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rebeconda's review against another edition
4.0
This was a visceral read for me. I find myself simultaneously captivated and triggered by stories that center cult abuse, brain washing, and non consensual sex (that is supposedly sanctioned by God and requisite for eternal salvation). While this is fictional, it is an alarming exploration of the origins of the LDS faith. Ann Eliza emerges as a feminist hero who inadvertently saved the Mormon faith from itself. Many layers of fascinating.
essiewakeman's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting read about polygamy among Mormons in the United States. It combines a current-day story with one from the 19th century, and while that sounds odd, it works rather well. I enjoyed it.
kamrynkoble's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wow! This one was a rollercoaster. I bought it at a used bookstore several years ago and with my new interest in Mormonism, I’m glad I finally picked this one up.
I enjoyed the historical parts more than the modern day story, but it was still interesting. I loved the dual timeline and the inclusion of various documents, letters, online chatting, journals, and autobiographies. I’ve never read anything else like it, honestly. Fiction and fact blurred, but I took everything with a grain of salt and what was there fascinated me. I read nearly 300 pages in one sitting I got so sucked in.
This honestly had more scandal than I even imagined going into a book about polygamy. I took multiple pictures to send to my friend who shares my interest in this topic. I doubt I’ll ever reread it, but I was thoroughly entertained by this one and it provided great food for thought.
I enjoyed the historical parts more than the modern day story, but it was still interesting. I loved the dual timeline and the inclusion of various documents, letters, online chatting, journals, and autobiographies. I’ve never read anything else like it, honestly. Fiction and fact blurred, but I took everything with a grain of salt and what was there fascinated me. I read nearly 300 pages in one sitting I got so sucked in.
This honestly had more scandal than I even imagined going into a book about polygamy. I took multiple pictures to send to my friend who shares my interest in this topic. I doubt I’ll ever reread it, but I was thoroughly entertained by this one and it provided great food for thought.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Murder, Gun violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, and Homophobia
Minor: Pregnancy
samstillreading's review against another edition
5.0
I found this book fascinating. This contains two tales- the first set in modern day America of Jordan and his mum, who's just been charged with his dad's murder. The catch? His mum is one of twenty-odd wives. The second is the story of Ann Eliza Young, the '19th wife' of Brigham Young, Prophet of the Mormon church. Both tales contained the answers to the questions about the Mormons and the Firsts that I didn't know I wanted to ask. Ebershoff weaves the stories together well, including Masters theses, interviews and excerpts from the church. However, I did find the wrap up of the murder a little too quick and too neatly tied up. There's some well written minor characters in here too- the runaway Johnny and the too-cute Tom. A very interesting read.
drjoannehill's review against another edition
4.0
An absorbing read about aspects of the LDS church, which I didn't know much about before. Following two plot lines that have parallels around love and relationships, power, control and community belonging, it contemplates theological doctrine and the complex history of polygamy in the USA through two central characters, a 21st century young man kicked out of his secretive FLDS town, and Ann Eliza Young, wife of Brigham. With the latter, fictional rewritings of her memoirs are used to outline the early history of the Mormon. While critical of FLDS and the early church, in my opinion, the book is largely sympathetic to modern day mainstream LDS.
I am not very pro-organised religion and subscribe to "your rights end where mine begin" so this novel was both entertaining and informative of an institution (LDS church) and a geography (Utah) I knew little about. I appreciate novels that focus critically on history and challenge received opinion. However, the plots left me with a number of questions as not all of the complexities of both plot lines are tied up at the end and the finish is a little simplistic. So it's 4* from me.
I am not very pro-organised religion and subscribe to "your rights end where mine begin" so this novel was both entertaining and informative of an institution (LDS church) and a geography (Utah) I knew little about. I appreciate novels that focus critically on history and challenge received opinion. However, the plots left me with a number of questions as not all of the complexities of both plot lines are tied up at the end and the finish is a little simplistic. So it's 4* from me.
melissagallant_'s review against another edition
Expired - on hold again at the library - will finish once I can borrow it again!
beccadavies's review against another edition
4.0
Didn't know anything about mormons until this book. Made me want to learn more. Was appalled by the way that women were treated but i think I think the author did a very good job of portraying the men's side as well. The switch from present day to the 1800s was very well done and i was never confused as to when the narrative had changed. Very good read!
saraqt's review against another edition
2.0
While I'm fascinated by the subject, I found the historical parts of the book difficult and boring to read. Just not my cup of tea.
aubtobobtolob's review against another edition
4.0
Oof we always knew Brother Brigham was a narcissist who made himself the king of The west and then Utah. But this book shows next level hypocrisy. He's a disgusting person.