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Wife No. 19
The compelling memoir of the nineteenth wife of Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
In 1869, Ann Eliza Young married Brigham Young, becoming what she believed to be his nineteenth wife. She went on to file for divorce in 1873, alleging neglect, cruel treatment, and desertion. She was excommunicated from the church in 1874, and the divorce was granted the following year. She would go on to lead a fight against polygamy, Mormonism, and Brigham Young, testifying before US Congress.
In Wife No. 19, Young shares her account of her life in the LDS Church. It served as an exposé, detailing the treatment of herself and other female church members. Originally published in 1876, this autobiography went on to be the basis of Irving Wallace’s 1961 biography The Twenty-Seventh Wife, as well as David Ebershoff’s 2008 novel, The 19th Wife.
In 1869, Ann Eliza Young married Brigham Young, becoming what she believed to be his nineteenth wife. She went on to file for divorce in 1873, alleging neglect, cruel treatment, and desertion. She was excommunicated from the church in 1874, and the divorce was granted the following year. She would go on to lead a fight against polygamy, Mormonism, and Brigham Young, testifying before US Congress.
In Wife No. 19, Young shares her account of her life in the LDS Church. It served as an exposé, detailing the treatment of herself and other female church members. Originally published in 1876, this autobiography went on to be the basis of Irving Wallace’s 1961 biography The Twenty-Seventh Wife, as well as David Ebershoff’s 2008 novel, The 19th Wife.
612 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1875
622 people are currently reading
2413 people want to read
About the author
Ann Eliza Young
5 books10 followersAnn Eliza Young (September 13, 1844–1925) also known as Ann Eliza Webb Dee Young Denning was one of Brigham Young's fifty-five wives and later a critic of polygamy. She spoke out against the suppression of women and was an advocate for women's rights during the 19th century.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
March 2, 2009
After reading The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff, I had to read this book. Ebershoff's book is a novel which parallels the stories of a modern-day fictional 19th wife of a polygamist and the historical 19th wife of Brigham Young, who divorced him and became an ardent foe of polygamy. She wrote a memoir in 1875 titled The 19th Wife. You can buy it, or download it in pdf form from Ebershoff's website (that is what I did). The downside to that is that you have to read it on the computer, and it's 600 pages. So it took me awhile.
I found this a seriously interesting book. From way back I had heard stories about one of Brigham Young's wives that left him, apostacized, and spoke out against polygamy--how she just had a chip on her shoulder, that she claimed all women were unhappy in polygamy when in fact nearly all were happy, that she was just biased and most of what she said could not be taken seriously, etc. As one might guess, I heard these comments from within the Mormon fold. And I would agree that, to some extent, her account is most certainly biased. It is clear that she bears a pretty strong grudge against Brigham Young, and that no doubt colors her account.
But I also found much of what she wrote believable, and movingly so. I found this, in particular, with respect to two aspects of her account. First is her description of her conflicted feelings and emotional struggle over her apostacy. After being as devout a Mormon as one could be, I left the church over 20 years ago, and I could fully identify with the inner turmoil she described in coming to the decision to leave. Second is her description of the feelings, jealousies, and struggles of women living in polygamous unions, and of the effect the institution has on men as well. I have never experienced polygamy, but I am human. And the struggles she describes strikes me as simply true of human nature. It probably goes too far to assert that all woman living in polygamy are unhappy; but she does paint what I believe is a realistic picture of what--on a purely emotional level--many must experience. It's an interesting book.
I found this a seriously interesting book. From way back I had heard stories about one of Brigham Young's wives that left him, apostacized, and spoke out against polygamy--how she just had a chip on her shoulder, that she claimed all women were unhappy in polygamy when in fact nearly all were happy, that she was just biased and most of what she said could not be taken seriously, etc. As one might guess, I heard these comments from within the Mormon fold. And I would agree that, to some extent, her account is most certainly biased. It is clear that she bears a pretty strong grudge against Brigham Young, and that no doubt colors her account.
But I also found much of what she wrote believable, and movingly so. I found this, in particular, with respect to two aspects of her account. First is her description of her conflicted feelings and emotional struggle over her apostacy. After being as devout a Mormon as one could be, I left the church over 20 years ago, and I could fully identify with the inner turmoil she described in coming to the decision to leave. Second is her description of the feelings, jealousies, and struggles of women living in polygamous unions, and of the effect the institution has on men as well. I have never experienced polygamy, but I am human. And the struggles she describes strikes me as simply true of human nature. It probably goes too far to assert that all woman living in polygamy are unhappy; but she does paint what I believe is a realistic picture of what--on a purely emotional level--many must experience. It's an interesting book.
April 7, 2008
This book was a tad disturbing for me. I wouldn't say this book is anti-mormon.. but i would say that it paints a picture of life as a "saint" during the days of joseph and brigham in quite an unflattering/honest/painful/disturbing way.
I really struggled with this book because i genuinely believe the author is telling the truth about her life and the lives of early mormon saints. i have read books by d. michael quinn that also portray early mormonism as problematic but somehow this books had a more profound effect on my perception of mormonism as a religion.
if history/polygamy interest you this is an excellent read.. the author was one of brigham youngs wife (wife no 19) and she holds nothing back about the frightening/problematic world she was raised in.
I really struggled with this book because i genuinely believe the author is telling the truth about her life and the lives of early mormon saints. i have read books by d. michael quinn that also portray early mormonism as problematic but somehow this books had a more profound effect on my perception of mormonism as a religion.
if history/polygamy interest you this is an excellent read.. the author was one of brigham youngs wife (wife no 19) and she holds nothing back about the frightening/problematic world she was raised in.
October 12, 2022
Since I'm a Gentile living in Salt Lake City I found this book fascinating. I also believe every word in Ann Eliza Young's memoir. The fanatics are still plenty in 2019 but I have do a handful of family members and dear friends who are Mormon and very cool and "normal". We just never discuss religion. I do not consider it to be based in true Christianity. I think they use the name Jesus Christ like one would in a recipe. Rich and Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin with garlic, chives, and Jesus Christ.
February 16, 2017
A real life horror story that claims to be a true account of early Mormonism by Brigham Young's 19th wife, Ann-Eliza Young. It is her story in her words - so the way she writes is old-fashioned as befits her era. Her story starts innocuously enough but by the end you can not believe what you have read. Her parents began their Mormon journey right from the beginning with Joseph Smith. This is not a neutral book, nor one that claims to be objective. She is a women who feels herself very wronged by Mormonism in general and Brigham Young in particular. She is also the most passionate anti-polygamist I have ever read, but I feel as a woman who grew up in a repressive society she deserves to be able to have her say. I would love to know how much of this is verified by outside historical sources.
September 24, 2010
Really interesting.
Ever talked to a person who is very bitter against the religion they grew up in? Ever listen to rants about hypocrisy, corruption, and plain evil found in the church their parents desperately want them to be a part of?
