Reviews with content warning for Gun violence - Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

This isn't necessarily so much of a true crime book as it is a history of an American-grown religion, the Mormon Church. A violent history.

Perhaps it would've been better reading it physically rather than an audiobook, as there were times where I zoned out and missed what was said. But I found the in-depth rundown of the history of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Mormonism and the FLDS church pretty fascinating.

And while I've always been aware of violence within the history of nearly every religion, my goodness is the history of Mormonism littered with horrid acts of extreme violence. Be aware that this violence included the sexual assault of and sexual violence against children.

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hallieknipp's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

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samarakroeger's review

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challenging dark informative slow-paced

4.75

read in conjunction with watching the show as it came out. It was interesting to see how the book was adapted to be told in a different format - and I’m glad they did adapt the narrative frame to suit the media style. The book includes a much more detailed history of the LDS Church than the show can cover, so I’m glad I read the book at the same time for context. The show’s “flashbacks” were not nearly as effective as the rest of the show, in my opinion.

I am absolutely terrified of true crime and had previously read the prologue and been so freaked out I set the book aside. I’m so glad I came back to it because most of the book isn’t directly about that horrific double murder case, but instead dives into the history of the founding of the LDS Church and more recent history pertaining to Fundamentalist sects and their devotion to polygamy. All of it will make you uneasy, because violence, pedophilia, and child rape are difficult topics to read about.

I think this is Krakauer at his best. He is a very consistently solid author for me throughout the four books of his I’ve read so far.

If you are fascinated by how people can possibly believe in ludicrous-sounding religions, this is a great book for you. My fascination and curiosity with the LDS Church has been further nurtured by this book.

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jonezzzing's review against another edition

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4.0

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apworden's review against another edition

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4.5

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devinmzt's review against another edition

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dark informative medium-paced

3.0

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lily1304's review against another edition

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dark informative reflective sad slow-paced

3.25

I definitely learned a lot about the history of Mormonism - although I'm curious how a Mormon would tell the story differently, since Krakauer's version is unflattering to say the least. There's some true crime drama.

I was really interested in a section about the insanity defense for one of the murderers - Krakauer reflects on what separates a completely normal religious belief from a pathological delusion - in particular, the belief that one can talk to God. Here and in Into the Wild, I really admire Krakauer's ability to explore a true story as a parable about the peculiarities of American culture.

There were definitely slow sections that I skipped though, and Krakauer is so harsh on the wackiness of Mormon beliefs and history that I found myself feeling defensive and I'm not even Mormon. The LDS Church as a global institution has PLENTY of issues, but I assume that most Mormons don't really believe that the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants are literally true and binding, just like most Christians don't see the Bible that way. I think the reality that most Mormons are pretty normal people is not a factor in this book.

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