What do you think?
Rate this book
The Prophet's Wife
A sweeping, lyrical tale of historical fiction that tells the unbelievable story of the early days of the Mormon church through the eyes of the woman who saw it all--Emma, the first wife of the prophet Joseph Smith.
In 1827, in rural Pennsylvania, Emma Hale marries an itinerant treasure-digger, a man who has nothing but a peep-stone in his pocket and a conviction that he can speak directly to God. His name is Joseph Smith and in a few short years, he will found his own religion, gather zealous adherents by the tens of thousands, and fracture Emma's life and faith
While the Mormon religion finds its feet and runs beyond the grasp of its founder, Emma struggles to maintain her place in Joseph's heart--and in the religion that has become her world. The Mormons make themselves outcasts everywhere they go. Joseph can only maintain his authority by issuing ever-stranger commandments on God's behalf, culminating in an edict that men should marry as many women as they please. The Mormons' adoption of polygamy only sets them further apart, and soon their communities are ravaged by violence at the hands of their outraged fellow Americans. For Emma, things take a more personal toll as Joseph brings in a new wife--a woman whom Emma considers a sister.
As Emma's family grows along with Joseph's infamy, she knows there will never be peace until Joseph faces the law. But on the half-wild edge of the frontier, he's more likely to find death at the hands of a vigilante posse than a fair trial. For the sake of her people--and her soul--Emma must convince the Prophet of God to surrender... and perhaps to sacrifice his life.
In 1827, in rural Pennsylvania, Emma Hale marries an itinerant treasure-digger, a man who has nothing but a peep-stone in his pocket and a conviction that he can speak directly to God. His name is Joseph Smith and in a few short years, he will found his own religion, gather zealous adherents by the tens of thousands, and fracture Emma's life and faith
While the Mormon religion finds its feet and runs beyond the grasp of its founder, Emma struggles to maintain her place in Joseph's heart--and in the religion that has become her world. The Mormons make themselves outcasts everywhere they go. Joseph can only maintain his authority by issuing ever-stranger commandments on God's behalf, culminating in an edict that men should marry as many women as they please. The Mormons' adoption of polygamy only sets them further apart, and soon their communities are ravaged by violence at the hands of their outraged fellow Americans. For Emma, things take a more personal toll as Joseph brings in a new wife--a woman whom Emma considers a sister.
As Emma's family grows along with Joseph's infamy, she knows there will never be peace until Joseph faces the law. But on the half-wild edge of the frontier, he's more likely to find death at the hands of a vigilante posse than a fair trial. For the sake of her people--and her soul--Emma must convince the Prophet of God to surrender... and perhaps to sacrifice his life.
480 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2022
165 people are currently reading
8360 people want to read
About the author
Libbie Grant
4 books29 followersAlso publishes under Olivia Hawker, Libbie Hawker, and L.M. Ironside
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
November 9, 2022
This book is so relevant to now--I didn't realize I had questions about how the Mormon Prophet's wife felt about all of this, or if she was duped, or if she went along, or if she had any choice at all. I've always had pretty distinct feelings about the young women who find themselves in a plural marriage, and what they think about it, once the glamouring is over. Funny thing is, while I didn't have questions about Joseph Smith's wife before I picked up this book, I do have so many questions about exactly how people can believe things they believe these days. (I'm writing this within the same month that about 1,000 folks showed up at the Dallas Trademart for JFK's second coming, as an example.) So the timeliness of this book is hard to overstate. THE PROPHET'S WIFE is a compelling story which sheds light on a time in history when people are searching so hard for a savior on earth that they'll rush in and make a man much more than he is, while overlooking his very obvious failings.
To be clear, there is a setup to the story. And it is well done. Yet I found myself impatient, saying--yes but, how--only to be swept in by a certain point and realize I was being shown how and yet I was blind to it, just as Emma likely was, as well. Oh, the duplicitousness of the powerful.
And then there's the women--and why they never joined forces and ended it all. The answer to that question feels very timely, too. So, from about the 50% mark, I raced to the end of the book--sometimes in absolute horror but also in complete immersion. No doubt about it, Grant is a great story teller, building her world and characters precisely, so that the story comes alive in the reader's mind. Book clubs will have much to discuss.
I'm all for women's biographical fiction, especially women whose contributions--or enabling--have led to momentous movements which still affect us today. This is just such a book. Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
P.S. Updating this November 9, 2022, as I wonder why women embrace not asking questions when they should. This is the ultimate picture of what happens when women don’t take hold and look and see and find out what is going on in their turf. It’s so important to do so. Read this and vow to yourself to quit turning a blind eye.
To be clear, there is a setup to the story. And it is well done. Yet I found myself impatient, saying--yes but, how--only to be swept in by a certain point and realize I was being shown how and yet I was blind to it, just as Emma likely was, as well. Oh, the duplicitousness of the powerful.
And then there's the women--and why they never joined forces and ended it all. The answer to that question feels very timely, too. So, from about the 50% mark, I raced to the end of the book--sometimes in absolute horror but also in complete immersion. No doubt about it, Grant is a great story teller, building her world and characters precisely, so that the story comes alive in the reader's mind. Book clubs will have much to discuss.
I'm all for women's biographical fiction, especially women whose contributions--or enabling--have led to momentous movements which still affect us today. This is just such a book. Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
P.S. Updating this November 9, 2022, as I wonder why women embrace not asking questions when they should. This is the ultimate picture of what happens when women don’t take hold and look and see and find out what is going on in their turf. It’s so important to do so. Read this and vow to yourself to quit turning a blind eye.
November 14, 2021
THE PROPHET'S WIFE is a fascinating look at the origin story of an American religion—and an equally fascinating portrayal of what we're willing to endure in the name of love and faith. Emma and Joseph Smith are both deeply flawed and curiously sympathetic, together making one of the most interesting and nuanced portrayals of a marriage I've read in a very long time. The psychology at work in this book is brilliant.
Emma's firm dignity and quiet strength aren't the way "powerful women" are usually handled in literature, but it feels so true to her character as presented. And while I have no doubt that some readers might dislike the book's portrayal of the early LDS faith—the author will be receiving emails—I found it thoughtful and artfully done. Joseph Smith as written here isn't a demagogue or a blistering false prophet: he's a human being who wants desperately, all-consumingly to believe and be believed. It made me feel toward him like Emma does: drawn to him, longing to protect him from himself, wishing the story could end differently.
THE PROPHET'S WIFE made me want to do more research of my own into the story it's telling, and for me that's the mark of successful historical fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me review an ARC of this book!
Emma's firm dignity and quiet strength aren't the way "powerful women" are usually handled in literature, but it feels so true to her character as presented. And while I have no doubt that some readers might dislike the book's portrayal of the early LDS faith—the author will be receiving emails—I found it thoughtful and artfully done. Joseph Smith as written here isn't a demagogue or a blistering false prophet: he's a human being who wants desperately, all-consumingly to believe and be believed. It made me feel toward him like Emma does: drawn to him, longing to protect him from himself, wishing the story could end differently.
THE PROPHET'S WIFE made me want to do more research of my own into the story it's telling, and for me that's the mark of successful historical fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me review an ARC of this book!
