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andrewhall's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic novel about a Mormon family in Nauvoo, published in 1942. Sorensen excels at empathetically bringing her characters to life.
The main story is about Mercy Baker and her family, and how she is nearly destroyed by the introduction of polygamy. Mercy's love of her family and home, and then her mental and physical decline when she finds out her husband has married again, is achingly tragic.
But the novel is also populated with a great number of fascinating characters. I loved all of the little side stories, especially featuring her children. Menzo and the canoe, Becky and the kittens, Jarvis and Vic, etc.
This novel published right after The Giant Joshua, what a great one-two punch of Mormon literature.
The main story is about Mercy Baker and her family, and how she is nearly destroyed by the introduction of polygamy. Mercy's love of her family and home, and then her mental and physical decline when she finds out her husband has married again, is achingly tragic.
But the novel is also populated with a great number of fascinating characters. I loved all of the little side stories, especially featuring her children. Menzo and the canoe, Becky and the kittens, Jarvis and Vic, etc.
This novel published right after The Giant Joshua, what a great one-two punch of Mormon literature.
lizbusby's review
4.0
An interesting take on the foundations of polygamy in Nauvoo, but if you can see past that, it's also a good discussion of obedience, how much we trust our Church leaders, and the importance of belief. Good stuff, though you'll probably be a little disturbed by the portrayal of Joseph Smith.
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