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A review by maevebm
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Somehow both nauseating and fascinating. Krakauer connected the history of the LDS church and origins of polygamy to the rise of Mormon fundamentalism and Brenda and her baby’s murder.
What I felt the book lacked was empathy for the victims. Survivors of abuse had small voices and Krakauer spent an abundance of time talking about the perpetrators, in ways that seemed to glamorize at times. I think now in true crime literature, the focus has shifted to be more of a space to advocate for survivors and victims, so while I can appreciate the context of the time he wrote the book, I found it to be irritating.
Secondly, he relied heavily on quotes which, I felt, was lazy writing. Of course the quotes provided insight to the people and times he wrote about, but it was excessive.
What I felt the book lacked was empathy for the victims. Survivors of abuse had small voices and Krakauer spent an abundance of time talking about the perpetrators, in ways that seemed to glamorize at times. I think now in true crime literature, the focus has shifted to be more of a space to advocate for survivors and victims, so while I can appreciate the context of the time he wrote the book, I found it to be irritating.
Secondly, he relied heavily on quotes which, I felt, was lazy writing. Of course the quotes provided insight to the people and times he wrote about, but it was excessive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Incest, Mental illness, Rape, Religious bigotry, Child abuse, Blood, Murder, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Drug use