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silverfronds's review against another edition
4.0
As much as I sometimes felt this went on a bit TOO much about the history of the founding of Mormonism, and lacked some content I wanted about the modern part of the story (What happened to the other brothers after the murders, especially Allen?), I can't deny that I came away with a much better understanding of the religion and the culture surrounding it. As always from this author, a thoroughly-researched and accessible presentation of a lot of information, told in a very compelling way. Although the book ends at the very beginning of the Warren Jeffs era (so nothing more modern than the early 2000s is mentioned here), I would say it's a must read for anyone even slightly interested in Mormonism, especially fundamentalist Mormon sects.
trudy1963's review against another edition
3.0
It was interesting. Although there is a story within the book, it is primarily a history book. The author does a good job of explaining the history and how it affected the actions of the current day story.
lmsokol18's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
fast-paced
5.0
Fascinating book that tells the story of the Lafferty murders and Mormon fundamentalism alongside the history of the Mormon religion. This book is enraging and devastating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Sexual assault, Child death, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexual violence, Blood, and Child abuse
meghancrack's review against another edition
2.0
interesting, depressing, too much information (repetitive).
tdem122's review
4.0
[1st read from 11/4/2022 to 18/4/2022] — 4.25⭐️
— “but some things in life are more important than being happy. like being free to think for yourself.”
absolutely fascinating and so very well written!
krakauer brilliantly explains & picks apart the many aspects of fundamental mormonism (including its history and separation from the original lds church) throughout one of the united states’ most controversial murder cases of the past 50 years.
truly a must read, so excited for the tv adaptation!!
— “but some things in life are more important than being happy. like being free to think for yourself.”
absolutely fascinating and so very well written!
krakauer brilliantly explains & picks apart the many aspects of fundamental mormonism (including its history and separation from the original lds church) throughout one of the united states’ most controversial murder cases of the past 50 years.
truly a must read, so excited for the tv adaptation!!
brikrush's review against another edition
3.0
I think I’m chasing the high of Into Thin Air, but the rest of JK’s books aren’t doing it for me. honestly a bit of a slog.