Yeah Ann Eliza was defiantly pissed off at the Mormon church in her day.
There is a lot of hyperbole here, she spares no insult or comparison when describing the evils of her husband and his influence over the church. Everything from calling him a devil, murderer and thief, to his bad taste and great sin of attempting to meddle in women's fashions. She makes it very clear that she is not happy with her old church.
Yet there is something so very Latter Saint-like about Ann Eliza. She is very much focused on family life, and time together with her family. An expert on the history of the church, Mormon culture, and a little bit on genealogy. She clearly is very inculturated and understands the church of her time. She raves about the joys of church dances, the journey to Utah, the beauty, power, and love of hymns. She calls church members "saints, brothers, sisters, etc." The way she writes, and what she writes about has that mormon taste to it. It's the same taste I've seen in countless latter day saints I've encountered in my life.
This really adds credibility to the book for me.
The atrocities she accuses Brigham Young and the church of are appalling and at times unbelievable. But the culture of the early mormons is just to juicy, rich, and interesting. Having numerous mormon ancestors, I loved her accounts of emigration, the hand cart trials, early mormon culture and practices, even though these things were laced with her hatred and distaste, she couldn't hide how important it all was. I wonder if she might have known some of my ancestors, of heard of them.
I am in love with her vocabulary, her grammar, the flow of the novel from a historical account, to sociological study, to gossip novel, to venting of hatred, to warning, to sympathy, to the hatred of her church, to love of her church culture, from the hatred of Mormons and Mormonism, to the love of her mormon friends and the mormon people, the hatred of polygamy, to the respect, appreciation, and love of her polygamous parents.
Defiantly a unique memoir. If you are a devote Latter Day saint, you will find this book offensive.
Ever talked to a person who is very bitter against the religion they grew up in? Ever listen to rants about hypocrisy, corruption, and plain evil found in the church their parents desperately want them to be a part of?
Yeah Ann Eliza was defiantly pissed off at the Mormon church in her day.
There is a lot of hyperbole here, she spares no insult or comparison when describing the evils of her husband and his influence over the church. Everything from calling him a devil, murderer and thief, to his bad taste and great sin of attempting to meddle in women's fashions. She makes it very clear that she is not happy with her old church.
Yet there is something so very Latter Saint-like about Ann Eliza. She is very much focused on family life, and time together with her family. An expert on the history of the church, Mormon culture, and a little bit on genealogy. She clearly is very inculturated and understands the church of her time. She raves about the joys of church dances, the journey to Utah, the beauty, power, and love of hymns. She calls church members "saints, brothers, sisters, etc." The way she writes, and what she writes about has that mormon taste to it. It's the same taste I've seen in countless latter day saints I've encountered in my life.
This really adds credibility to the book for me.
The atrocities she accuses Brigham Young and the church of are appalling and at times unbelievable. But the culture of the early mormons is just to juicy, rich, and interesting. Having numerous mormon ancestors, I loved her accounts of emigration, the hand cart trials, early mormon culture and practices, even though these things were laced with her hatred and distaste, she couldn't hide how important it all was. I wonder if she might have known some of my ancestors, of heard of them.
I am in love with her vocabulary, her grammar, the flow of the novel from a historical account, to sociological study, to gossip novel, to venting of hatred, to warning, to sympathy, to the hatred of her church, to love of her church culture, from the hatred of Mormons and Mormonism, to the love of her mormon friends and the mormon people, the hatred of polygamy, to the respect, appreciation, and love of her polygamous parents.
Defiantly a unique memoir. If you are a devote Latter Day saint, you will find this book offensive.
April 16, 2014
Fascinating. It's like the LDS version of the FLDS "The Witness Wore Red". Ann Eliza Young grew to hate polygamy and Brigham Young, but she loved and respected most Mormons she'd grown up among - particularly her own sister wives and all of the women she so pitied who were living as polygamous wives. Ann Eliza genuinely suffered because of polygamy and she was not afraid to share the stories that were happening all around her as she was growing up in the earliest days of Utah's settlement. Most of her stories she witnessed first-hand: she watched as her mother was induced into a polygamous marriage, she listened as women sorrowed with each other and with her mother while she was growing up, she shares her experience as a teenager making a pledge with her girlfriends that they would never enter into polygamy, she watches as her friends inevitably become polygamous wives, and she tastes the bitterness herself when she's forced to become Brigham Young's wife. It was heartbreaking to read her accounts of how women and children were treated and mistreated in polygamy.
I've read so many historical books that are looking back on those times that it took me awhile to get used to her present tense. This is an autobiography written in the late 1860s and early 1870s. This book is not only an autobiography, but it also includes a recounting of the history of the church from it's beginning. She talks about Joseph Smith and his teachings, Brigham Young's succession, Saints gathering to Utah, the temple ceremony, blood atonement, Mountain Meadows massacre, and just about everything else going on in early Utah while she was growing up. Her experiences were so interesting! Ann Eliza was born shortly after Joseph Smith's martyrdom and divorced Brigham Young when she was about 32.
I recommend this book if you're interested in early Mormon history - particularly in the history of early Utah and polygamy.
I've read so many historical books that are looking back on those times that it took me awhile to get used to her present tense. This is an autobiography written in the late 1860s and early 1870s. This book is not only an autobiography, but it also includes a recounting of the history of the church from it's beginning. She talks about Joseph Smith and his teachings, Brigham Young's succession, Saints gathering to Utah, the temple ceremony, blood atonement, Mountain Meadows massacre, and just about everything else going on in early Utah while she was growing up. Her experiences were so interesting! Ann Eliza was born shortly after Joseph Smith's martyrdom and divorced Brigham Young when she was about 32.
I recommend this book if you're interested in early Mormon history - particularly in the history of early Utah and polygamy.
September 10, 2014
The Kindle edition the book suffers from some major formatting problems. My guess is that large portions of this book were converted to digital text using OCR, which can often misread type so there are a LOT of instances of incorrect words and commas were all over the place (again, probably due to dust on the page). I appreciate the volunteers who assisted with the translation, so this isn't intended as a criticism, but know if you're reading it you'll need some patience.
The story overall is fascinating. Regardless of your religion, the history of Mormons is the history of America and it's important information to have. They played a crucial part of settling the West and building the Utah Territory and, in fact, held so much importance that the leaders of the LDS church of the era were high ranking government officials. Their morals and values from their religion are deeply ingrained into the culture of the West, whether you realize it or not, and it's important for any scholar to learn about these people and how their influence is still felt today.
This story is told by Ann Eliza Young who was Brigham Young's 19th wife and one of the most "famous" women in Mormonism. She gained her notoriety by accident as she attempted to flee and instead was caught in the midst of a media circus. Rather than sit back quietly, she went on to lecture across the United States about the horrors of polygamy and the errors in the leadership of the LDS church. Considering that this is a major feat in present day, it's nearly unimaginable in the 1800's.
