Hmmm. I'm not entirely sure what I think about this book, which purports to be the story of Ann Eliza Young, the 19th wife of Brigham Young. It was engaging, in the sense that I kept reading until I was finished (except for the two days the book spent on the window sill at KCVI, accidentally left behind), and the story kept me hooked. Maybe it was the leaping around in time, between the early days of the Latter Day Saints and the present, but somehow I just didn't connect with the characters. Perhaps there was an element of frustration with the gullibility of the converts, or maybe it was the fact that 98% of the book was buildup, and then the real action of the story, Ann Eliza's escape from Brigham Young, was sort of rushed in at the end. In any case, it's a good enough read, if you're interested in the phenomenon that is Mormonism, but not one of my faves.
I actually just returned the 19th wife unfinished. I was a little over half way through but I really had to pushed myself to get that far. The more I read about the degradation and humiliation that these women endured the more upset I became. The face that Celestial Marriage began in this faith because the Prophet was an adulterer who hoodwinked his followers to cover his sins apalled me.
ReplyDeleteAll the followers, including Ann Eliza's mother, knew why Joseph has introduced Celestial Marriage, yet they continued in this faith.
The image of women lined up like children to speak for a moment with their husband, Young, and then be dismissed was the last straw.
I usually finish books, but this one really got under my skin.
I would give this book two thumbs down.