February 20, 2022
DNF--Sole purpose of this piece of fiction is to regurgitate the author's own anti-Mormon sentiments. For someone who professes to have studied early LDS Church history, she grossly misrepresents it and cannot even get basic facts accurate. If anything, it reads like a stintilating Netflix show.
When I heard about this book, I was excited to see where the author would take this story and her take on Emma Smith's viewpoint.
As someone who is familiar with the history of the Mormon church, I found this book to be an appalling misrepresentation of the facts. The author has taken many liberties with the truth including changing locations and order of many events to support her narrative of the truth. For example, the Book of Mormon was published in Palmyra, not Harmony. Martin Harris was also from Palmyra. Another example, the drunken party at the Kirtland Temple and its dedication. Not even anti-Mormon websites profess that thus happened. Also, Joseph Smith only had children with Emma. There is no historical data that suggests otherwise.
This is purely fiction and an anti-Mormon propaganda piece. But considering the author herself is a former member of said religion, I am not surprised with her anti-Mormon sentiments. She has basically fictionalized every piece of anti-Mormon literature out there about Joseph Smith and tried to pass it off as an account of Emma Smith's life. She also has no problem making every Mormon leader look like they are power hungry. Again, historical record suggests otherwise. I have to admit, she was so good with her fictional writing, that she came up with things that even the most anti-Mormon people have never said.
So please keep in mind that this is fiction that the author is trying to pass off as fact. And yes she does do this when she states in her bio that she "studied" early Mormon history.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC, but I cannot in good conscious recommend this book to anyone who is looking for good historical fiction that has been well thought out and written and attempts to be true to fact.
When I heard about this book, I was excited to see where the author would take this story and her take on Emma Smith's viewpoint.
As someone who is familiar with the history of the Mormon church, I found this book to be an appalling misrepresentation of the facts. The author has taken many liberties with the truth including changing locations and order of many events to support her narrative of the truth. For example, the Book of Mormon was published in Palmyra, not Harmony. Martin Harris was also from Palmyra. Another example, the drunken party at the Kirtland Temple and its dedication. Not even anti-Mormon websites profess that thus happened. Also, Joseph Smith only had children with Emma. There is no historical data that suggests otherwise.
This is purely fiction and an anti-Mormon propaganda piece. But considering the author herself is a former member of said religion, I am not surprised with her anti-Mormon sentiments. She has basically fictionalized every piece of anti-Mormon literature out there about Joseph Smith and tried to pass it off as an account of Emma Smith's life. She also has no problem making every Mormon leader look like they are power hungry. Again, historical record suggests otherwise. I have to admit, she was so good with her fictional writing, that she came up with things that even the most anti-Mormon people have never said.
So please keep in mind that this is fiction that the author is trying to pass off as fact. And yes she does do this when she states in her bio that she "studied" early Mormon history.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC, but I cannot in good conscious recommend this book to anyone who is looking for good historical fiction that has been well thought out and written and attempts to be true to fact.
December 29, 2025
A thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that blends history, religion, and personal struggle in a way that stays with you long after the last page
Libbie Grant’s writing style is nothing short of captivating—her vivid prose brings every scene to life with remarkable depth and emotion.
Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Grant sheds light on how a religion can emerge, evolve, and survive against overwhelming odds.
This is my first book from Libbie Grant. I have read many more from her pen name Olivia Hawker and she is one of my favorites
Libbie Grant’s writing style is nothing short of captivating—her vivid prose brings every scene to life with remarkable depth and emotion.
Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Grant sheds light on how a religion can emerge, evolve, and survive against overwhelming odds.
This is my first book from Libbie Grant. I have read many more from her pen name Olivia Hawker and she is one of my favorites
September 29, 2023
Have you ever wanted to know what life was like for Emma, the wife of the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith? Well, Libbie Grant answers that question, in this historical fiction novel.
First off, I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was not my favourite. She sounded a bit too old (even for the "present" timeline), but this didn't affect my rating. I just wanted to note that I wish the narrator was someone different.
The timeline switching between past and present was not the best, I think the book should've been done in chronological order to avoid confusion. The switching could've worked better if Emma was much older, it's just that not a lot of time had gone by between the past and present timelines.
I liked the writing, and the characterisation. The length and pacing however...it was definitely a slow book. Grant even cut out some stuff for pacing sake, and still...At the same time, I feel like this book could've been much longer.
Early Mormon history is fascinating, and there's so much of it that it can't fit into a single book so I get it. I would've preferred less descriptions (even though they were pretty!) in order to incorporate more historical events.
Some of the events had their order changed, as the author said in her note. She also mentions some were cut short, and gives reasons for that, also lists her sources.
At the end of the day though, this is a fictional novel, and I tend to prefer LDS history nonfiction to fiction. But Grant did a pretty good job with The Prophet's Wife and I want to check out her other fictional books too.
3.5
First off, I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was not my favourite. She sounded a bit too old (even for the "present" timeline), but this didn't affect my rating. I just wanted to note that I wish the narrator was someone different.
The timeline switching between past and present was not the best, I think the book should've been done in chronological order to avoid confusion. The switching could've worked better if Emma was much older, it's just that not a lot of time had gone by between the past and present timelines.
I liked the writing, and the characterisation. The length and pacing however...it was definitely a slow book. Grant even cut out some stuff for pacing sake, and still...At the same time, I feel like this book could've been much longer.
Early Mormon history is fascinating, and there's so much of it that it can't fit into a single book so I get it. I would've preferred less descriptions (even though they were pretty!) in order to incorporate more historical events.
Some of the events had their order changed, as the author said in her note. She also mentions some were cut short, and gives reasons for that, also lists her sources.
At the end of the day though, this is a fictional novel, and I tend to prefer LDS history nonfiction to fiction. But Grant did a pretty good job with The Prophet's Wife and I want to check out her other fictional books too.
3.5
November 22, 2021
The Prophet's Wife has been a joy, a pleasure, and a privilege to read. The catharsis I experienced in this was validating in ways few things in life can be (full disclosure, I was raised in the Mormon faith). It tells the story of the foundation and turbulent early years of the Mormon church through the life and lens of Emma Hale Smith, Joseph Smith's first wife.
The Mormon religion was founded in the fraught and volatile time of American religious revivalism of the early 1800's. The figures central to its inception are routinely mythologized by its adherents and the current LDS body, or outright forgotten (much to the detriment of historical accuracy). Many of those figures were far more human that what has been built up around them (hint, hint, we're talking about Joseph among others). As history shows, things are never as pure as nostalgia would have us wish for.
Libbie Grant, through exceptional prose and deeply complex characters, has written a novel that gets as close to the truth as we can have with this tale. Few things are perfect in their creation, least of all a religion.
This is powerful literature. This is literature that gives the reader the reason to pause and reflect on what they think they know. We need powerful literature in our lives and in the world.
Thanks go to NetGalley for the ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) and to the author, Libbie Grant for manifesting this work into the world.
The Mormon religion was founded in the fraught and volatile time of American religious revivalism of the early 1800's. The figures central to its inception are routinely mythologized by its adherents and the current LDS body, or outright forgotten (much to the detriment of historical accuracy). Many of those figures were far more human that what has been built up around them (hint, hint, we're talking about Joseph among others). As history shows, things are never as pure as nostalgia would have us wish for.
