Shattered Dreams, written by Irene Spencer. 406 pages. Synopsis from BN.com:
Just as A Mormon Mother is the standout memoir of a 19th-century polygamous woman's life, this autobiography offers the compelling voice of a contemporary plural wife's experiences. Daughter of a second wife, Spencer was raised strictly in "the Principle" as it was lived secretly and illegally by fringe communities of Mormon "fundamentalists"-groups that split off from the LDS Church when it abandoned polygamy more than a century ago. In spite of her mother's warnings and the devotion of a boyfriend with monogamist intentions, Spencer followed her religious convictions-that living in polygamy was essential for eternal salvation-and became a second wife herself at the age of 16 in 1953. It's hard to tell which is more devastating in this memoir: the strains of husband-sharing with-ultimately-nine other wives, or the unremitting poverty that came with maintaining so many households and 56 children. Spencer's writing is lively and full of engaging dialogue, and her life is nothing short of astonishing. After 28 years of polygamous marriage, Spencer has lived the last 19 years in monogamy. Her story will be emotional and shocking, but many readers will resonate with the universal question the memoir raises: how to reconcile inherited religious beliefs when they grate against social norms and the deepest desires of the heart. (Aug. 22)It was very interesting to read another book, written by someone in the same family. Last week I finished Favorite Wife, written by the 6th wife of Verlan LeBaron. Shattered Dreams was written by the same man's 2nd wife. So, interesting to see two different perspectives. What I found the most interesting, was that from the very beginning, Irene was a rebelious little thing, never fully onboard with polygamy. She sought a divorce several times during her marriage to Verlan, and was constantly making her own decsions. Decisions that blantatly went against not only her husbands wishes, but the rules of her religion. Another eye opener if you want to really see how these women live - in complete poverty, not even seeing their husbands but a few times a month - if that...
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Book Count : 9
Word Count : 2849
