Books matching: polygamy
81 result(s)
- #1
Save:The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff alternates between two narratives: one set in the present day involving a murder mystery in a polygamist colony where the 19th wife is accused of killing her husband, and the other set in the 19th century focusing on Ann Eliza Young, the 19th wife of Brigham Young, who rebelled against polygamy and fought for the ban on the practice. The book skillfully weaves together these two storylines, exploring themes of love, family, faith, and the destructive effects of polygamy on individuals and society.
Among the many questions I have encountered since my apostasy from the Mormon Church, none arises with more confusion, or mystification, than as to why I ever joined the Latter-day Saints. The America... - #2
Save:'The Lonely Polygamist' by Brady Udall is a novel that delves into the complex life of Golden Richards, a Mormon with four wives and more than twenty children. The story explores Golden's struggles with loneliness, his attempts to escape from the weight of his responsibilities, and the intricate dynamics within his large family. Through well-drawn characters and engaging storytelling, the novel navigates themes of family relationships, individual desires, and the challenges of polygamous lifestyle.
Udall's writing style in 'The Lonely Polygamist' is described as humorous, touching, and relatable. The book offers a glimpse into the lives of the characters, portraying their emotions authentically and showcasing a wide range of human experiences. Despite the intricate family tree and initially slow pace, Udall's storytelling skills pull the reader through the narrative, revealing a tale that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
TO PUT IT AS SIMPLY AS POSSIBLE: THIS IS THE STORY OF A POLYGAMIST who has an affair. But there is much more to it than that, of course; the life of any polygamist, even when not complicated by lies a... - #3
Save:'Escape' by Carolyn Jessop is a gripping autobiography detailing the author's harrowing journey of growing up and eventually leaving a fundamentalist Mormon upbringing. The narrative sheds light on the abuse of power within the FLDS sect, particularly focusing on the physical and mental abuses endured by Carolyn and her children. Despite the challenges and hardships faced, Jessop's story serves as an inspiring tale of courage and resilience, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from oppressive environments for a chance at a better life. The book offers a fascinating inside look at the world of the FLDS sect, highlighting the struggles faced by women and children within the community.
Jessop's writing style in 'Escape' captivates readers with its emotional portrayal of polygamy and life within a cult-like environment. Through a mix of heart-wrenching accounts and shocking revelations, the author paints a frightening picture of the FLDS cult, showcasing the strength and determination required to escape such a restrictive and abusive setting. Despite some opinions critiquing the writing style as repetitive or lacking in certain aspects, the overall narrative of 'Escape' succeeds in drawing readers into Jessop's world, leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into her courageous story.
Escape. The moment had come. I had been watching and waiting for months. The time was right. I had to act fast and without fear. I could not afford to fail. Nine lives were at stake: those of my eight... - #4
Save:"Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs" by Rachel Jeffs is a shocking and disturbing true story that delves into the author's experiences growing up in the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) cult led by her father, Warren Jeffs. Through a first-hand account, Rachel recounts the emotional trauma, abuse, and manipulation she endured within the cult, shedding light on the inner workings of the FLDS community and the oppressive control exerted by her father. The writing style is compelling and straightforward, offering an honest expose of extremism and abuse while also showcasing Rachel's personal belief, strength, perseverance, and faith in her journey to break free from the cult.
Father was standing next to the Prophet’s casket at the front of the meeting house. The Prophet was Leroy Johnson, the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and the only man ... - #5
Save:So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba is a short epistolary novel written by a Senegalese Muslim woman, Ramatoulaye, to her friend Aissatou as she mourns the death of her husband. The book delves into the struggles of the main characters dealing with polygamy in Senegalese society, showcasing the impact on their lives and relationships. The novel portrays themes of female independence, societal expectations, and cultural traditions, providing a glimpse into the lives of women navigating through grief, betrayal, and resilience.