Libbie Grant, through exceptional prose and deeply complex characters, has written a novel that gets as close to the truth as we can have with this tale. Few things are perfect in their creation, least of all a religion.
This is powerful literature. This is literature that gives the reader the reason to pause and reflect on what they think they know. We need powerful literature in our lives and in the world.
Thanks go to NetGalley for the ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) and to the author, Libbie Grant for manifesting this work into the world.
March 5, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ This book was beautiful and brought out a lot of complicated feelings for me. As someone very familiar with the good, the bad, and the ugly of early LDS church history I found it be a fascinating tale, even though it did take several liberties and should be treated as fiction. Overall, it was a well written book that I would recommend to historical fiction fans.
Things I loved:
-The humanization of Emma, Joseph, and early church leaders. I felt Emma’s joys and pains so poignantly. Sometimes when we look back at historical figures we forget that they were real and average people going through similar struggles and heartbreaks to our own.
-The writing was beautiful and captured the era well
-While not a faith-based book, this story gave opportunities for readers to see both sides of the coin.
Things I didn’t love:
-While I appreciated that the author included a historical note about some of the historical facts she changed, there were also a few that she didn’t mention and were still inaccurate. I completely understand it’s fictional but it seemed odd to not mention them, or perhaps she didn’t realize they weren’t accurate.
-The POV were confusing at times. It seemed to be set up as third person with Emma narrating present day chapters in 1844 and then flashback chapters from her life. But then she would randomly start speaking in the flashback chapters as if she were narrating from the future again. Then the narrator would break the 4th wall and talk directly to the reader randomly. I found it a little confusing.
-I know this is a huge story with so many threads to cover but I felt like the author left out a few important pieces of the history that I wished were included.
Overall, this was a well-written book and I really enjoyed it!
Note for active LDS readers: I truly think this book is a good read that provides an important perspective on early church history that we do not talk about regularly. Joseph Smith was an imperfect man and pretending he wasn’t isn’t useful. I think it’s also important to not paint Emma Smith as a villain, as church culture did for so many decades, or to try and make up a passionate love story between her and Joseph when there isn’t strong evidence to suggest there was one. If you don’t know much about the shady parts of early church history, you may be a little shocked when you read, just a fair warning.
Things I loved:
-The humanization of Emma, Joseph, and early church leaders. I felt Emma’s joys and pains so poignantly. Sometimes when we look back at historical figures we forget that they were real and average people going through similar struggles and heartbreaks to our own.
-The writing was beautiful and captured the era well
-While not a faith-based book, this story gave opportunities for readers to see both sides of the coin.
Things I didn’t love:
-While I appreciated that the author included a historical note about some of the historical facts she changed, there were also a few that she didn’t mention and were still inaccurate. I completely understand it’s fictional but it seemed odd to not mention them, or perhaps she didn’t realize they weren’t accurate.
-The POV were confusing at times. It seemed to be set up as third person with Emma narrating present day chapters in 1844 and then flashback chapters from her life. But then she would randomly start speaking in the flashback chapters as if she were narrating from the future again. Then the narrator would break the 4th wall and talk directly to the reader randomly. I found it a little confusing.
-I know this is a huge story with so many threads to cover but I felt like the author left out a few important pieces of the history that I wished were included.
Overall, this was a well-written book and I really enjoyed it!
Note for active LDS readers: I truly think this book is a good read that provides an important perspective on early church history that we do not talk about regularly. Joseph Smith was an imperfect man and pretending he wasn’t isn’t useful. I think it’s also important to not paint Emma Smith as a villain, as church culture did for so many decades, or to try and make up a passionate love story between her and Joseph when there isn’t strong evidence to suggest there was one. If you don’t know much about the shady parts of early church history, you may be a little shocked when you read, just a fair warning.
January 9, 2023
This story of Emma Hale Smith is infuriating. Well-written, but infuriating.
At times, I felt some sympathy for Emma and her position as wife of a man who may have been the most horrific gaslighting manipulator the world has ever seen. She felt trapped, at times by love and others by self-preservation. However, too often I wasn't sure what was keeping her at Joseph Smith's side. No reason is sufficient for supporting a cult that has ruined thousands of young women's lives in the decades since Emma helped give it legitimacy.
Perhaps there is nothing she could have done. Joseph had been able to explain away with divine revelations (that always happen to coincide with his own wishes) other faithful followers who had left or tragedies that befell the Mormon people. He likely would have spun a tale about Emma being possessed by the devil or God wishing for a new elect lady or some other such nonsense that his followers would have willingly accepted just as they did celestial marriage.
But maybe not. Maybe the church would have disintegrated under the weight of its lies and twisted morality. Maybe there wouldn't be little girls to this day being married to old Mormon men who claim to be doing God's will.
I appreciate this author shining a light on Emma's story in an authentic way. It must have been tempting to change details to portray Emma in a more positive light or to change history altogether. It is a thought-provoking read.
At times, I felt some sympathy for Emma and her position as wife of a man who may have been the most horrific gaslighting manipulator the world has ever seen. She felt trapped, at times by love and others by self-preservation. However, too often I wasn't sure what was keeping her at Joseph Smith's side. No reason is sufficient for supporting a cult that has ruined thousands of young women's lives in the decades since Emma helped give it legitimacy.
Perhaps there is nothing she could have done. Joseph had been able to explain away with divine revelations (that always happen to coincide with his own wishes) other faithful followers who had left or tragedies that befell the Mormon people. He likely would have spun a tale about Emma being possessed by the devil or God wishing for a new elect lady or some other such nonsense that his followers would have willingly accepted just as they did celestial marriage.
But maybe not. Maybe the church would have disintegrated under the weight of its lies and twisted morality. Maybe there wouldn't be little girls to this day being married to old Mormon men who claim to be doing God's will.
I appreciate this author shining a light on Emma's story in an authentic way. It must have been tempting to change details to portray Emma in a more positive light or to change history altogether. It is a thought-provoking read.
February 13, 2022
This was a very informative novel set in the early 1800s I just felt it's pace was too slow and it seemed repetitive at times.
Joseph Smith was a prophet and founder of the Church of Latter Day Saints and the Mormon religion. While he had thousands of followers he was also met with much resistance and his people were met with violence by those opposed to him.
Emma first wife and the one to bear his children was the narrator in this one and told of his fame and struggles all the while telling of her struggles with her husband's infidelity and wild ideas.
This religion had a rough start. Thier homes were burned repeatedly and many innocent people were killed for the cause. I had no idea this took place like this and about the early lives of Mormons. For that alone it's worth the read.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me an early copy of this book set to release on 3/15/22.
Joseph Smith was a prophet and founder of the Church of Latter Day Saints and the Mormon religion. While he had thousands of followers he was also met with much resistance and his people were met with violence by those opposed to him.
Emma first wife and the one to bear his children was the narrator in this one and told of his fame and struggles all the while telling of her struggles with her husband's infidelity and wild ideas.
This religion had a rough start. Thier homes were burned repeatedly and many innocent people were killed for the cause. I had no idea this took place like this and about the early lives of Mormons. For that alone it's worth the read.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me an early copy of this book set to release on 3/15/22.