There is quite a bit of repetition in this book, mainly as she recites the miseries inflicted upon unsuspecting converts and also the introduction of polygamy into Mormon households. Though the stories are similar, it was important to Ms. Young that she give everyone a "voice" and include their stories as much as she could. She is very clear to point out which is first-hand information and what is rumored, but believable. She details the struggles of the Mormon people as the leaders grew in power and they were forced to move across the US to uninhabited country, mainly because of their hostility to others that lead to poor relations. No one wanted "the Saints" in their area and would do what they could to be rid of them. By the time they reached Utah, they had essentially reached "the end of civilization" as there were no major cities beyond Iowa at the time. In the desert they were more free to set up a system that they preferred without interference, which also included an early commandment of polygamy given by Joseph Smith. It was commonly accepted, even then, that Joseph Smith had the prophesy of polygamy to cover his own neck -- he was known to keep company with women other than his wife and he had hoped that church doctrine would make this practice in his favor. His wife was staunchly opposed, even when the prophecy was amended to include that a wife would "gift" another woman to her husband -- essentially, the wife would choose if and when another wife would be brought in.
The leaders in Utah accepted this prophecy and forced the Saints to follow it. Although many were opposed, they were also "stuck" in Utah -- having no resources to go elsewhere and the journey anywhere else was perilous (moreso that Brigham had his own band of soldiers that would kill anyone who defected and then blame the Indians). Husbands reluctantly accepted more wives than they could afford or manage and no one had any particular skill in building large families. This caused a lot of heartbreak (which Ms. Young expands on in depth) among the wives who were forced to suddenly split their time and share their households with strangers -- all the while living a good Mormon life and increasing the number of children. It was a terrible time for women and got even worse as the leaders realized that the cultivation of wives increased their power, both politically and celestially, but also for services. Essentially, many women would be forced into polygamous marriages because of their skills. A man may marry a housekeeper, a laundress, a seamstress, a farm hand, etc. to ensure that he no longer needed servants or staff. Why pay someone when you could marry her? Most of these wives, including Brigham's wives, were required to "pay their own way" and were not maintained financially by their husbands. Most of them worked jobs in addition to raising children to pay for food and housing.
Ms. Young also talks at length about the converts who were brought from Europe, as she felt particularly sorry for them. Although leaving Utah was not easy or usual, there was always the possibility of escaping back to family and friends in the East. Those who had traveled from other countries had no such resources and were "stuck" immediately. This is after crossing the country ON FOOT with little or no provisions, en route to their holy land. She felt that these people had been duped worse than anyone else -- especially since American converts were virtually non-existent. The only people ready to convert to LDS were from Europe and Asia and other far-flung locations.
Again, I think this book is essential reading because Mormon history is American History. Take from this book what you will -- I am not trying to convince you to believe in one god or another -- but I think Ann Eliza's story is particularly important. She is a notable woman who should be known more widely than she is.
The story overall is fascinating. Regardless of your religion, the history of Mormons is the history of America and it's important information to have. They played a crucial part of settling the West and building the Utah Territory and, in fact, held so much importance that the leaders of the LDS church of the era were high ranking government officials. Their morals and values from their religion are deeply ingrained into the culture of the West, whether you realize it or not, and it's important for any scholar to learn about these people and how their influence is still felt today.
This story is told by Ann Eliza Young who was Brigham Young's 19th wife and one of the most "famous" women in Mormonism. She gained her notoriety by accident as she attempted to flee and instead was caught in the midst of a media circus. Rather than sit back quietly, she went on to lecture across the United States about the horrors of polygamy and the errors in the leadership of the LDS church. Considering that this is a major feat in present day, it's nearly unimaginable in the 1800's.
There is quite a bit of repetition in this book, mainly as she recites the miseries inflicted upon unsuspecting converts and also the introduction of polygamy into Mormon households. Though the stories are similar, it was important to Ms. Young that she give everyone a "voice" and include their stories as much as she could. She is very clear to point out which is first-hand information and what is rumored, but believable. She details the struggles of the Mormon people as the leaders grew in power and they were forced to move across the US to uninhabited country, mainly because of their hostility to others that lead to poor relations. No one wanted "the Saints" in their area and would do what they could to be rid of them. By the time they reached Utah, they had essentially reached "the end of civilization" as there were no major cities beyond Iowa at the time. In the desert they were more free to set up a system that they preferred without interference, which also included an early commandment of polygamy given by Joseph Smith. It was commonly accepted, even then, that Joseph Smith had the prophesy of polygamy to cover his own neck -- he was known to keep company with women other than his wife and he had hoped that church doctrine would make this practice in his favor. His wife was staunchly opposed, even when the prophecy was amended to include that a wife would "gift" another woman to her husband -- essentially, the wife would choose if and when another wife would be brought in.
The leaders in Utah accepted this prophecy and forced the Saints to follow it. Although many were opposed, they were also "stuck" in Utah -- having no resources to go elsewhere and the journey anywhere else was perilous (moreso that Brigham had his own band of soldiers that would kill anyone who defected and then blame the Indians). Husbands reluctantly accepted more wives than they could afford or manage and no one had any particular skill in building large families. This caused a lot of heartbreak (which Ms. Young expands on in depth) among the wives who were forced to suddenly split their time and share their households with strangers -- all the while living a good Mormon life and increasing the number of children. It was a terrible time for women and got even worse as the leaders realized that the cultivation of wives increased their power, both politically and celestially, but also for services. Essentially, many women would be forced into polygamous marriages because of their skills. A man may marry a housekeeper, a laundress, a seamstress, a farm hand, etc. to ensure that he no longer needed servants or staff. Why pay someone when you could marry her? Most of these wives, including Brigham's wives, were required to "pay their own way" and were not maintained financially by their husbands. Most of them worked jobs in addition to raising children to pay for food and housing.
Ms. Young also talks at length about the converts who were brought from Europe, as she felt particularly sorry for them. Although leaving Utah was not easy or usual, there was always the possibility of escaping back to family and friends in the East. Those who had traveled from other countries had no such resources and were "stuck" immediately. This is after crossing the country ON FOOT with little or no provisions, en route to their holy land. She felt that these people had been duped worse than anyone else -- especially since American converts were virtually non-existent. The only people ready to convert to LDS were from Europe and Asia and other far-flung locations.
Again, I think this book is essential reading because Mormon history is American History. Take from this book what you will -- I am not trying to convince you to believe in one god or another -- but I think Ann Eliza's story is particularly important. She is a notable woman who should be known more widely than she is.
