brock111's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting historical novel. The topic is current-polygamy and the Mormon church. Plus the author threw in a murder. I liked it. It didn't always capture my interest, but I am glad I read it.
emilyrmph's review against another edition
4.0
I found the structure of this a little confusing at first but once I figured out what was going on I really liked the alternating fiction and non-fiction (sort of) bits of this book. The fiction story was good, though a little flat at the end and the bits based on Ann Eliza Young’s memoir were really interesting and, at times, infuriating.
dinabasarab's review against another edition
4.0
Such an illusive and interesting community, loved reading about it. The characters were wonderful as well.
macreader's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
emilydehaven's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
oliviasuzanne's review against another edition
2.0
It was interesting that this story was kind of like two stories in one. I was really only interested in Jordan's story.
cher_n_books's review against another edition
4.0
Utterly fascinating, as well as thought provoking. The author has created two parallel stories - one around the true story of Ann Eliza Young divorcing the leader of the Mormon church and crusading against polygamy in the late 1800s, and the other parallel is a modern day mystery involving the murder of a polygamist. The historical component was far superior to the modern day mystery and I feel this could have been a 5 star "favorite" had the story solely focused on the historical component. That is the problem with stories that have parallels or multiple points of view. You always have a favorite and are disappointed to see the alternatives pop up, sigh. There is just something so compelling to me about historical fiction based on real people and events.
I find the whole idea of polygamy captivating - it is just so very difficult for me to imagine. The author's voice seems to come through to voice the opinion that while adults should be able to follow whatever lifestyle they choose (and I agree), that changes when it includes how children are affected. I found it particularly disturbing to think of young girls being forced to marry someone old enough to be their grandfather. Even if they were in "agreeance", is it really voluntary when you are completely ignorant of alternatives?
Some of the characters reflected some of the pros and cons of celestial marriage and I found it easy to understand how a 20 year old that is married to a 60 year old man would enjoy some of the benefits of polygamy such as extra household help and a decreased frequency of sexual visits from her grandfather...I mean, husband. I still failed to understand how these women could find their loveless marriage fulfilling. On the other hand, the poor souls who married for love only later to have to listen to their husband sleep with their subsequent wives/rivals, let alone the other gross insults and belittlements...there are no words. It had to be so difficult when they truly believed they would keep both themselves and their husband out of heaven by not participating in these deprecating unions.
I listened to the audiobook version of this and the narrators were great. However, I wish I would have read it instead as I heard several quotes I would have liked to highlight. It's a recommended read whichever method you choose.
Favorite quote: I have no idea what will happen after I die, yet I know one thing for sure: neither do you.
First sentence: According to the St. George Register, on a clear night last June, at some time between eleven and half-past, my mom—who isn't anything like this—tiptoed down to the basement of the house I grew up in with a Big Boy .44 Magnum in her hands.
I find the whole idea of polygamy captivating - it is just so very difficult for me to imagine. The author's voice seems to come through to voice the opinion that while adults should be able to follow whatever lifestyle they choose (and I agree), that changes when it includes how children are affected. I found it particularly disturbing to think of young girls being forced to marry someone old enough to be their grandfather. Even if they were in "agreeance", is it really voluntary when you are completely ignorant of alternatives?
Some of the characters reflected some of the pros and cons of celestial marriage and I found it easy to understand how a 20 year old that is married to a 60 year old man would enjoy some of the benefits of polygamy such as extra household help and a decreased frequency of sexual visits from her grandfather...I mean, husband. I still failed to understand how these women could find their loveless marriage fulfilling. On the other hand, the poor souls who married for love only later to have to listen to their husband sleep with their subsequent wives/rivals, let alone the other gross insults and belittlements...there are no words. It had to be so difficult when they truly believed they would keep both themselves and their husband out of heaven by not participating in these deprecating unions.
I listened to the audiobook version of this and the narrators were great. However, I wish I would have read it instead as I heard several quotes I would have liked to highlight. It's a recommended read whichever method you choose.
Favorite quote: I have no idea what will happen after I die, yet I know one thing for sure: neither do you.
First sentence: According to the St. George Register, on a clear night last June, at some time between eleven and half-past, my mom—who isn't anything like this—tiptoed down to the basement of the house I grew up in with a Big Boy .44 Magnum in her hands.
nighthawk921's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book to be rather fascinating, but who doesn't love reading about unusual cultures and religions. I found myself repeatedly appalled at the things the Prophet did and said and how easily people went with the things he said, even when they were not comfortable with it. It is amazing what religion can make people do. However I am appalled at more than just the way the women were/are treated, and find little room to pity any of them, but that is another story.
Needless to say, although I enjoyed reading the book I found myself getting bored with Ann Eliza's history as it took up larger and larger portions of the book while the present day murder mystery seemed to fall of the radar getting shorter and shorter.
I ended up reading the present day story to just have it solved and then went back and finished the history sections I had skipped.
Needless to say, although I enjoyed reading the book I found myself getting bored with Ann Eliza's history as it took up larger and larger portions of the book while the present day murder mystery seemed to fall of the radar getting shorter and shorter.
I ended up reading the present day story to just have it solved and then went back and finished the history sections I had skipped.
alliereads's review against another edition
2.0
I was excited to read this because it was recommended to me. I was so upset at the beginning because the novel goes back and forth. When i got to the end of the book I was thoroughly disappointed. I had just read a huge book for that, simple ending! Seriously? I guess the story was still ok though.