their commitment to pacifism. I seems to me that it would have been more likely that a Mennonite family would have used non-violent means toward an errant family member rather than physical abuse. I wonder if this is not an example of prejudice toward a group that is different (Mennophobia? e.g. homophobia). The plot description originally described the Mennonites as "fundamentalists." They are not fundamentalist as this label is used pejoratively in modern times.