November 03, 2008

The 19th Wife- Book Review


I was invited to review The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff for TLC Book Tours. This book is a fictionalized account of the 19th wife of Brigham Young, one of the founders of the Mormon church. Ann Eliza Young was exceptionally brave standing up to her husband as well as the church in a time when a woman was expected to do as she was told. This mixes the main story with historical reference documents and a second story about a current day mystery involving a different 19th wife in Utah who is arrested for murdering her Mormon husband. There were times when I found it difficult to switch back and forth but that is probably due to the fact that I tend to read for about 10 minutes each night before I fall asleep.

Historical fiction is honestly not something I am typically drawn to and I previously knew nothing about the Mormon church, but this book is very well written and the author has clearly done his homework. I found it difficult to determine what was truth and what was fiction which I think shows he did a good job. If you like books on history or religion then I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.

7 comments:

  1. First of all, I LOVE your blog.
    This made me cringe a little, though. I'm sure this is an interesting read and probably well written, I've never heard of if before. Please don't base your opinon of Mormons on a work of fiction, though. The truth about mormons: www.mormon.org

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  2. Nice review thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  3. I just bought the new Somerset Life. I love that mag! I missed you though...need to go home and look you up!
    I swear, I feel like I know some of these "famous" people!

    :-) your friend, Cheryl

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  4. Sounds like a good book. I think I'll put it on my list. I love books about strong women.

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  5. I may have to pick this up to read, however I am confused...modern day mormons do not practice poligmy, my only guess is the current day wife who killed her husband must belong to some other church but I can tell you not the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am not sure if the author bills her as mormon, but one should be careful getting their facts correct before putting them into print.

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  6. I just recently finished the 19th wife. Great Book, really pulls you in. Highly Recommend.

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  7. Hey - I've been lurking for a bit, and I love your blog. *Waves* This book sounds interesting, although my 'to read' list of books is so long that this might not make the cut.

    Although I am against polygamy the HBO tv series 'Big Love' (which chronicles polygamist life and one specific fictional family) is a show I lovelovelove. It's hard to get people to watch it because of the premise, but every time someone gives in, they're always like 'wow, that's good!' So anyway, I recommend that!

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