June 18, 2024
Oh boy.. I’m hesitant about this review because I really don’t want to alienate my LDS friends. I love you guys, I really do. After really researching historical journals, books, discourses, the essays and their footnotes on the lds website, and other pertinent information, and also just witnessing changes and mental gymnastics in my own lifetime in the church, I have to say that I found her account of what she experienced to be believable. As far as her secondhand information, I have to assume that they are not exact. I do, however, believe they’re pretty close to accurate. Had I read this book a few years ago, my review would probably have been quite different. After going through a very difficult and painful realization that I had been fed half truths, cover ups, and outright lies (albeit unknowingly by those directly responsible) since I was 8 years old, I walked away from the religion and, like Ann Eliza, am happier for it.
June 12, 2013
This was a fascinating story written in 1875 by a wife of Brigham Young. She was technically the 19th wife but in reality she was probably more like the 52nd. It is written from a Christian perspective. She came out of the darkness of Mormonism and embraced the true gospel. Feminists try to claim her but in reality she was a woman who had been set free from not only polygamist bondage but bondage to a false religion that kept her mind captive. She wanted to tell her story to the world and see other women and men delivered. I would recommend it over the modern books that try to cover the same topic because there is general confusion these days about right and wrong that is reflected in the modern works.
February 23, 2010
I decided to read this after beginning The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff. I was bothered that he chose to use his own words to tell Ann Eliza's story, and I wanted to see how it compared to her own narrative. He has a PDF of Wife No. 19 available for download on his site, so I decided to read it online. After reading it for myself, I understand why he chose to "re-write" her memoirs. Her account is long, quite wordy, often redundant, and extremely biased. I don't think she ever mentions Brigham Young's name without attaching some kind of epithet.
However, although Ann Eliza was definitely given to hyperbole (not uncommon for the time), I believe she told the story the way she perceived it. She was very unhappy as a member of the early Mormon church and as a polygamous wife. I found her story to be very interesting and quite heartbreaking. It was definitely biased, but how could it not be? She is telling her own story, which of course is tainted by her own emotional reactions. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It is interesting to see a different perspective than the one I am used to. However, if you're not interesting in delving into the dirty underbelly of early Mormon polygamy, this book is definitely not for you.
However, although Ann Eliza was definitely given to hyperbole (not uncommon for the time), I believe she told the story the way she perceived it. She was very unhappy as a member of the early Mormon church and as a polygamous wife. I found her story to be very interesting and quite heartbreaking. It was definitely biased, but how could it not be? She is telling her own story, which of course is tainted by her own emotional reactions. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It is interesting to see a different perspective than the one I am used to. However, if you're not interesting in delving into the dirty underbelly of early Mormon polygamy, this book is definitely not for you.
August 30, 2023
A very readable sad story of what it was like to be a woman in the early days of Mormonism. Spoiler alert…it was awful! I highly recommend this book. It is an eye opener.
I was taught that Polygamy was practiced by a small percentage of church men, and that it wasn’t mandatory, and they were extremely worthy men, to help with the surplus of widows and children of slain men of the church due to early historical church accounts of persecution. Or because the men died crossing the plains. Essentially there were too many women and not many men. (This is all false.)The purpose? To live and have a stable and caring environment, to take care of these widows and orphans that had no way to support themselves in the 1800's. This version I was taught was and still is a very weird and almost acceptable reason to practice polygamy. Which is why everyone just accepts this version of polygamy they are taught.
However, the reality of the truth is so much different, so much uglier and so much more disturbing than the "sanitized" version we have all been fed over the years. This book is worth reading just to hear the accounts of the numerous marriages that were ruined by polygamy. So heartbreaking.
Ann Eliza doesn't get to her marriage to Brigham Young until the last quarter of the book because she details the very start of Mormonism with Joseph Smith and works up to her own story. Because her parents were some of the first converts, and were actively involved in all aspects of the Mormon church, she provides fascinating first (and second) hand accounts of a full believing member of the early church and the dangerous lifestyle and deadly deeds of it's own members. She tells of historical events and of the leaders of the church.
And Brigham Young is a monster. Everyone knows it, the church know it. It is very well documented in his own words in the Journal of Discourses.
I was taught that Polygamy was practiced by a small percentage of church men, and that it wasn’t mandatory, and they were extremely worthy men, to help with the surplus of widows and children of slain men of the church due to early historical church accounts of persecution. Or because the men died crossing the plains. Essentially there were too many women and not many men. (This is all false.)The purpose? To live and have a stable and caring environment, to take care of these widows and orphans that had no way to support themselves in the 1800's. This version I was taught was and still is a very weird and almost acceptable reason to practice polygamy. Which is why everyone just accepts this version of polygamy they are taught.
However, the reality of the truth is so much different, so much uglier and so much more disturbing than the "sanitized" version we have all been fed over the years. This book is worth reading just to hear the accounts of the numerous marriages that were ruined by polygamy. So heartbreaking.
Ann Eliza doesn't get to her marriage to Brigham Young until the last quarter of the book because she details the very start of Mormonism with Joseph Smith and works up to her own story. Because her parents were some of the first converts, and were actively involved in all aspects of the Mormon church, she provides fascinating first (and second) hand accounts of a full believing member of the early church and the dangerous lifestyle and deadly deeds of it's own members. She tells of historical events and of the leaders of the church.
And Brigham Young is a monster. Everyone knows it, the church know it. It is very well documented in his own words in the Journal of Discourses.
April 7, 2018
Wife No. 19 is an autobiographical account of Ann Eliza Young, one of Brigham Young’s last wives, who turned apostate. (They married when she was 24 and he was 67.) The book is said by some to be one of the angrier “apostate Mormon” books. But in my opinion, it delivers such a breadth of historical context that it should not be overlooked by those interested in Mormon history or early Utah history. (Don't confuse it with David Ebershoff's novel The 19th Wife.)
This is Ann Eliza Young’s crusade against polygamy. Some might consider that of little concern. Why should we meddle in the private consensual relations of our neighbors? But this book isn’t about multiple consenting wives; it’s about a patriarchal system of misogynistic control, supported in a location and era where state and church were for all practical purposes inseparable. This is written about a period when most Mormons were forbidden intellectual intercourse with “gentiles,” and especially with apostates. Access to knowledge of the outside world was difficult to come by, and for Ann Eliza, born in 1844, the doctrine, commandments, and church-state authority of Brigham Young were all she ever knew.
Regarding polygamy, you simply cannot understand what was taught and practiced by gathering your information from approved Mormon texts. Nor should your best source be the competition inspired attacks by other “Christian” sects. You simply have to read from those who were there – especially from those who were subjects.
The original text of the “revelation” on plural marriage will not tell you what was taught and done. It is little changed since it was written in 1843, nor since it was released for publication by Brigham Young in 1852. But much of that doctrine as once taught and practiced has been redacted by careful selective reading of the publication. (Publication wasn’t held back until 1852 because the doctrine was simply about monogamist “eternal” marriage — plus a temporary and selective necessary practice.) Ann Eliza tells us was taught as the “Plurality of Wives,” and how it was practiced.
