The Prophet's Wife

By Libbie Grant

Book Overview

A lyrical novel exploring the origins of the Mormon faith, RECOMMENDED by the New York Times Book Review.

"Superb... a first-rate historical novel" - The Denver Post

"A masterpiece ... perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel and Geraldine Brooks" - Kris Waldherr, author of The Lost History of Dreams

In 1825, in rural Pennsylvania, Emma Hale marries an itinerant treasure-digger, a man who has nothing but a peep-stone in his pocket and a conviction that he can speak directly to God. His name is Joseph Smith and in a few short years, he will found his own religion, gather zealous adherents by the tens of thousands, and fracture Emma's life and faith.

While the Mormon religion finds its feet and runs beyond the grasp of its founder, Emma struggles to maintain her place in Joseph's heart--and in the religion that has become her world. The Mormons make themselves outcasts everywhere they go. Joseph can only maintain his authority by issuing ever-stranger commandments on God's behalf, culminating in an edict that men should marry as many women as they please. The Mormons' adoption of polygamy only sets them further apart, and soon their communities are ravaged by violence at the hands of their outraged fellow Americans. For Emma, things take a more personal toll as Joseph brings in a new wife--a woman whom Emma considers a sister.

Emma knows there will never be peace until Joseph faces the law. But on the half-wild edge of the frontier, he's more likely to find death at the hands of a vigilante posse than a fair trial. For the sake of her people--and her soul--Emma must convince the Prophet of God to surrender... and perhaps to sacrifice his life.

"Probes the emotional maelstrom" - The New York Times Book Review

"Fascinating ... one of the most interesting and nuanced portrayals of a marriage I've read in a very long time ... Brilliant." - Allison Epstein, author of A Tip for the Hangman

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0063070626
• ISBN13: 9780063070622
• Release Date: March 2022
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The Propeht's Wife reads like a diary kept by Emma Smith, wife of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormo

Emma is not a particularly interesting heroine. She lives in fear of practically everything, is judgmental and difficult to get along with. Her husband, Joseph Smith, is the founder of the Mormon Church and the story covers his journey to create his church. The story moves back and forth between 1825 and 1844 for no apparent reason and with many characters, can be confusing. The author is a Mormon and her notes indicate that the story of Mormonism is presented fairly accurately so the history interesting but much of it is fairly pedantic. I read the advance readers edition which I won in a giveaway. Not one I would recommend but not the worst thing I've read this year.