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 … 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.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
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Jon Krakauer’s work is well-researched, informative and fascinating. Having read every book and most article’s he written, I highly recommend this book and everything else he produces.
Good book that moves along well. Concise, not a lot of filler but enough background information to fully develop the characters.
This was an exquisitely written story – an informative, and exhaustive insight into the Mormon beliefs, from the beginnings up into current times. I was awestruck (and a little frightened).
I never knew about this crime. This goes to show you how cults and/or religious zealots can manipulate the thoughts of average people. What is most concerning to me is there are still Fundamentalists living in this country that have control over the women and girls in their communities. These women and girls are treated like slaves and are …
One of the best books I have ever read!
Absolutely fascinating – links murder to history of fundamentalist Mormonism. You’ll learn a ton.
I hard history to read but as always with Jon Krakauer, superbly written and wildly engrossing.
The story is stranger than fiction. It is spellbinding and page turning. Mr Krakauer can tell a story and tell it well. Excellent read.
Good study on militant cults
It’s been a while since I read this fascinating book however I remember it was
difficult to put down as it was so well written & so informative re a the members of this country who led such a different life from the one I’ve known! An excellent read!
Sally Veauta
Liked Into Thin Air, this is nowhere near as good
A fantasticly compelling and intriquing composition of the development of a religion and the fostering of extreme beliefs that stem from one simple central idea. This book caused me to question what I believe and dont belive. I greatly admire the author and have now completed three of his books. I will look forward to reading others in the future
Powerful!
If you want to know about the FDLS and the inside of an insidious cult, you need to read this book. Unbelievable in modern day America.
Excellent background information on the Mormon religion and culture. And a gripping story. Also highly recommend Krakauer’s best book, “Into Thin Air”. Our whole office read that book in the 90’s. If you think about mountain climbing, read this book first.
Just didn’t like it
Astonishing… Makes you wonder about how religions come to be. Scary too. Maybe any of us could be led along a dark windy road if taught to early enough…
Excellent is every regard. Krakauer is a terrific writer and his history of the Mormon church reads like a novel. Hi journalist background is underscored by thorough research and the ability to write compelling text.
This book is about the fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is full of crime, child abuse, welfare fraud and cultism at it’s worst.
This is a true story about a murderous religious cult.