These are events left from most history books, probably b...ecause it shines a negative light on a well-established US religion and culture. The author has done a good job doing her research, but I often feel as if I'm reading a masters level research paper with an uneven flow and weak sentences that can be read over and over without getting the gist. I leave it to you to judge the actors and events. I began the book with biases which have only been strengthened. Read it for knowledge.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is an exciting and infuriating story ...about an attack on an emigrant wagon train crossing the Rockies by a group of Mormons under directions of church leaders. Their primary objective was probably loot. All adult emigrants were murdered following a false truce, their goods stolen and their younger children parceled out to "good Mormon families". These children helped in reconstructing the horrible action once they were discovered and removed from the kidnappers. The lack of action on the part of the U.S. government is not excusable; nor is the continuing efforts of the Mormon chuch to cover up its part in the crime. Although this is alluded to in the book, I feel that more information documenting the Mormon church's activities in altering history so that they look less evil that they are would be useful. In this connection, the movie September morn (? may be not the right name) which is coming our to coincide with the 150th anniversary of this Mountain Meadow massacre blames renegade Mormons. This is a lie. As one U.S. general noted, Brigham Young should have been hung for this crime.
I bought this... book solely based on the fact it was advertised as "unbiased" and was supposed to have new evidence brought to light. Yea, right. We all know that the LDS church was directly responsible for what happened that day, but it's clear from the beginning that the author has a vendetta against the LDS church for some reason. She has basically taken research that other authors have already published and put her one-sided spin on it. There are SEVERAL other books available (Most of which she had to rely on for her "research") that are a far more accurate and historical read than this. Try Will Bagley's Blood of the Prophets or Juanita Brooks' The Mountain Meadow Massacre.
A terribly sad but true story.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
An excellent look into the early history of the Mormon movement. E...xcellent scholarship and presentation of the facts. A must read.