In her book, Ann Eliza occasionally refers to discourses and teachings of “the brethren.” And thanks to the internet, the reader can find the original texts of many of those in sources such as the Deseret News and the Journal of Discourses. Finding those texts reading them was an eye-opening adventure for me. (Of course I had read some of them before, but reading them along with a firsthand account of life in UT was much better.)
Polygamy aside, Ann Eliza’s account also adds historical context and richness to many other areas with which a reader may be familiar only by modern day practice or interpretation. E.g.
-the Reformation, especially in southern UT
-Blood Atonement
-Ward Teachers (predecessor of Home Teaching)
-mission calls
-control of contract labor on Gentile projects (e.g. telegraph)
-the Order of Enoch (attempted revival of the Law of Consecration)
-the handcart companies
-civil courts and bishops as judges
-Mormon attitudes about the U.S government
Wife No. 19 was a pleasure to read. It made me wish I had journals of my ancestors who lived through those times, but I now feel like I better understand their lives. I have to get a hardcopy of this one — for when I want to pass it along.
Note:
The Amazon Kindle version was only about a dollar. It had plenty of OCR errors, but they could be read through easily enough.
January 24, 2021
This was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Boring at times and yet morbidly fascinating at others, depending on what chapter I happened to be reading. Aside from the mind numbing chapter dedicated to her legal proceedings in her divorce from Brigham Young (really?), there’s a large portion of the book that is just a rehash of church history, at least a rehash for those already familiar with the history. It’s mildly interesting to get a non-sanitized version, but I felt like she came off a little too extreme at times. You won’t find a whole lot of nuance in her telling. I suspect between her version and the sanitized church version, the truth is likely somewhere in the middle.
But I’m not here for the history lesson. What I want to know what women thought of polygamy. The church admits that “some” women didn’t like it but a lot of them supposedly did, and I want to know the truth of what life was like for the average woman living in polygamy. Those were the parts of the book that I was fascinated by. Certainly this is a one sided account, and it doesn’t seem likely that she would have included any stories of women enjoying polygamy if she knew of any (she claims she didn’t know of any). As harsh as she in her denunciation of the system, I have to say it rang true; to me it seems like common sense that polygamy is awful if you spend just 5 minutes pondering about the logistics of it all.
Polygamy is unnatural (many people seemed to have a favorite wife and practiced pseudo monogamy to the neglect of their other wives who end up acting as either servants or concubines, neglected emotionally and otherwise), illogical (women make up 50 percent of the population; there’s only so many women to go around), just plain stupid (just imagine the drama from a college dorm full of girls for the rest of your life), degrading (how would it feel if your spouse split their time with someone else, would you feel valued?), and supposedly instituted by God. Boy, God’s ways really must be higher than mine, because I really don’t get it.
There are some pretty heavy allegations here regarding Brigham Young, including the details of how she as a 24 year old divorcee was coerced into marrying Brigham Young, who was 67 at the time. This was a marriage she endured for a few years before finally deciding she’d had enough and left the church. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if many of her criticisms of Young are embellished somewhat, but I’m also not willing to totally discount her experience either, especially when it comes to her firsthand accounts.
In short, I wouldn’t say this was consistently great reading, although I think the author had quite a bit of talent as a writer, I just think she needed an editor. I’m not really sure who the audience is for this either. Maybe I’m the only weird one who wants to know the nitty gritty on polygamy. My heart hurt for those taught that sharing their husband with other women is the only way to go to heaven but I’m also trying to be open minded about whether one account of a life in misery (and a friends and family members) was the norm or not. My quest for truth continues.
But I’m not here for the history lesson. What I want to know what women thought of polygamy. The church admits that “some” women didn’t like it but a lot of them supposedly did, and I want to know the truth of what life was like for the average woman living in polygamy. Those were the parts of the book that I was fascinated by. Certainly this is a one sided account, and it doesn’t seem likely that she would have included any stories of women enjoying polygamy if she knew of any (she claims she didn’t know of any). As harsh as she in her denunciation of the system, I have to say it rang true; to me it seems like common sense that polygamy is awful if you spend just 5 minutes pondering about the logistics of it all.
Polygamy is unnatural (many people seemed to have a favorite wife and practiced pseudo monogamy to the neglect of their other wives who end up acting as either servants or concubines, neglected emotionally and otherwise), illogical (women make up 50 percent of the population; there’s only so many women to go around), just plain stupid (just imagine the drama from a college dorm full of girls for the rest of your life), degrading (how would it feel if your spouse split their time with someone else, would you feel valued?), and supposedly instituted by God. Boy, God’s ways really must be higher than mine, because I really don’t get it.
There are some pretty heavy allegations here regarding Brigham Young, including the details of how she as a 24 year old divorcee was coerced into marrying Brigham Young, who was 67 at the time. This was a marriage she endured for a few years before finally deciding she’d had enough and left the church. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if many of her criticisms of Young are embellished somewhat, but I’m also not willing to totally discount her experience either, especially when it comes to her firsthand accounts.
In short, I wouldn’t say this was consistently great reading, although I think the author had quite a bit of talent as a writer, I just think she needed an editor. I’m not really sure who the audience is for this either. Maybe I’m the only weird one who wants to know the nitty gritty on polygamy. My heart hurt for those taught that sharing their husband with other women is the only way to go to heaven but I’m also trying to be open minded about whether one account of a life in misery (and a friends and family members) was the norm or not. My quest for truth continues.
October 23, 2014
I saw this book offered for free on Amazon and because I have known people who became Mormons, I was interested to hear the views of someone who lived through the early days of the church.
You might safely say that after having grown up within the Mormon community and seen and experienced it at close hand, Ann Eliza was deeply affected by her experiences. Once she had safely escaped the clutches of the Mormons she spent her time giving lectures on the plight of Mormon women forced into polygamy. She doesn't hesitate to enumerate the crimes of the spiritual leaders of the LDS at the time. I was left wondering if perhaps she had exaggerated some of it, but others have reported seeing corroborating evidence.
I could have done without the chapter on Mormon hymns and maybe the chapters detailing the other wives of Brigham Young went on a bit, but this was a fascinating account over all.
According to her account, Joseph Smith was nothing more than a glib tongued charismatic con-man who conveniently was given revelations to suite every contingency. After reading what she has to say of Brigham Young, the man sounds like a complete gangster boss with all the features of a psychopath.
All in all I was fascinated by the blatant crimes carried out by those church leaders detailed by the author and I felt for all the people whose lives were ruined by that religion.
You might safely say that after having grown up within the Mormon community and seen and experienced it at close hand, Ann Eliza was deeply affected by her experiences. Once she had safely escaped the clutches of the Mormons she spent her time giving lectures on the plight of Mormon women forced into polygamy. She doesn't hesitate to enumerate the crimes of the spiritual leaders of the LDS at the time. I was left wondering if perhaps she had exaggerated some of it, but others have reported seeing corroborating evidence.
