A review by miafanshaw
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

dark informative mysterious slow-paced

4.0

Jon Krakauer once again delivers an incredibly detailed and nuanced account of nonfiction that reads with the entertainment of fiction. He devotes so much to researching for each book he writes, more so in Under the Banner of Heaven it seems than for Into Thin Air and Into the Wild (his other two works I’ve read), so I must commend him as a writer for the millionth time. The subject matter of this book, specifically FLDS communities, revealed horrific events from history that astonishingly continue in the present. I’d recommend Netflix’s 4 episode docuseries “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey” to anyone interested (but be warned of a million trigger warnings relating to religious trauma & sex crimes). It’s so appalling what has occurred and what continues to occur in fundamentalist sects. I think Krakauer actually does a respectful job of separating the FLDS from the LDS while still acknowledging there is of course, still a connection as to their origins. As well, in my viewpoint as an agnostic atheist, Krakauer also did a job not to shame mainstream Mormon beliefs, instead providing insight and possible critiques. I’m a firm believer that religion should left open to criticisms and various interpretations. However, I think Krakauer makes it clear tolerance should not and does not extend to men like the Lafferty brothers or the Prophet’s like Rullon Jeffs who exploit fanaticism and fear to commit heinous crimes. 
Under the Banner of Heaven is a brilliant study on an intriguing religion paired with a thrilling true-crime tale.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings