The 19th Wife: A Novel

This book has two stories weaved in it. One story is from the 1800's about Eliza Ann Young as the "19th" wife of Brigham Young, ( one of the founders of the Mormon Church) . The second story is about a young man, Jordan Scott, who is trying to unravel the mystery of the death of his father, an FLDS Mormon who had multiple wives. They accused his mother of the murder, but he found out differently .
Although the modern story is fiction, the first story is basically true. After reading the book, I felt empathy for Eliza Ann. Of course, there are two sides to every story; and reading some of the re-printed letters from Brigham Young and others, it makes the reader consider both sides. However, Eliza Ann has facts to back up her story, too.
Then I thought what would I do in her place? Since she was brought up in this kind of Mormonism all her life, this is all she knew. I know I would have left, and not taken this kind of religion and way of life.
Brigham Young explained it: he had many women. Many lived with him or in near-by houses. Some women were used for conjugal relationships, others as 'housekeepers', some as 'confidants', and some were barren, others had many children. I read some he took in because they were old and had no where to go. Still, being a 'husband' to so many "wives" and trying to spend quality time with so many children is not realistic. It wouldn't work for me !!!!!

The 19th Wife, by David Ebershoff, is a novel that alternates between the narrative of Ann Eliza Young, the 19th wife of Brigham Young, and Jordan Scott, a “lost boy” that was born to a 19th wife in a modern-day polygamous community.
Ann Eliza Young was famous for divorcing Brigham Young and then going on to crusade against polygamy. During her crusade, she wrote an autobiography of her life, also titled the 19th Wife. In re-writing Ann Eliza Young’s story as a work of fiction, Ebershoff goes one step further by providing the narratives of others, including her family members and Brigham Young. Some of the narratives didn’t come across as authentic – they felt too clean, too self-aware for the rough-hewn pioneer characters they portrayed. Nevertheless, by including these alternative voices, the author created a more nuanced portrayal of 19th-century polygamy.

The other part of the novel is comprised of the story of Jordan Scott, a lost boy who was kicked out of his polygamous community at the age of fourteen. After fleeing Utah, he returns home when his mother is arrested for his father’s murder. Believing his mother to be innocent, Jordan sets out to uncover the truth. The story that unfolds is a complex narrative of modern-day polygamy, with ties to the original Mormon faith that fostered the practice. The story alternated between the two time periods with relative ease; this was a book that I started reading and couldn’t put down.

The author did an excellent job at untangling some of the complex emotions that happen when one man is married to multiple women, as well as portraying the religious significance of polygamy in early Mormon history. Overall, this was a very engaging work of historical fiction.

Unfortunately, I was not able to read this book in a timely manner, and since I read it on a Kindle, it felt very long and cumbersome. The intereweaving of Jordan's story with Ann Eliza's seemed meaningless at the beginning. It became clearer as the book went on, but I must admit, I liked Jordan's story better than Ann Eliza's.

I eventually purchased not only this book-which was very eye-opening but then I actually purchased Ann Eliza's book-the 19th Wife. I was confused as to which to buy originally because I was looking for the one written by her but I purchased this one by Ebershoff first, so then I wanted the one written in first person by Ann Eliza.

Having long been interested in the interlinked stories of Mormonism and polygamy, I thought I would give this book a try, and happy that I did. The book alternates between a contemporary story about modern polygamy and how it enslaves the girls and women "married" off at 15, 16 years of age, and historical material describing the founding of the Mormon church and "celestial marriage." A real eye opener. Polygamy is still practiced in this country and the so-called "sister wives," because they are not legally married, all receive welfare checks for their support (and the support of their children). Although this is a lengthy read, it is hard to put down!

Loved the history lesson about the Mormon Church's beginnings --and the glimpse into the lives of the women involved..the story jumped from early beginnings to the modern day and it was confusing at times - -but engaging, heartwarming and totally enjoyable! We used it for our book club!

There is a murder mystery to unravel, but the most compelling thread that runs through this story is how strongly held beliefs can alter your perception of reality . . . even when it's staring you right the face!