I could have done without the chapter on Mormon hymns and maybe the chapters detailing the other wives of Brigham Young went on a bit, but this was a fascinating account over all.
According to her account, Joseph Smith was nothing more than a glib tongued charismatic con-man who conveniently was given revelations to suite every contingency. After reading what she has to say of Brigham Young, the man sounds like a complete gangster boss with all the features of a psychopath.
All in all I was fascinated by the blatant crimes carried out by those church leaders detailed by the author and I felt for all the people whose lives were ruined by that religion.
October 12, 2020
Wow! This book was so much more than I bargained for. I expected it to be primarily about Brigham Young and polygamy, but really it a 19th Century tell-all about early Mormonism. It was fascinating to hear Ann Eliza's descriptions of the early church leaders, crossing the plains, the original temple ceremony, the music and drama productions of the day, as well as the numerous stories of neighbors, friends, and acquaintances. It was long and repetitive at times, but I also felt like I had gone back in time and was personally listening to her views on the church she both loved and left.
So, so interesting to see in what ways the present church has changed, in what ways it has stayed the same, and to see the roots of both the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as the Fundamentalist Church.
I wish I had someone to talk to about this book, but most of my friends will either be offended by Ann Eliza's reports about Brigham Young or they simply aren't interested in this much Mormon history. I found it fascinating and amazing.
So, so interesting to see in what ways the present church has changed, in what ways it has stayed the same, and to see the roots of both the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as the Fundamentalist Church.
I wish I had someone to talk to about this book, but most of my friends will either be offended by Ann Eliza's reports about Brigham Young or they simply aren't interested in this much Mormon history. I found it fascinating and amazing.
May 8, 2008
This is an autobiography of Brigham Young's plural wife Ann Eliza Webb, who left Utah and devoted the rest of her life to educating the public about the misery of living polygamy.
Her 19th century story of escaping polygamy parallels the autobiographies of the women who escape the FLDS today.
Interestingly, Ann's writings will be found in church publications as a witness to certain events. Apparently LDS historians find her to be a reliable source for those events that support the church's position. (e.g. a marriage taking place between Fanny Alger and Joseph Smith instead of an affair)
Her 19th century story of escaping polygamy parallels the autobiographies of the women who escape the FLDS today.
Interestingly, Ann's writings will be found in church publications as a witness to certain events. Apparently LDS historians find her to be a reliable source for those events that support the church's position. (e.g. a marriage taking place between Fanny Alger and Joseph Smith instead of an affair)
July 1, 2013
I feel that that Ann Eliza may have been a bit bitter when she wrote this book, and I read this with that in mind. However, this book jived with other books I have read about Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. They seemed to have had "revelations" to ensure their needs were met no matter the cost to others. The picture of Brigham Young as a pompous, self-serving ignorant lout agrees with other histories I have read. Ann is quoted as a witness in other Mormon documents, so obviously she was a reliable source to them when she suited their purpose. All in all a fascinating look at early Salt Lake City.
March 26, 2023
The Ugly Truth of Mormonism
This is a good historical account of Mormonism. From the beginning of Mormonism by Joseph Smith until the end of Brigham Young, the author accounts of her involvement with Young as his wife. She tells her story with clarity. The details of her polygamous marriages especially to Brigham Young are horrifying. She also tells of other atrocities of the Mormon leaders which include swindling and even murder. Anyone caught up in Mormonism or anyone considering uniting with them should read this book.
This is a good historical account of Mormonism. From the beginning of Mormonism by Joseph Smith until the end of Brigham Young, the author accounts of her involvement with Young as his wife. She tells her story with clarity. The details of her polygamous marriages especially to Brigham Young are horrifying. She also tells of other atrocities of the Mormon leaders which include swindling and even murder. Anyone caught up in Mormonism or anyone considering uniting with them should read this book.
April 24, 2012
Fair warning - I converted this ebook - but I only do that for books I love!
For anyone with only a passing knowledge of early Mormonism, or indeed life in 19th century America, this is an eye-opening read. Every chapter seems to add a new sign of classic cult behavior, and by the end you're fairly screaming at the author to get out before it's too late - which, thankfully, she then does, and goes on to become a notable champion of women's rights. Look on Wikipedia for more details!
For anyone with only a passing knowledge of early Mormonism, or indeed life in 19th century America, this is an eye-opening read. Every chapter seems to add a new sign of classic cult behavior, and by the end you're fairly screaming at the author to get out before it's too late - which, thankfully, she then does, and goes on to become a notable champion of women's rights. Look on Wikipedia for more details!
January 7, 2014
Ann Eliza Young divorced Brigham Young in 1873, and then she wrote a book wherein she had nothing good to say about him.
The whole account is in turn comedic, hyperbolic, witty (at times), overly long, and disturbing. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say it's 80% true and 80% worth reading. Thus the 4/5 stars.
You can read it for free here.
The whole account is in turn comedic, hyperbolic, witty (at times), overly long, and disturbing. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say it's 80% true and 80% worth reading. Thus the 4/5 stars.
You can read it for free here.
September 17, 2016
A must read for all genders
Very tense and genuine read about Mormonism and above all women being possession of a man in life and /or after. Unfortunately still very present in all societies. This book also demonstrates the courage of one woman to flee and more importantly to whistleblow.
Very tense and genuine read about Mormonism and above all women being possession of a man in life and /or after. Unfortunately still very present in all societies. This book also demonstrates the courage of one woman to flee and more importantly to whistleblow.
October 15, 2021
Wow wow wow. I'm not really sure I have words for this book. It's so raw and emotional, from the mouth of a woman who was truly suffering under one of the biggest religious leaders at the time. Further proof that brigham young was an abuser, and the ultimate douche.
January 30, 2020
I was really excited to read this book, and I tried so hard to get through it, but I couldn't. This isn't to say that the book didn't have an important story to tell, because I believe it really did, but the writing and the focus began to make it a chore and at the halfway point, I had to put it down.
This story is written by the 19th wife of Brigham Young (yes that Brigham Young), and she talks about the beginning of Mormonism, how her parents converted, about being born into it, witnessing the changes and of course her ultimate escape. (ok, I didn't make it to her escape, or even to her marriage but I have to assume she did or she wouldn't have written this book.)
The focus in the first half is very scattered. I was hoping to hear her story and what happened to her, but we hear mostly about the transition from Joseph Smith to Brigham Young, how polygamy got started, how funds were mismanaged, and the horrible blood atonement. We might have eventually gotten to her story, but I didn't make it that far.
The writing was of course using the English of the time which can be difficult to read, but some of the stories she told, especially those of the massacres, were so scattered that combined with the language were really hard to follow and lost me in many parts.
It kills me to give this one star because I believe these stories need to be told so that they won't be repeated. There are many other books out there that I think do a better job of conveying this message.
