Hilda S. (Risingangel1961) reviewed Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith (Audio Cassette) (Abridged) on + 63 more book reviews
This was a very scary and sad story. To think that someone could actually use God to commit such a heinous crime is beyond my comprehension. Though the subject matter was not to my liking the story was good.
Linda J. (bendtraveler7) reviewed Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith (Audio Cassette) (Abridged) on + 26 more book reviews
Non fiction, Krakauer weaves the story of the Lafferty brothers and their fanatical brethren with a look at Mormonism's past.
Nora F. (nora777) reviewed Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith (Audio Cassette) (Abridged) on + 16 more book reviews
What about the boys?
Under the Banner of Heaven is a thoughtful, evenhanded examination of Mormonism, its history, and its current status. Jon Krakauer explores in detail the split between the mainline Mormons, who have renounced polygamy, and the fundamentalists, who continue to practice it. The impact of the fundamentalists is shown through the story of the murders of a woman and her baby.
The only lack that I noticed was, what happens to the young men, most of whom will not be designated as candidates for marriage within the community because the young women are all handed off to the old men. Certainly, the old men are not likely to want the young ones around because they would be competition. I have heard a rumor that they are expelled from the community shortly after puberty, which would make sense, but it is such a shocking allegation that I am reluctant to believe it.
Under the Banner of Heaven is a thoughtful, evenhanded examination of Mormonism, its history, and its current status. Jon Krakauer explores in detail the split between the mainline Mormons, who have renounced polygamy, and the fundamentalists, who continue to practice it. The impact of the fundamentalists is shown through the story of the murders of a woman and her baby.
The only lack that I noticed was, what happens to the young men, most of whom will not be designated as candidates for marriage within the community because the young women are all handed off to the old men. Certainly, the old men are not likely to want the young ones around because they would be competition. I have heard a rumor that they are expelled from the community shortly after puberty, which would make sense, but it is such a shocking allegation that I am reluctant to believe it.