Interesting interweaving of historical data and the events of the story. It let me understand how and why a belief system could grow to be so strong. Great perserverance by a woman of independent thought and action! Enjoyed the story but it was sometimes hard to accept these events could happen.

This is an interesting view of the Mormon church and its history. While it is a work of fiction, Ebershoff tells the tale of two women, one historical and one current in a way that is entertaining and informative. It is a bit long, and the beginning was somewhat confusing, but I would recommend the book.

The book jumps around which is hard to follow especially on the Kindle. I had no problem putting the book down. What is true and what is created by the author? Some is footnoted, but this is supposed to be fiction.

Good book that juxtaposes 2 time periods and 2 interesting cases. I learned a lot about the Mormons and the idea of celestial marriage but had no idea of the corruption within the Church and the founders and how really awful they were. So sad but a good eye opener.

I'm enjoying the history and the information in "The 19th Wife," though it's not a page-turner for me. I find the frequent interruptions of the flow to go to a historical piece to be somewhat distracting.

I enjoyed the relationship that was established between the lives of Brigham Young's "19th" wife and present day multiple wives of the "Firsts" in Utah/Arizona. Ebershoff brought together a biography, a social and legal theme, a murder mystery, and several strong characters into a balanced, yet compelling tale. His discussion of the writing of the book revealed his purposes accomplished with thorough research.

Good book that juxtaposes 2 time periods and 2 interesting cases. I learned a lot about the Mormons and the idea of celestial marriage but had no idea of the corruption within the Church and the founders and how really awful they were. So sad but a good eye opener.

I'm enjoying the history and the information in "The 19th Wife," though it's not a page-turner for me. I find the frequent interruptions of the flow to go to a historical piece to be somewhat distracting.

I enjoyed the relationship that was established between the lives of Brigham Young's "19th" wife and present day multiple wives of the "Firsts" in Utah/Arizona. Ebershoff brought together a biography, a social and legal theme, a murder mystery, and several strong characters into a balanced, yet compelling tale. His discussion of the writing of the book revealed his purposes accomplished with thorough research.

Great story with History throughout. Great read. Can't put it down. Digs deep into the Morman faith and paints a true picture of what Poligamy was all about. Puts to rest many false accusations made against Mormans in our present time.

Enjoyed the book. Mainly as it opened a whole avenue of questions I didn't know I had about the Mormon faith. I felt the author could have done more with it, kind of wrapped it up in a hurry like there was a deadline or something. But all in all, it is probably something I would recommend.

I thought there were too many books/movies/shows on the polygamy
subject, but this is entirely different. The story bridges past
and current issues with polygamy...the book reads fast...and the
characters come across as real and sympathetic. Very much enjoyed.

Good story, very informative. I was taken by the history of the Latter Day Saints and the interjection of the modern day scenario. Unfortunately, the detail was overwhelming and I thought it became repetetive by the 3/4 mark. I skipped over the historical data at that point to get to the end.

Following the stories of several main characters and in different eras made the beginning of the book a little confusing, but soon the pattern emerges, and the fascination with these interesting women grows.
There are many good things in the modern LDS Church, but I am still unable to accept their clannishness and rather juvenile requirement that all must wear "Mormon" underwear,restrict family who are not Mormons from being present at their sealing ceremony (wedding), and send their young on missions that seem to separate them from family, while restricting what they can read, hear or think for two years. Polygamy - totally unacceptable and still unexplainable, even after reading the 19th Wife.

Even though dealing with a "renegade" sect, there is a great deal of insight into the history of the Mormon migration; the Missouri "massacre", the trek to Utah and the abuses as well as the advantages of polygamy (mostly accruing to the males, unfortunately). I found it fascinating, in the juxtaposition of historical events with contemporary (although fictionalized) scenario.

Fabulous angle to understanding the Mormon story. Modern language to the old, original and autobiographical story. Didn't give understanding of cults development, just a good documentation of the facts of the LDS' creation.

I enjoyed this book. I have always had an interest in chaismatic leaders and how they can manipulate others to follow them to the point that these people surrender their feel will. I really liked the links provided throughout the ebook.