The book is written in a letter format, offering a poignant and insightful reflection on the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society. Through the narrative, readers are drawn into the emotional journey of Ramatoulaye as she shares her experiences, thoughts, and feelings with her friend, exploring themes of love, loss, and the evolving role of women in postcolonial Senegalese society.
Your presence in my life is by no means fortuitous. Our grandmothers in their compounds were separated by a fence and would exchange messages daily. Our mothers used to argue over who would look after... Irene Spencer's memoir, 'Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife,' delves into her life growing up in an impoverished polygamous family, her marriage to a true polygamist, and the challenges she faced living with nine other wives and over fifty children. The book details Irene's struggles with poverty, neglect, and harsh living conditions, as well as her eventual questioning of the polygamous religion she was raised in. Despite the hardships, Irene's story is one of courage and escape, offering readers a glimpse into the realities of polygamous lifestyles.
As we were growing up, polygamy was the ruling tenet of our lives. This “Celestial Law” was so integral to who we were and what we were trying to accomplish that most often, we referred to it simply a...- #7
Save:'The Wives' by Tarryn Fisher is a psychological thriller that follows Thursday, the second wife in a polygamous relationship. Her husband, Seth, sees her only on Thursdays while the other two wives live in a different city. The story revolves around Thursday's curiosity about the other wives, leading her to investigate and uncover dark secrets about her husband and the other women. As the plot unfolds, Thursday's obsession grows, ultimately leading to unexpected twists and turns that challenge her perception of reality and her own sanity.
The book delves into themes of polygamy, mental health, manipulation, and trust, as Thursday navigates through a complex web of deceit and unraveling relationships. The narrative builds suspense as Thursday's search for the truth uncovers shocking revelations about her husband and the other wives, culminating in a gripping and unpredictable ending that leaves readers questioning the characters' motives and the blurred lines between perception and reality.
He comes over on Thursday every week. That’s my day, I’m Thursday. It’s a hopeful day, lost in the middle of the more important days; not the beginning or the end, but a stop. An appetizer to the week... - #8
Save:Brent Jeffs gives a harrowing account of his experience growing up in and later leaving the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). His recollection of events that took place in his polygamous family provided insight into the struggles a household with more than one wife might face. Brent also explains why boys, even those from privileged FLDS families, are not guaranteed a spot in church leadership and that many are kicked out of the church and abandoned by their families, only to become lost boys. Brent tells his story with the assistance of Maia Szalavitz, and her style makes the book compelling to read and easy to follow. The book details Brent's upbringing in the FLDS, the sexual abuse he suffered as a child, and his struggles with addiction and leaving the church.
E very child believes he’s special. But when you are number ten of twenty, with three “sister-mothers”—two of whom are full-blooded sisters—and a grandfather whom thousands of people believe speaks di... - #9
Save:'Wither' by Lauren DeStefano is a dystopian novel set in a world where the population is facing extinction due to a genetic virus. The story follows Rhine Ellery, a 16-year-old orphan forced into a polygamous marriage in a society where males die at 25 and females at 20. Rhine's struggle for freedom, complex relationships with her husband Linden and servant Gabriel, and her determination to find her twin brother create a compelling narrative filled with themes of hope, love, and survival. The writing style is described as beautifully written, engaging, and thought-provoking, offering a fresh take on the dystopian genre with a focus on character development and relationships.
I know when one of the girls reaches a wall. She begins to pound and scream—there’s metal in the sound—but none of us help her. We’ve gone too long without speaking, and all we do is bury ourselves mo... - #10
Save:'The Favored Wife' by Amy Pennza is a captivating novel that delves into the world of polygamous communities, offering a unique and realistic portrayal of the lifestyle. The story follows Elizabeth, a young woman living in a polygamous community, as she navigates her way through a life of restrictions and abuse. Despite her challenging circumstances, Elizabeth finds hope and healing through unexpected love and support, ultimately leading to a heartwarming romance that defies the norms of her community. Pennza's writing style expertly weaves together themes of love, resilience, and personal growth, keeping readers engaged and invested in Elizabeth's journey towards freedom and happiness.