May 21, 2023
** Author was born into a Mormon family in the US, and despite no longer being a practicing member of the Mormon faith, has deep roots in Mormonism and has ancestry going back to the founding days of the faith **
This historical fiction novel was chosen as a personal read in my attempts to begin my preparation for my historical fiction zoom book club's discussion on the topic of Mormonism and The Fire and the Ore in late June.
The Prophet's Wife by author Libbie Grant (real name), was a very interesting perspective on the early foundings of the Mormon faith but from the vantage point of Emma Hale Smith, wife of Mormon founder Joseph Smith Jr.
Author Libbie Grant uses imagery to place the readers in the novel's setting. Example below:
"All along its floor there were farmsteads and clapboard houses, and furrows in the soil, and a smell of woodsmoke and under that, faintly a smell of onions simmering over homely fires. She walked past cultivated fields and split-rail fences, and cattle in their pastures".
The Prophet's Wife like any other novel has many themes, but in this one not as big of a theme as 'faith'. Two examples regarding 'faith' as a theme in this novel are below:
"Zion seems a hard, unforgiving place. I could wonder why the Lord chose it as a land of purpose, though I suppose He must intend it as a trial of sorts, to separate the wheat from the chaff, as the Scriptures say. Zion is the refiner's fire, I suppose which will purify the worthy and make our people unbreakable”.
“God’s will be done. We can’t know His meaning. We can’t understand His designs. It isn’t for us to know. It’s only for us to obey with perfect faith”.
Going back to the author's usage of imagery/descriptiveness, below is another example, but this time of a building:
"The outer facade was lovely enough, with its gleaming walls and stately symmetry but so great were the elegance and richness of the inner chambers, Emma thought Heaven itself might pale by comparison. Save for the polished wooden pews, every surface was white with plaster. Great pillars held up a soaring ceiling. Windows almost twice the height of a man allowed the morning's soft glow to come pouring in; the light flowed along corners and curves like melted honey" (in reference to the Kirtland Temple in Kirtland, Ohio built in 1833).
I highly recommend reading the author's notes as they provide more historical information as well as sources used for further reading if interested.
This historical fiction novel was chosen as a personal read in my attempts to begin my preparation for my historical fiction zoom book club's discussion on the topic of Mormonism and The Fire and the Ore in late June.
The Prophet's Wife by author Libbie Grant (real name), was a very interesting perspective on the early foundings of the Mormon faith but from the vantage point of Emma Hale Smith, wife of Mormon founder Joseph Smith Jr.
Author Libbie Grant uses imagery to place the readers in the novel's setting. Example below:
"All along its floor there were farmsteads and clapboard houses, and furrows in the soil, and a smell of woodsmoke and under that, faintly a smell of onions simmering over homely fires. She walked past cultivated fields and split-rail fences, and cattle in their pastures".
The Prophet's Wife like any other novel has many themes, but in this one not as big of a theme as 'faith'. Two examples regarding 'faith' as a theme in this novel are below:
"Zion seems a hard, unforgiving place. I could wonder why the Lord chose it as a land of purpose, though I suppose He must intend it as a trial of sorts, to separate the wheat from the chaff, as the Scriptures say. Zion is the refiner's fire, I suppose which will purify the worthy and make our people unbreakable”.
“God’s will be done. We can’t know His meaning. We can’t understand His designs. It isn’t for us to know. It’s only for us to obey with perfect faith”.
Going back to the author's usage of imagery/descriptiveness, below is another example, but this time of a building:
"The outer facade was lovely enough, with its gleaming walls and stately symmetry but so great were the elegance and richness of the inner chambers, Emma thought Heaven itself might pale by comparison. Save for the polished wooden pews, every surface was white with plaster. Great pillars held up a soaring ceiling. Windows almost twice the height of a man allowed the morning's soft glow to come pouring in; the light flowed along corners and curves like melted honey" (in reference to the Kirtland Temple in Kirtland, Ohio built in 1833).
I highly recommend reading the author's notes as they provide more historical information as well as sources used for further reading if interested.
December 30, 2021
This literary historical novel about the origins of the Mormon faith blew me away.
I expected to hate the character of Joseph Smith, or at the very least, think he was crazy, a liar, or both. But after reading this story from his first wife’s point of view, I see him as painfully human. The narration is from Emma’s point of view, both as the events take place, and her reflections later in her life.
What struck me most was: IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME. I could have been the prophet’s wife—swept away by the mysteries and fear and desire to be loved. And the all-consuming desire to not be punished by a relentlessly unforgiving deity.
The early nineteenth century was a whole different ball game in regards to religion and family ties. Especially having to do with reasons for getting married or staying married. Women were powerless in most things, and once they became mothers, most choices they made had everything to do with the safety and future prospects of their children. Such was the case with Emma, and yet another reason that her whole life COULD HAVE BEEN MINE if I had been in her shoes. Mind-boggling.
I highly recommend this book for fans of literary historical fiction, and for anyone interested in the history of the Mormon faith.
I read a netgalley ARC, and this book will be released in February 2022 by @williammorrowbooks
Preorder this book right now! Immediately!
Content warning: It covers the early days of the Mormon faith. It is done with great care and respect, but it also paints every historical character as fully human with all kinds of flaws. Also includes infant death and violence.
I expected to hate the character of Joseph Smith, or at the very least, think he was crazy, a liar, or both. But after reading this story from his first wife’s point of view, I see him as painfully human. The narration is from Emma’s point of view, both as the events take place, and her reflections later in her life.
What struck me most was: IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME. I could have been the prophet’s wife—swept away by the mysteries and fear and desire to be loved. And the all-consuming desire to not be punished by a relentlessly unforgiving deity.
The early nineteenth century was a whole different ball game in regards to religion and family ties. Especially having to do with reasons for getting married or staying married. Women were powerless in most things, and once they became mothers, most choices they made had everything to do with the safety and future prospects of their children. Such was the case with Emma, and yet another reason that her whole life COULD HAVE BEEN MINE if I had been in her shoes. Mind-boggling.
I highly recommend this book for fans of literary historical fiction, and for anyone interested in the history of the Mormon faith.
I read a netgalley ARC, and this book will be released in February 2022 by @williammorrowbooks
Preorder this book right now! Immediately!
Content warning: It covers the early days of the Mormon faith. It is done with great care and respect, but it also paints every historical character as fully human with all kinds of flaws. Also includes infant death and violence.
December 13, 2021
"The Prophet's Wife" is a fine historical novel about Joseph Smith and his original wife Emma. Libbie Grant shaves these two down to the bone so that you see two very flawed people who start something that strikes a chord with people all over the world, a world starving for a new relationship with God during the second great awakening. We see Joseph as something of a con man looking for a chance, and Emma as his very bright wife, whose opportunities to put her mind to use is hampered by her class and time. We're never sure whether Joseph is a charlatan or had a genuine religious experience, and neither is his wife. Put Brigham Young into the mix and watch things twist in another direction.
Rural America in the 1820s is strikingly portrayed, filled as it was with people worn raw by working to build something in the wilderness and hoping for something better in this life or the next.
