Monday, November 29, 2010

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

Genre: Historical Fiction

The 19th Wife is a story about polygamy in America. There are two stories told in this novel; one based on a historical figure named Ann Eliza Young and the other based on a modern day murder mystery set in Utah. Both these stories tell the tale of polygamy and how each character is brutally affected by this practice.

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading The 19th Wife. Despite having two stories in one novel, which could have easily gone astray, the novel was engaging from beginning till the end. In that respect, I salute the author for keeping both the story interesting despite making the reader focus on two separate storyline.

The characters are definitely memorable and after ending the book, I found that I wanted to know more about Ann Eliza Young as well as current polygamous practices in the US. Though polygamy is not a new theme (especially for us in Malaysia cause Malaysian Muslim men are allowed to practise polygamy here), I found the topic interesting especially when it is practised in such a modern and westernized country.

The 19th Wife is definitely one of the best novels that I have read in 2010 and I would highly recommend you give it a read.

5 comments:

Lyla Ibrahim said...

polygamy is always an interesting topic to discuss...
in order to make it a success the husband has to act fair..
hard to find husbands like that...

I've heard lots of good reviews about this one...
thanks for the reviews...
huhu...

JoV said...

"Modern and Westernised country" is a misnomer. As you may know, I am a PJ girl living in Reading; and I find PJ and KL more modern and westernised than any town here in England.

My review:
http://bibliojunkie.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/beware-of-your-beloved-wife-or-wives/

Unknown said...

yes. i suppose that sentence can be misleading. we are a modern country as well but one based on religion and some of those in power abuse it to practice polygamy. thanks for sharing your review on the book.

Teresa said...

I've read several favorable reviews on this one and have had it on my TBR list for awhile.

Aik said...

I read an amazing book about polygamy once, it's called The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams. Have you read it before? I finished it in one sitting and I highly recommend it. You can read my review HERE.

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