The 19th Wife

I have finally finished reading The 19^th Wife by David Ebershoff and overall enjoyed the read.  This style and subject of book is not something that usually interests me but I gave it a try based on a recommendation from Michael’s sister.  The book intertwines two stories; a murder mystery set in today’s time and a historical fiction of Ann Eliza Young.  Ann Eliza was one of the wives of Brigham Young and this book tells the story of her separation from him and her fight to ban polygamy in the United States in the late 1800’s.  It is interesting to learn some of the background of the Mormon church and also to gain insight to the thoughts and opinions of someone who grew up in a polygamist family. The other story twisted in is that of a murder in a present day Utah polygamist community.  The story is told from the point of view from a young man who was thrown out of the church and abandoned by his family as an early teenager who now searches for the truth of the murder that his mother is being accused of committing.

                Although I did not always enjoy the switching back and forth between stories it did the job of keeping me wanting to read more.  I would recommend this book for others to read but probably not pay full price for it.  I am glad that I found it at Goodwill for $0.75.  With that being said, if anyone would like to borrow it just let me know and I will send it your way!