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'19th Wife' Weds 2 Centuries And A Modern-Day Murder

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By THEODORA LEAVENS SCHMID

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 7, 2008

"The 19th Wife," by David Ebershoff (Random House, $26)

This is a fascinating tale told in two voices: one in the 19th century and one in the 21st century. Both are completely intriguing. The historical thread is documented by diaries, letters and documents. The narration is the fictionalized version of the story of Ann Eliza Young, the 19th wife of Brigham Young, who was the second prophet of the Mormon Church. They married in 1868 when she was 24 and he was 67.

In fact, she was actually the 52nd woman to marry Young. Ann Eliza captures the sense of awe that Young inspired in his followers. The doctrine of "plural marriage" was apparently blindly accepted, even by those who had serious qualms. To doubt Young was to risk the hereafter.

The alternating voice is that of Jordan Scott, a gay 20-year-old man who was raised on a polygamous compound in modern-day Utah. He was excommunicated at age 14 for doubting his faith. His mother dropped him off in the desert in the middle of the night, wished him good luck and gave instructions not to return. He has not been back until he finds out that his mother has been charged with murdering his father. Jordan returns to Utah to help his mother. The solving of the murder is intertwined, in a remarkable way, with the story of Ann Eliza Young.

The story alternates between the two time frames in a seamless, compelling way. Important questions are raised. What is the nature of faith, family, love and obligation? Is doubt a reasonable aspect of faith? What would motivate people to blindly follow a leader, no matter the result? The author raises all these questions and weaves a tale that will richly reward the reader. The satisfying conclusion is evidence of Ebershoff's consummate skill.

Theodora Leavens Schmid is a counselor at Monroe Middle School in Tampa.

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