Highly recommended. Thanks to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rural America in the 1820s is strikingly portrayed, filled as it was with people worn raw by working to build something in the wilderness and hoping for something better in this life or the next.
Highly recommended. Thanks to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2022
I grew up reading Mormon historical fiction by Ardyth Kennelly, Maurine Whipple, and Laura Kalpakian, thanks to my mother and grandmother. We were fascinated by the women who lived these stories, what they endured, and why.
I wish they were here to read this new literary novel about Emma Hale Smith. Her love/hate relationship with both her husband and the church he founded ring true in this excellent historical novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I wish they were here to read this new literary novel about Emma Hale Smith. Her love/hate relationship with both her husband and the church he founded ring true in this excellent historical novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2022
Well, I could only make it half way through. The editing wasn’t great, so that was very annoying and made it hard to read. I believe great liberties were taken in most of this. Not my cup of tea.
March 23, 2022
This book is a RIDE.
As someone who knows very little about the history of the Mormon Church and the founding of Mormonism, never mind Joseph and Emma Smith, I found the whole book to be fascinating purely from the perspective of the subtitle: A Novel of American Faith.
There were moments of this book, of Emma's story (which is what this book truly zeroes in on, within the context of the Church her husband founds) that were just absolutely heartbreaking. Libbie Grant has a fascinating insight into not just Emma's character, or the history she's relating through this work of fiction, but of also what American Faith means, how it has been used not just to shape our views of the world and ourselves even for good and ill, but to warp society around us to better fit revelation.
I think the author did a phenomenal job of threading the needle of making space for real spiritual experience vs perceived spiritual experience vs what might have been invented to serve the purpose of a greater narrative that was being spun to weave a faith and a Church whole cloth, and having finished reading, I am left with the same wonder/curiosity/ambivalence with which I have approached many a religious teaching--asking myself what is a true reflection of the divine, what did these people really experience, what is real and what is believed so strongly to be real that the fabric of truth is rent in order to make space for it in our world?
All in all, a deftly told and emotionally riveting peek back at a very American moment in history, through the eyes of a woman I would give my left arm to be speak with frankly, if I could travel back in time. Though I suspect even if I could, I would be left no wiser.
To me, this feels like a must read for anyone who wrestles with what American Faith (in all its plurality) has wrought.
As someone who knows very little about the history of the Mormon Church and the founding of Mormonism, never mind Joseph and Emma Smith, I found the whole book to be fascinating purely from the perspective of the subtitle: A Novel of American Faith.
There were moments of this book, of Emma's story (which is what this book truly zeroes in on, within the context of the Church her husband founds) that were just absolutely heartbreaking. Libbie Grant has a fascinating insight into not just Emma's character, or the history she's relating through this work of fiction, but of also what American Faith means, how it has been used not just to shape our views of the world and ourselves even for good and ill, but to warp society around us to better fit revelation.
I think the author did a phenomenal job of threading the needle of making space for real spiritual experience vs perceived spiritual experience vs what might have been invented to serve the purpose of a greater narrative that was being spun to weave a faith and a Church whole cloth, and having finished reading, I am left with the same wonder/curiosity/ambivalence with which I have approached many a religious teaching--asking myself what is a true reflection of the divine, what did these people really experience, what is real and what is believed so strongly to be real that the fabric of truth is rent in order to make space for it in our world?
All in all, a deftly told and emotionally riveting peek back at a very American moment in history, through the eyes of a woman I would give my left arm to be speak with frankly, if I could travel back in time. Though I suspect even if I could, I would be left no wiser.
To me, this feels like a must read for anyone who wrestles with what American Faith (in all its plurality) has wrought.
June 27, 2025
With this read, I was hopeful to have a better insight into Emma Smith’s character. I was disappointed by the author’s portrayal of her as a flat, shallow, and miserable woman. This book has more of a teenage jilted romance/fantasy vibe. I found the author’s underlying mocking tone distracting to what might have been a really interesting time period to explore. I did appreciate the author’s view about the power of words. I love that Emma wrote her own blessing and don’t doubt there was power in those words. I also appreciate the suggestion of power in the words found in the Book of Mormon. It has inspired me to read the authors from the different books within the Book of Mormon. If anyone is looking to read The Prophet’s Wife as an insight into “Mormonism”, I would strongly suggest reading the actual words from the Book of Mormon rather than this sensationalized twist on the events of people who were trying to bring it out of obscurity. Was it a messy process? Yes. Does that make the words and writings found in the Book of Mormon less impactful? I don't think so. It’s worth the effort to decide for yourself.
March 19, 2022
5⭐
I went to high school in California, and my best friend in 9th grade was Mormon. I had many Mormon neighbors and classmates, became familiar with their mission trips, and was even given a Book of Mormon (with a hopeful expression from my best friend). Now, I live about 100 miles from Nauvoo, Illinois, a key early settlement of the Mormons, and where this book, The Prophet’s Wife, ends. I had heard some thoughts/ideas/opinions about the Mormon religion, some stereotypical, some perhaps true. While The Prophet’s Wife is historical fiction, this recounting of Joseph Smith’s life and path to Mormonism, told through the perspective of his first wife, Emma, provides a deep, inside look into the start of this religion.
Libbie Grant is very clear about which portions of this novel are based on truth, and man, is it fascinating! Yes, the author took some liberties for the sake of the plot and pacing; however, the crux of the story is based on true accounts. Historical fiction typically takes me some time to get through, but I hardly wanted to put this book down! I really felt for Emma (the prophet’s wife) right from the start; I connected with her frequently, how she would be thinking logically most of the time, but having those moments of doubt.
I’m curious now to learn more about how things continued in Nauvoo, Illinois; if there are still descendants of Joseph Smith living there; if/how the temple there is still used; and what were the details surrounding Brigham Young bringing Mormons to Utah. (Emma did not have a high opinion of Brigham Young, by the way. Interesting.)
Thank you to @Netgalley, @WilliamMorrowBooks, and @BookClubGirl for the eARC of The Prophet’s Wife #BookClubGirlEarlyRead in exchange for my honest review. Immediately after finishing this advance copy, I bought this book from my mother-in-law, as I knew she would find this interesting (AND she has a sibling that lives in Nauvoo)!
I went to high school in California, and my best friend in 9th grade was Mormon. I had many Mormon neighbors and classmates, became familiar with their mission trips, and was even given a Book of Mormon (with a hopeful expression from my best friend). Now, I live about 100 miles from Nauvoo, Illinois, a key early settlement of the Mormons, and where this book, The Prophet’s Wife, ends. I had heard some thoughts/ideas/opinions about the Mormon religion, some stereotypical, some perhaps true. While The Prophet’s Wife is historical fiction, this recounting of Joseph Smith’s life and path to Mormonism, told through the perspective of his first wife, Emma, provides a deep, inside look into the start of this religion.
Libbie Grant is very clear about which portions of this novel are based on truth, and man, is it fascinating! Yes, the author took some liberties for the sake of the plot and pacing; however, the crux of the story is based on true accounts. Historical fiction typically takes me some time to get through, but I hardly wanted to put this book down! I really felt for Emma (the prophet’s wife) right from the start; I connected with her frequently, how she would be thinking logically most of the time, but having those moments of doubt.
