The 19th Wife

The 19th Wife alternates between two storylines separated by over a century. The first follows Jordan Scott, who returns to his fundamentalist Mormon community in present-day Utah to investigate his mother's arrest for allegedly killing his father. The second narrative traces the true historical figure of Ann Eliza Young, the nineteenth wife of Mormon leader Brigham Young, who became an outspoken critic of polygamy in the 1870s. The contemporary murder mystery centers on BeckyLyn Scott, accused of murdering her husband within a modern polygamous sect. Her son Jordan, who was previously expelled from the community, must navigate his past trauma and reconnect with those he left behind to uncover the truth. The historical sections reveal Ann Eliza Young's journey from plural wife to influential reformer through multiple formats including memoir excerpts, newspaper articles, and letters. These parallel stories illuminate the complex legacy and ongoing practice of plural marriage in America. The dual narratives explore themes of faith, family bonds, and individual identity while examining how religious beliefs can both unite and divide communities across generations. The novel raises questions about the nature of truth and the price of challenging established systems.

Readers appreciate the dual narrative structure and detailed research into Mormon history. The historical storyline about Ann Eliza Young receives more praise than the modern murder mystery plot, which many found less compelling. What readers liked: - Deep dive into polygamy's impact on families - Historical accuracy and period details - Ann Eliza's voice feels authentic - Complex exploration of faith and doubt What readers disliked: - Modern storyline feels superficial compared to historical sections - Some found pacing slow in middle sections - Too many characters to track - Abrupt ending left questions unanswered "The historical sections were fascinating but the modern murder mystery felt tacked on," notes one Amazon reviewer. "Needed tighter editing to trim 100 pages," comments another. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (58,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (300+ ratings)

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🔹 The author David Ebershoff worked as publishing director at Random House for over 20 years, helping shape numerous bestsellers and award-winning books before focusing on his own writing career. 🔹 Ann Eliza Young, the real historical figure featured in the book, published her own memoir in 1876 titled "Wife No. 19" and became a prominent national speaker against polygamy. 🔹 The novel's release in 2008 coincided with increased public attention on fundamentalist Mormon sects following the raid on the Yearning for Zion Ranch in Texas. 🔹 Brigham Young, a central figure in the historical narrative, actually had 55 wives during his lifetime, though only 27 bore him children. 🔹 The book was adapted into a television movie in 2010 starring Matt Czuchry and Patricia Wettig, airing on Lifetime Network.