The 19th Wife

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff  4 stars

I started reading this last year and picked it up again recently to finally finish it. My slow approach to this book should not put you off. This was a fantastic read one that engaged me from the beginning fascinated me right through to the end. The core of the novel is a fictional account of the Mormon leader Brigham Young's 19th Wife Ann Eliza and her family life amongst the emerging Latter Day Saint Church. The historical narrative is framed by a modern story of a young man investigating the death of his father, a First - a modern day polygamist, who the police believe was killed  by his mother the 19th wife.
The historical story is mesmerising. The character and scenery are so vividly invoked that the reader can't help feeling as though they are reading a genuine source. Ann Eliza is such a fantastic guide and so beautifully realised she leapt from the page.
It is a shame that the modern story is not as interesting and seems to be an addition but this book should be read for the well researched and realistic account of the pioneer life. Beautiful and well written. (NB: Not an ideal commute book as it is quite thick!)