I’m curious now to learn more about how things continued in Nauvoo, Illinois; if there are still descendants of Joseph Smith living there; if/how the temple there is still used; and what were the details surrounding Brigham Young bringing Mormons to Utah. (Emma did not have a high opinion of Brigham Young, by the way. Interesting.)
Thank you to @Netgalley, @WilliamMorrowBooks, and @BookClubGirl for the eARC of The Prophet’s Wife #BookClubGirlEarlyRead in exchange for my honest review. Immediately after finishing this advance copy, I bought this book from my mother-in-law, as I knew she would find this interesting (AND she has a sibling that lives in Nauvoo)!
May 1, 2022
I reviewed this book for the Historical Novel Review and this is what I wrote:
If you know as little as I do about the Mormon religion, this book will at times read like a fantasy novel. The history is astounding and sometimes horrifying, but Grant’s gorgeous writing will keep readers enthralled throughout.
Grant sets the birth and growth of Mormonism in the context of a hyper-religious century in America. In 1825 Emma Hale, unmarried and worried she might remain that way forever, meets Joseph Smith, a charismatic young man with a belief system grounded in his mother’s old European superstitions. Emma is entranced and marries him in spite of her family’s objections. Once he discovers some “golden plates” buried in a mysterious earthen mound, he is off and running, creating a new religion based on his own prophecies. Receptive followers of this offbeat religion willingly migrate with Joseph and Emma to points west, but they always get into trouble with their neighbors. In fact, a “war” erupts with the Gentiles in Missouri, resulting in the deaths of numerous Mormons — tragedies easily avoided were it not for the patriarchal hubris of the Mormon leadership. Most of us associate Mormonism with polygamy, but that decree only arrives later in their marriage at a time when Joseph — who has always craved adoration — happens to be surrounded by young vulnerable women. Conveniently, God commands him to marry as many of them as he likes, much to Emma’s dismay.
The Prophet’s Wife is a powerful, mesmerizing novel. In the figure of Emma Hale Smith, Grant has created a fully realized woman of intelligence, integrity, complexity, strength, and a deep and abiding faith in God. Emma acts as Joseph’s support but also as his conscience. While the follies depicted in the story are almost two centuries past, blind allegiance to charismatic narcissists still wreaks havoc today.
If you know as little as I do about the Mormon religion, this book will at times read like a fantasy novel. The history is astounding and sometimes horrifying, but Grant’s gorgeous writing will keep readers enthralled throughout.
Grant sets the birth and growth of Mormonism in the context of a hyper-religious century in America. In 1825 Emma Hale, unmarried and worried she might remain that way forever, meets Joseph Smith, a charismatic young man with a belief system grounded in his mother’s old European superstitions. Emma is entranced and marries him in spite of her family’s objections. Once he discovers some “golden plates” buried in a mysterious earthen mound, he is off and running, creating a new religion based on his own prophecies. Receptive followers of this offbeat religion willingly migrate with Joseph and Emma to points west, but they always get into trouble with their neighbors. In fact, a “war” erupts with the Gentiles in Missouri, resulting in the deaths of numerous Mormons — tragedies easily avoided were it not for the patriarchal hubris of the Mormon leadership. Most of us associate Mormonism with polygamy, but that decree only arrives later in their marriage at a time when Joseph — who has always craved adoration — happens to be surrounded by young vulnerable women. Conveniently, God commands him to marry as many of them as he likes, much to Emma’s dismay.
The Prophet’s Wife is a powerful, mesmerizing novel. In the figure of Emma Hale Smith, Grant has created a fully realized woman of intelligence, integrity, complexity, strength, and a deep and abiding faith in God. Emma acts as Joseph’s support but also as his conscience. While the follies depicted in the story are almost two centuries past, blind allegiance to charismatic narcissists still wreaks havoc today.
February 25, 2022
I am only reviewing this book because I won it here on a giveaway. I was interested in the book because my grandmother converted to the Latter Days Saint church from Catholicism in her sixties. I lived with her in Rio de Janeiro when we were visited by missionaries. I used to go to the meetings with her. So, whenever I have a chance to read about the subject, I take full advantage. My grandmother remained a Mormon until she passed away at the age of 94.
For the most part I enjoyed the writing in this book. It was easy to understand and at places it flowed very nicely. I think that the author was able to provide the background on this religion, with tons of details. In that sense I enjoyed the book.
My biggest issue with this book is that it dragged... It was just too long, several paragraphs and pages were used to express something that could have been done with one paragraph or page, without losing any real information. So, there were times I avoided the book. I only finished it because I won the book and felt I needed to finish it. Now this is my personal take, no one needs to agree. Perhaps, because I already know a lot about this religion (not an expert though), it affected my reading experience. That is possible.
As far as the religious side of things - I leave to each person to decide on its validity, or truthfulness. This books just confirmed what I believe about the Latter-Day Saints religion.
I must add, regardless of what I think about the religion itself, I met some of the kindest people in this church while I lived with my grandma and attended their meetings.
For the most part I enjoyed the writing in this book. It was easy to understand and at places it flowed very nicely. I think that the author was able to provide the background on this religion, with tons of details. In that sense I enjoyed the book.
My biggest issue with this book is that it dragged... It was just too long, several paragraphs and pages were used to express something that could have been done with one paragraph or page, without losing any real information. So, there were times I avoided the book. I only finished it because I won the book and felt I needed to finish it. Now this is my personal take, no one needs to agree. Perhaps, because I already know a lot about this religion (not an expert though), it affected my reading experience. That is possible.
As far as the religious side of things - I leave to each person to decide on its validity, or truthfulness. This books just confirmed what I believe about the Latter-Day Saints religion.
I must add, regardless of what I think about the religion itself, I met some of the kindest people in this church while I lived with my grandma and attended their meetings.
December 2, 2021
Expansive and riveting, The Prophet’s Wife is a fascinating exploration of the roots of the Mormon faith, conveyed through the eyes of Emma, Joseph Smith’s first wife.
Rich with historical detail and empathetic, compassionate storytelling, this novel is both heartbreaking and inspirational as readers follow Emma and her struggle with reconciling her faith against her wavering devotion to the man some consider a prophet and some consider a heretic. Absolutely enthralling.
Rich with historical detail and empathetic, compassionate storytelling, this novel is both heartbreaking and inspirational as readers follow Emma and her struggle with reconciling her faith against her wavering devotion to the man some consider a prophet and some consider a heretic. Absolutely enthralling.
March 11, 2023
You will enter an unforgettable world in The Prophet's Wife. It's a story of fiery faith, love, and emotionally charged drama, all seen through the point of view of Emma Hale. She's a young woman of independent spirit who sees something no one else does in a man who appears one day at her family home: Joseph Smith. Together they changed American history. The writing is richly detailed--this is a novel not to be missed.
