The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff is historical fiction based on polygamy within the Mormon church, both in the past, and as it exists today.

It is the fascinating story of Ann Eliza Young, Brigham Young’s infamous 19th wife, who divorced him, left the church and fought to get polygamy made illegal in the United States. Her story, and the story of the founders of the church and it’s first pioneers, is intermingled with a modern day story of a 19th wife in jail in Utah for murdering her husband.

I loved this book and only wish the modern day story had more to it, as it deserved a novel of its own. Edershoff really takes us on a journey to discover what it must be like to be a plural wife, or a child raised within this system. The things Brigham Young did and said in the name of God are downright scary, as is the fact that this is still going on in modern day America.

At times, the format of the book didn’t always work. Still, I highly recommend it both for its historical interest and because it’s a really good story. I couldn’t put it down, and it left me with a lot to think about.