This story is written by the 19th wife of Brigham Young (yes that Brigham Young), and she talks about the beginning of Mormonism, how her parents converted, about being born into it, witnessing the changes and of course her ultimate escape. (ok, I didn't make it to her escape, or even to her marriage but I have to assume she did or she wouldn't have written this book.)
The focus in the first half is very scattered. I was hoping to hear her story and what happened to her, but we hear mostly about the transition from Joseph Smith to Brigham Young, how polygamy got started, how funds were mismanaged, and the horrible blood atonement. We might have eventually gotten to her story, but I didn't make it that far.
The writing was of course using the English of the time which can be difficult to read, but some of the stories she told, especially those of the massacres, were so scattered that combined with the language were really hard to follow and lost me in many parts.
It kills me to give this one star because I believe these stories need to be told so that they won't be repeated. There are many other books out there that I think do a better job of conveying this message.
March 16, 2024
While the book is about Polygamy and the effect it had on her and most other women in the Mormon church, the underlying theme is about Brigham Young. Like Mohammad centuries earlier, he was able to turn a “religion” of dubious origin into a mainstream religion. That is no small feat. Brigham Young’s example seems to be followed by most modern-day cults; it was that well executed.
He was, according to all I ever read of him and the early Mormon church, a psychopath, a murderer, an extortionist, and a thief. Feared by all that had direct dealings with him, except his armed forces. Yet he is revered by the Mormon followers to this day, even having a university named after him.
The book is long and has formatting issues but the message is important and it is well worth one’s time to read.
He was, according to all I ever read of him and the early Mormon church, a psychopath, a murderer, an extortionist, and a thief. Feared by all that had direct dealings with him, except his armed forces. Yet he is revered by the Mormon followers to this day, even having a university named after him.
The book is long and has formatting issues but the message is important and it is well worth one’s time to read.
December 19, 2023
"Wife No. 19" was one of the first in a long line of “anti-Mormon” literature. This book claims to expose the “hated” 19th century Mormons by Eliza Young former wife of Brigham Young. It is no wonder that the Mormons were hated so much that the US government sent Johnson’s Army to quash them with the stated purpose to crush the Mormon church. Any fair description of a minority religious group would at least use nuance that addresses the good and bad in its subject. This book makes no effort to do so. This is not to suggest that there was plenty of weirdness in early Mormonism.
While Eliza Young's memoir "Wife No. 19" offers a unique glimpse into the world of polygamy and the challenges faced by women in the mid-19th century Mormon Church, it is unfortunately marred by the author's overwhelming use of anti-Mormon stereotypes of the era. The criticism of the “treacherous and fanatical Mormons” is over the top to the point of comical. For example, the author describes the practice of baptism by emersion as a weird ritual. So weird that the Mormons began building baptismal fonts in the chapels so as not to expose the weird ritual to the “gentiles.” Oh, the horror! I guess the entire Christian world that believes in baptism either by emersion or sprinkling are also crazy fanatics.
Throughout the book, Young presents a one-dimensional view of Mormonism, portraying its leaders and members as oppressive and backwards. She repeatedly refers to Brigham Young, as a tyrant and a despot, and paints a picture of polygamous households as hotbeds of jealousy and infighting. It is true that Brigham Young had a strong personality but there are also example of flexibility and compassion.
While it is certainly true that polygamy was a difficult and often traumatic experience for many women, Young's portrayal of the practice and the Mormon Church is overly simplistic and caricatured. Her use of anti-Mormon stereotypes common to the era only serves to reinforce negative attitudes towards the faith and its followers, rather than providing a more balanced perspective. It reminded me of the 1922 campy silent film “Trapped by the Mormons”.
Furthermore, Young's memoir is rife with inconsistencies and contradictions, with many of her claims about the church and its practices being unsubstantiated and questionable. While it is understandable that her experiences as a plural wife were difficult and painful, her book does little to shed light on the complexities of the situation.
I’m not sure what the practice of the era was with respect to the use of literary editors, but this book could have used a good editor. It was so repetitive to the point I just wanted it to end as the same story was told over and over. Due to the some of the writing and descriptions on a variety of topics I wondered if parts of this book were ghost written. No doubt the Mormons were hated, declared an enemy of the US, disenfranchised and more. No doubt evil deeds were committed both by and against the Mormons of the era.
I felt sorry for author. No doubt she experienced deep trauma as did many of that generation. Her post Mormon life was no cakewalk. She was abandoned by 2 husbands after her divorce from Brigham Young and died in poverty in Nevada. While "Wife No. 19" may provide some insight into the challenges faced by women in polygamous households, its use of over-the-top anti-Mormon stereotypes and lack of depth and balance ultimately undermine its credibility and value as a historical document. For those interested in modern scholarship on the issues one might consider the work of Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Rick Turley, Barbara Brown, Rodney Turner, and several others.
While Eliza Young's memoir "Wife No. 19" offers a unique glimpse into the world of polygamy and the challenges faced by women in the mid-19th century Mormon Church, it is unfortunately marred by the author's overwhelming use of anti-Mormon stereotypes of the era. The criticism of the “treacherous and fanatical Mormons” is over the top to the point of comical. For example, the author describes the practice of baptism by emersion as a weird ritual. So weird that the Mormons began building baptismal fonts in the chapels so as not to expose the weird ritual to the “gentiles.” Oh, the horror! I guess the entire Christian world that believes in baptism either by emersion or sprinkling are also crazy fanatics.
Throughout the book, Young presents a one-dimensional view of Mormonism, portraying its leaders and members as oppressive and backwards. She repeatedly refers to Brigham Young, as a tyrant and a despot, and paints a picture of polygamous households as hotbeds of jealousy and infighting. It is true that Brigham Young had a strong personality but there are also example of flexibility and compassion.
While it is certainly true that polygamy was a difficult and often traumatic experience for many women, Young's portrayal of the practice and the Mormon Church is overly simplistic and caricatured. Her use of anti-Mormon stereotypes common to the era only serves to reinforce negative attitudes towards the faith and its followers, rather than providing a more balanced perspective. It reminded me of the 1922 campy silent film “Trapped by the Mormons”.
Furthermore, Young's memoir is rife with inconsistencies and contradictions, with many of her claims about the church and its practices being unsubstantiated and questionable. While it is understandable that her experiences as a plural wife were difficult and painful, her book does little to shed light on the complexities of the situation.
I’m not sure what the practice of the era was with respect to the use of literary editors, but this book could have used a good editor. It was so repetitive to the point I just wanted it to end as the same story was told over and over. Due to the some of the writing and descriptions on a variety of topics I wondered if parts of this book were ghost written. No doubt the Mormons were hated, declared an enemy of the US, disenfranchised and more. No doubt evil deeds were committed both by and against the Mormons of the era.