April 28, 2023
I'm going to start this review by saying that I pre-ordered this book in December, have eagerly awaited it since then, and read it in a marathon session of about six non-stop hours the day it was released, because I didn't think I could go to sleep without having finished it. I think the fact that I literally could not put it down says a lot about the book. I sat on this review for a couple days, trying to figure out what I thought about the book and what I felt about it (two related but ultimately different things). I'm also considering rereading it more slowly this weekend so I can take a little bit more time to pore over the story and the writing, which I think the book deserves. Another thing to get out of the way before I actually review this: because I think this is a book where what the reader brings to the story really matters, I would describe myself as both religious and a feminist, am not and never have been Mormon but am very interested in Mormon history, especially the history of women in early Mormonism and of plural marriage. I'm also a history teacher by profession and an avid reader of historical fiction, as well as an occasional (informal, amateur) dabbler in writing my own. Okay, here goes!
First of all, the prose is stunning. It is fluid and poetic and is one of the main reasons why I think I should do a slower reread. Both the natural and social worlds that Emma inhabits are so fully realized and tangible feeling. There were several phrases or scenes that made me stop and do a double-take. I can't list them here, but some of the ones that stick with me two days later are a line about (roughly quoting) "when all of this is over, or as over as it will ever be", which was both beautiful and chilling, and a scene that described a tired Emma undressing and the scent of wet wool, which was startlingly, gorgeously mundane. I also loved the fact that the narrative generally follows Emma and her thoughts but sometimes sort of takes a step back and turns into a more remote, communal, speculative birds-eye view (you almost feel like it's the Mormon community speaking, past, present, or future. Or any other kindred spirit throughout history). Sometimes these moments break the fourth wall and not-quite-directly address the reader, and I think that's difficult to pull off but very well done here. One passage that did this that I keep thinking about is the scene that re-imagines the First Vision, with teenage Joseph praying for greatness, turning inward, while the Father and the Son hover unseen. (If God appears in the forest and not even a prophet really hears it, does it still make a sound? Absolutely, this book says.) I also think the narrative of doubt and faith that runs through this novel was really fascinating, and the ambiguities of it. How much does Emma believe, how much should she doubt? How much does Joseph believe what he's saying? What happens when a narrative you created spirals out of your control?
I once read a quote that said that the Book of Mormon would be a contender for one of the most influential American novels, except that most people who have read it don't believe it was a novel at all. In some ways, Mormonism is a perfect ground for historical fiction because it is the history of a story and the story of a history. As for the storyteller at the heart of Mormonism--I absolutely loved Libbie Grant's take on Joseph Smith. He felt three-dimensional, human, real--I was genuinely charmed and repulsed in turn. He also felt very similar to my own historical interpretation of the real life Joseph Smith.
I think this makes a good segue to what I struggled with in this book. I honestly think I would have enjoyed the book more if I wasn't so interested in Mormon history--though maybe I wouldn't have picked it up in the first place. It is, after all, a beautifully written story about fascinating people, events, places, and characters, which are generally portrayed well. That being said, there were elements that fell flat for me because they conflicted with my own historical knowledge or personal interpretation. Some of these were kind of nitpicky on my part, like the decision to switch the birth order of Frederick and Alexander Smith (explained as a dramatic choice in the historical note at the end), but something that really irked my very detail-oriented self when I was reading. There were also some choices that fell a bit flat for me related to interpretation of characters and the larger narrative and themes. In terms of Emma herself, the way she is portrayed in "The Prophet's Wife" is different from my own interpretation of her character and motivations, but as she did not leave many primary sources in her own voice, there are definitely multiple ways she could be portrayed in terms of what story you want to tell. I also thought this version of Brigham Young was a bit one-dimensionally villainous (which I hope doesn't sound apologist! He's easy to villainize, especially from Emma's perspective). I find the historical Brigham Young quite abhorrent, but I also think his motivations and character were a bit different from what is portrayed here, and it might have been interesting to go a slightly different route.
I also think the ending felt a little rushed: we spent so much wonderful time exploring the growth of the church and of Emma's family, and I feel like the section dealing with the period of polygamy felt too short, and a bit broad-brushstrokes. I would have liked to see more of the fascinating interactions between Emma and the other women and her grappling with the theological and domestic ramifications of this. I could have happily read another fifty to a hundred pages of this book, and I think it might have needed that to fully wrap up the narrative.
Overall, a beautifully written book that was both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
First of all, the prose is stunning. It is fluid and poetic and is one of the main reasons why I think I should do a slower reread. Both the natural and social worlds that Emma inhabits are so fully realized and tangible feeling. There were several phrases or scenes that made me stop and do a double-take. I can't list them here, but some of the ones that stick with me two days later are a line about (roughly quoting) "when all of this is over, or as over as it will ever be", which was both beautiful and chilling, and a scene that described a tired Emma undressing and the scent of wet wool, which was startlingly, gorgeously mundane. I also loved the fact that the narrative generally follows Emma and her thoughts but sometimes sort of takes a step back and turns into a more remote, communal, speculative birds-eye view (you almost feel like it's the Mormon community speaking, past, present, or future. Or any other kindred spirit throughout history). Sometimes these moments break the fourth wall and not-quite-directly address the reader, and I think that's difficult to pull off but very well done here. One passage that did this that I keep thinking about is the scene that re-imagines the First Vision, with teenage Joseph praying for greatness, turning inward, while the Father and the Son hover unseen. (If God appears in the forest and not even a prophet really hears it, does it still make a sound? Absolutely, this book says.) I also think the narrative of doubt and faith that runs through this novel was really fascinating, and the ambiguities of it. How much does Emma believe, how much should she doubt? How much does Joseph believe what he's saying? What happens when a narrative you created spirals out of your control?
I once read a quote that said that the Book of Mormon would be a contender for one of the most influential American novels, except that most people who have read it don't believe it was a novel at all. In some ways, Mormonism is a perfect ground for historical fiction because it is the history of a story and the story of a history. As for the storyteller at the heart of Mormonism--I absolutely loved Libbie Grant's take on Joseph Smith. He felt three-dimensional, human, real--I was genuinely charmed and repulsed in turn. He also felt very similar to my own historical interpretation of the real life Joseph Smith.
I think this makes a good segue to what I struggled with in this book. I honestly think I would have enjoyed the book more if I wasn't so interested in Mormon history--though maybe I wouldn't have picked it up in the first place. It is, after all, a beautifully written story about fascinating people, events, places, and characters, which are generally portrayed well. That being said, there were elements that fell flat for me because they conflicted with my own historical knowledge or personal interpretation. Some of these were kind of nitpicky on my part, like the decision to switch the birth order of Frederick and Alexander Smith (explained as a dramatic choice in the historical note at the end), but something that really irked my very detail-oriented self when I was reading. There were also some choices that fell a bit flat for me related to interpretation of characters and the larger narrative and themes. In terms of Emma herself, the way she is portrayed in "The Prophet's Wife" is different from my own interpretation of her character and motivations, but as she did not leave many primary sources in her own voice, there are definitely multiple ways she could be portrayed in terms of what story you want to tell. I also thought this version of Brigham Young was a bit one-dimensionally villainous (which I hope doesn't sound apologist! He's easy to villainize, especially from Emma's perspective). I find the historical Brigham Young quite abhorrent, but I also think his motivations and character were a bit different from what is portrayed here, and it might have been interesting to go a slightly different route.
