Nora F. (nora777) reviewed on 8/25/2009 + 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.

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