A review by samstillreading
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

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.