The Prophet's Wife

A Novel of an American Faith

By: Libbie Grant

Narrated by: Sophie Amoss

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

©2022 Libbie Grant (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

May take as a LDS

Joseph is portrayed as a weak person/leader. Anything good or successful was due to the counsel Emma gave Joseph. Anything foolish and destructive was the result of Joseph not following Emma’s advice. Brigham Young was a tyrant and only sought his own will and pleasure.

If you want to witness a left view of the prophet and his wife then this will provide that view.

I am not interested in only the favorable side of the personalities presented, but wow. This is the other side.

Stunning, Relevatory

This narration is a pitch perfect reading of a fascinating fictional account of an American wife who’s husband began a far too lasting and consequential movement. Emma, wife of Joseph Smith, “the prophet,” has so much to tell us, with both sharp and blinded eyes—eyes which are eventually forced to see. If only every young girl would read this book, every young girl and every person who cares about her. Amazing parallels to today’s populist movement—I suppose mankind will always search for a savior among a sea of humanity. I suppose there will always be an imperfect being who proffers up a solution, fallible and wholly lopsided in the salvation it offers on earth. Yes, I am staunchly against plural marriage, just as I am against anything that subjugates women, who, to this day have less agency.

This book is for feminist, for readers of the classics, for thinkers, for defenders. For Olivia Hawker fans, for those who are reading this great wealth of new fictional accounts of famous adjacent forgotten or unknown women, such as is being written by Marie Benedict. This book is for those who ask why, for who are willing to scratch beneath the surface, for those who refuse to look away.

Inaccurate

This is a inaccurate fictional story from the author’s imagination. I’m sorry I wasted my time on it.