I felt sorry for author. No doubt she experienced deep trauma as did many of that generation. Her post Mormon life was no cakewalk. She was abandoned by 2 husbands after her divorce from Brigham Young and died in poverty in Nevada. While "Wife No. 19" may provide some insight into the challenges faced by women in polygamous households, its use of over-the-top anti-Mormon stereotypes and lack of depth and balance ultimately undermine its credibility and value as a historical document. For those interested in modern scholarship on the issues one might consider the work of Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Rick Turley, Barbara Brown, Rodney Turner, and several others.
February 20, 2019
This was an absolutely fascinating book and taught me more about Mormonism and its origins than I had ever known. It really opened my eyes to this fascinating religion, particularly in regards to its history and inception.
My one word of caution is that the author wrote the account after having left the religion and community in difficult circumstances. This has, understandably, reduced her ability to write objectively and following her account of her wedding to Brigham Young she becomes increasingly opinionated and her writing becomes less trustworthy. That being said, her account cannot be denied and if those were her feelings then that is the truth of it for her.
The book begins with a details explanation of Joseph Smith, his revelations, and the beliefs, struggles and movements of his early followers. I found this fascinating as I knew very little about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The author had a very privileged position to report on this as her parents were among the very earliest converts to the religion and followed Smith across the US (and latterly to Europe on missions) to found a new Zion. It becomes clear from early in the book, however, that Young did not know Smith (she was born three months after Smith's assassination). Her opinions of Smith and his beliefs are a lot more fairly described and maintain the element of objectivity; this is in strong contrast to her opinions of Brigham Young and his beliefs which she claims are always self-serving and secretive. It is certainly understandable that she would not be trusting of her husband's statements, having seen him personally renege on many promises, but the overt bias applied to every one of her descriptions of him and his actions unfortunately made me doubt some of her tales and assertions.
The objectivity of Young's account of the early days of Mormonism is helped by the inclusion of many segments of text from the Book of Mormon. While I really did try to read these sections as I knew that they would give me a more rounded knowledge of the religion and the basis for her story, but they were so long and dry. They were written in old-fashioned language and read more like a legal text than the mythical romantic tales found in other religions. For this reason I'm only able to give the book 3 stars, but I would definitely advise anyone interested in history, religion or feminism to read this.
My one word of caution is that the author wrote the account after having left the religion and community in difficult circumstances. This has, understandably, reduced her ability to write objectively and following her account of her wedding to Brigham Young she becomes increasingly opinionated and her writing becomes less trustworthy. That being said, her account cannot be denied and if those were her feelings then that is the truth of it for her.
The book begins with a details explanation of Joseph Smith, his revelations, and the beliefs, struggles and movements of his early followers. I found this fascinating as I knew very little about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The author had a very privileged position to report on this as her parents were among the very earliest converts to the religion and followed Smith across the US (and latterly to Europe on missions) to found a new Zion. It becomes clear from early in the book, however, that Young did not know Smith (she was born three months after Smith's assassination). Her opinions of Smith and his beliefs are a lot more fairly described and maintain the element of objectivity; this is in strong contrast to her opinions of Brigham Young and his beliefs which she claims are always self-serving and secretive. It is certainly understandable that she would not be trusting of her husband's statements, having seen him personally renege on many promises, but the overt bias applied to every one of her descriptions of him and his actions unfortunately made me doubt some of her tales and assertions.
The objectivity of Young's account of the early days of Mormonism is helped by the inclusion of many segments of text from the Book of Mormon. While I really did try to read these sections as I knew that they would give me a more rounded knowledge of the religion and the basis for her story, but they were so long and dry. They were written in old-fashioned language and read more like a legal text than the mythical romantic tales found in other religions. For this reason I'm only able to give the book 3 stars, but I would definitely advise anyone interested in history, religion or feminism to read this.
March 9, 2014
This was an interesting book, but difficult to read simply because the author (Ann Eliza) is very angry, bitter and unable to be objective for the majority of her book. It took me awhile to get through this one simply because it is such a downer. While she gives accounts of actual events, she reports how she viewed them and embellishes them with her opinion ( basically she only reports/focuses on negatives of her whole life) making it difficult to really separate facts from exaggerations. While I don't disagree with her complaints about polygamy, being more objective would have strengthened her story and made it more powerful in my opinion. Before this book I read the book THE WITNESS WORE RED by Rebecca Musser who is a former polygamous wife of Warren Jeffs (leader of the FLDS church). Reading these books back to back showed a surprising amount of similarity between the two situations even with the 100 plus year difference in time. I would recommend reading Musser's book simply to see how much more powerful her story is because she is so objective with such a similar experience to Ann Eliza's life.
June 9, 2011
I just finished reading this book tonight. It was a free downloadable from http://www.mazeministry.com/mormonism....
I actually became interested in this when I saw the made for TV movie the 19th wife and wanted to read the truth behind the idea of the movie. This book is even mentioned in the movie.
I found it interesting. I have often wondered what the mindset of the women were in polygamous relationships.I discovered that they were raised with these values in the same way baptists are raised to believe that dancing is sinful. The girls were raised to believe that this is the only way for them to get to heaven. Basic brainwashing by men so they can have as many women and girls as possible. I pretty much have the same views of their lifestyle as I did before I read it. Ann Eliza Young was tired of being treated as an object and escaped from her domineering husband. Good for her!!!!
I actually became interested in this when I saw the made for TV movie the 19th wife and wanted to read the truth behind the idea of the movie. This book is even mentioned in the movie.
I found it interesting. I have often wondered what the mindset of the women were in polygamous relationships.I discovered that they were raised with these values in the same way baptists are raised to believe that dancing is sinful. The girls were raised to believe that this is the only way for them to get to heaven. Basic brainwashing by men so they can have as many women and girls as possible. I pretty much have the same views of their lifestyle as I did before I read it. Ann Eliza Young was tired of being treated as an object and escaped from her domineering husband. Good for her!!!!
March 7, 2013
I used this book for my NHD project and found it very helpful. This book is by Ann Eliza Young who was Brigham Young, the second president of the LDS Church's, 19th wife. She writes about how her mother and father got into Mormonism, and how her mom was religiously persecuted for joining the new religion. She also writes about being born into Mormonism, and she writes about her life in polygamy leading to her leaving the Mormon church.
I would recomend this book to people interested in reading about the early mormon people or polygamy, but if you don't enjoy reading about history or Mormons then this book isn't for you. This book is best suited for people interested in Mormonism and life in polygamy.
The title Wife No. 19 is very appropriate being that this book is about polygamy and she is 19th of the 54 wives Brigham Young had during the churches time of polygamy.
I would recomend this book to people interested in reading about the early mormon people or polygamy, but if you don't enjoy reading about history or Mormons then this book isn't for you. This book is best suited for people interested in Mormonism and life in polygamy.
The title Wife No. 19 is very appropriate being that this book is about polygamy and she is 19th of the 54 wives Brigham Young had during the churches time of polygamy.
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