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Search - Under the Banner of Heaven : A Story of Violent Faith
Subjects:
- History >> Americas >> United States >> 20th Century >> 1945 - Present
- Nonfiction >> True Accounts >> Murder & Mayhem
Similar Books:
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| ISBN-13: 9781400032808 ISBN-10: 1400032806 Publisher: Anchor Publication Date: 6/8/2004 Pages: 432 Book Type: Paperback Members Wishing: 5 |
Book Description:
Jon Krakauer’s literary reputation rests on insightful chronicles of lives conducted at the outer limits. He now shifts his focus from extremes of physical adventure to extremes of religious belief within our own borders, taking readers inside isolated American communities where some 40,000 Mormon Fundamentalists still practice polygamy. Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the renegade leaders of these Taliban-like theocracies are zealots who answer only to God.
At the core of Krakauer’s book are brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a commandment from God to kill a blameless woman and her baby girl. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this appalling double murder, Krakauer constructs a multi-layered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, polygamy, savage violence, and unyielding faith. Along the way he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America’s fastest growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief.
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Top Member Reviews
Leigh P. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is very biased. I'm an atheist, so I have no vested interest in the religion, but Krakauer chooses to reveal some pretty harsh history about Mormonism. He takes a somewhat mocking tone while describing how the religion began, describes some pretty graphic scenes of violence, and glosses over some of the parts describing Mormon values.
By the title, I wasn't expecting this book to try and be objective; however I had hoped Krakauer would present at least some part of Mormonism that wasn't "bad." For instance, I had hoped he would describe, with the same level of detail he gave the massacre, why the group had to move around so much.
Parts of this book are slow, but the interesting parts do redeem the book by moving so quickly. I recommend this to those who are interested in the history of the Mormon faith, but suggest reading the other side, too.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Anybody with an interest in the history of the West should read this book. The history of the Mountain Meadows Massacre is thoroughly researched by the author. This has been swept under the rug in the past. It shows in great detail why some consider the Mormons, at least at times, not to be a particularly benign or positive group!
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A very well-researched, bone-chilling account of brutal murders committed in the name of God. This present-day story is intertwined with a history of Mormonism and its many splinter fundamentalist groups.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A compelling history of FLDS sects, the mainstream Mormon church, and the events leading to a grotesque crime. Also a thought-provoking look at the psychological and sociological underpinnings of fundamentalist religious fanaticism in general (worth contemplating in today's world). A great read.
Jim K. from COTUIT, MA wrote on 3/17/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Interesting and alarming book on some truly scary people.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
as one of my favorite authors, jon krakauer does an excellent job turning his research into a story full of history, mystery, confusion, and questions. i learned many things about the mormon religion, the fundamentalist mormon religion, and their history.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great informative book about Mormons researched from a non-Mormon perspective. I have a new appreciation for Mormons after reading the stories in this book.
Joan E. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Dryer than I expected it to be, Under the Banner of Heaven is still an interesting non-fiction read. It recounts the story of the brutal murder of a woman and her baby daughter, committed by two brothers who insist God commanded them to kill their victims. In investigating and writing about the crime, Krakauer ends up revealing a darker side of Mormonism - a darker sect of religious folks (not mainstream Mormons) with distorted (and dangerous) views of faith. It's fascinating; just a little more clinical than I expected.
Hillary Y. from GOLETA, CA wrote on 4/3/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Fascinating read, appears to be well researched, and very well written. The author tells of the history of Mormonism and interweaves it with a the story of a modern day murder.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I requested this book because I loved Krakauer's "Into Thin Air". I requested this book without knowing the subject matter and as I have a little one of my own, I just don't think I could read about this - as interesting as it might be. Call me a softie.
Rate These Member Reviews
Lorrie M. (This book really provides interesting insight into the history of the Mormons and of Mormon Fundmentalists as well as telling the horrifying story of a murder. Really good read!
Great story of the Mormon religion. I enjoy Jon Krakauer's writing style.
COULDN'T GET INTO IT,SO GONNA PUT IT BACK OUT THERE FOR SOMEONE ELSE.
Carla J. from WILMINGTON, NC wrote on 3/20/2007...Fascinating book, some of the history I found a little bit tedious...but that's just me. Overall, a very interesting account of the "American Religion".
Karina S. from SAN MARCOS, CA wrote on 2/28/2007...Pretty powerful expose on some extreme Mormon sects. Riveting content, written by the same author who wrote, "Into Thin Air", about the ascent of Mt. Everest. Hard book to put down, hard to leave the images behind.
Extraordinarily disturbing book, but one of the most fascinating I've read in a long time!! Everyone NEEDS to read this book!!
Carol H. from EVANSTON, IL wrote on 11/25/2006...A fascinating and disturbing analysis of how polygyny in Mormon subgroups could result in the murder of an innocent woman and baby.
This book was incredible. I did not know if I was going to like it or not, but, you just have to read it. I cannot beleive this actually goes on in America today.
A fascinating history of America, Mormondom, and fanatacism. Disturbing, revealing, and engrossing.