I also think the ending felt a little rushed: we spent so much wonderful time exploring the growth of the church and of Emma's family, and I feel like the section dealing with the period of polygamy felt too short, and a bit broad-brushstrokes. I would have liked to see more of the fascinating interactions between Emma and the other women and her grappling with the theological and domestic ramifications of this. I could have happily read another fifty to a hundred pages of this book, and I think it might have needed that to fully wrap up the narrative.
Overall, a beautifully written book that was both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
April 2, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book of historical fiction on the Mormon faith. At times I found that I had a hard time putting it down. This is my first book on this topic and I found it quite interesting, although I did feel as if it went on a little too long.
I learned so much history of the Mormon church! I never knew about the Mormon war or battles. Was it a part of history I learned and forgot or just never knew? Probably the latter. Nevertheless it was quite interesting.
I was sad for the life that Emma lived with Joseph. I had a hard time believing that she acted the way she was portrayed at various times- "talking back" to her husband---in that era, let alone a "prophet". It doesn't seem believable.... Maybe it did happen?
The other thing I didn't learn until reading the Author's Notes, the feelings portrayed in the book between Emma and Don Carlo were fiction and not based in truth. To me, this was such an important part of the book. At times I felt that Emma's feelings for Don Carlos kept her going, gave her hope.
I definitely recommend this book to others, especially those seeking to learn more about the history of the Mormon church.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an advanced reader's edition of this book.
I learned so much history of the Mormon church! I never knew about the Mormon war or battles. Was it a part of history I learned and forgot or just never knew? Probably the latter. Nevertheless it was quite interesting.
I was sad for the life that Emma lived with Joseph. I had a hard time believing that she acted the way she was portrayed at various times- "talking back" to her husband---in that era, let alone a "prophet". It doesn't seem believable.... Maybe it did happen?
The other thing I didn't learn until reading the Author's Notes, the feelings portrayed in the book between Emma and Don Carlo were fiction and not based in truth. To me, this was such an important part of the book. At times I felt that Emma's feelings for Don Carlos kept her going, gave her hope.
I definitely recommend this book to others, especially those seeking to learn more about the history of the Mormon church.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an advanced reader's edition of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
The Prophet's Wife tells the story of the early and turbulent days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Emma, as portrayed by Libbie Grant, is trapped in marriage to the charismatic church founder. She comes to love the man who is her spouse and father of her children and works with him to grow his church. But she can also see Joseph's weaknesses. She endures estrangement from parents, poverty, loss of children and twice has to flee during the night to save her own life and the lives of her children. She is also seen as a leader for women and works tirelessly to help the poor and needy.
This book will provoke conversations. It is well researched historically and compelling to read. It is also historical fiction and the private interactions are created by the author. I appreciate Grant's listing the books she used as sources (some of which I've read). I also like her transparency in listing what she has changed for dramatic purposes for the story. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book will provoke conversations. It is well researched historically and compelling to read. It is also historical fiction and the private interactions are created by the author. I appreciate Grant's listing the books she used as sources (some of which I've read). I also like her transparency in listing what she has changed for dramatic purposes for the story. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2021
The Prophet's Wife examines the history of the Latter-Day Saints, the Mormons, with an unblinking eye focused on the founder, Joseph Smith, and his first wife, Emma. Grant handles Emma's character with aplomb, so that at times you want to hug her in sympathy, and other times you want to shake some sense into her and help her realize the harm she is enabling, both to others and herself. The writing is clean and tight. The microscope treatment of Mormon practices and beliefs, and the historically accurate description of Joseph Smith will have you shaking your head - or perhaps if you are a Mormon, fuming. A must-read for anyone interested in the sect.
April 9, 2022
why did she stay
I’m not a religious person. Maybe that’s why I can’t understand why Emma stayed with Joseph Smith. I’ve never had her faith which wasn’t broken until her husband said that God told him that polygamy was a good thing.
I’m not a religious person. Maybe that’s why I can’t understand why Emma stayed with Joseph Smith. I’ve never had her faith which wasn’t broken until her husband said that God told him that polygamy was a good thing.
April 26, 2022
The Prophet's Wife by Libbie Grant is a fascinating work of historical fiction. In it, Grant examines the origins and evolution of Mormonism through the eyes of founder Joseph Smith's first wife, Emma Hall. This is not simply the story of a the birth of a religion, but rather it is about the struggles within a marriage that plays out against the backdrop of faith, power and controversy.
I found the historical information about the early days of the Mormon church to be compelling, informative and well researched. As a lover of historical fiction and biographical fiction in particular, I was impressed with the depth of research that clearly went into the writing of this novel. This enhanced my reading experience because this was a subject that I was not very familiar with and the details about the Mormon religion really helped me to put the story in perspective in a way I would not have otherwise been able to.
What impressed me the most about this novel was the portrayal of the two main characters and how they became a centerpiece of an incredibly dramatic and sympathetic portrayal of a marriage. We see Emma as she struggles with her faith and tries to reconcile her love for her husband as he morphs and his control grows until he ultimately becomes the charismatic and powerful leader of a religion that she no longer recognizes.
When polygamy is added to the tenants of the religion, Smith soon finds himself and their community ostracized and the victims of violence. Emma knows that to save them all and find peace she must convince her husband to surrender, even if that means sacrificing his own life.
I loved this book. Beautifully written, it enthralled me in it's narrative and made me think and question the nature of marriage and unconditional love and faith. I think this would be a great read for Women's History Month. Sometimes the most interesting stories are the quiet ones about the women immersed in important events in history whose stories we never hear.
I found the historical information about the early days of the Mormon church to be compelling, informative and well researched. As a lover of historical fiction and biographical fiction in particular, I was impressed with the depth of research that clearly went into the writing of this novel. This enhanced my reading experience because this was a subject that I was not very familiar with and the details about the Mormon religion really helped me to put the story in perspective in a way I would not have otherwise been able to.
What impressed me the most about this novel was the portrayal of the two main characters and how they became a centerpiece of an incredibly dramatic and sympathetic portrayal of a marriage. We see Emma as she struggles with her faith and tries to reconcile her love for her husband as he morphs and his control grows until he ultimately becomes the charismatic and powerful leader of a religion that she no longer recognizes.
When polygamy is added to the tenants of the religion, Smith soon finds himself and their community ostracized and the victims of violence. Emma knows that to save them all and find peace she must convince her husband to surrender, even if that means sacrificing his own life.
I loved this book. Beautifully written, it enthralled me in it's narrative and made me think and question the nature of marriage and unconditional love and faith. I think this would be a great read for Women's History Month. Sometimes the most interesting stories are the quiet ones about the women immersed in important events in history whose stories we never hear.
June 29, 2022
The start was strong, but I found the last half less complex and very single-sided. I think that people are in a religious tradition for complex reasons, and it all became pretty reduced to licentiousness and misogyny, which I found unfortunate. This isn't my faith tradition, but I prefer more nuance in my fiction.
January 9, 2023
A very interesting novel about the Mormons foundation! I found fascinating to read about this religious order through Joseph Smith's eyes which brought about some essential thought provoking topics such as faith, how can be faith obtained/acquired.... A captivating and eventful journey.
March 13, 2022
Not a fan!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews