Mormon Enigma, Emma Hale Smith This biography of Emma Hale Smith is well written and well documented. For those researching the Mormons of the 19th century, I recommend this work.
Brilliant, thorough, and evenhanded This is the best kind of history: thorough, well-informed, objective, insightful. Its evenhanded, meticulous research and compelling storytelling will give you an appreciation of the huge role Emma played in Joseph's successes and her strength in dealing with his weaknesses. Mormons owe Emma far more than most realize. If you are interested in the early LDS Church, either as a matter of faith or as a matter of curiosity, this is an essential piece of the picture. Informative and inspiring.
Excellent biography While this is a well written book, the authors attempt to int early Mormonism in a positive light. It should be noted that the authors were censured by the Mormon Church for writing the book, but remain practicing Mormons.
In some cases the authors accept Mormon history as it is presented by the Mormon Church without documenting sources. There are places where this history is incorrect based on historical documents. The Mormon Church is not known for being forthcoming with legitimate history, but some of the history that they do recognizes has been included, even though it is not accurate. All in all in was a very good book
So Greatful For The Effort Put Into This Book I'm so thankful for the authors who put so much time and effort into constructing this book. It is accurate and fulfilling. My love for Emma and Joseph have deepened as a result, as has my testimony as Joseph Smith as a Prophet.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have not personally experienced what most reviews are saying about the LDS Church's view of Emma. Those whom I know look up to her, respect her, and desire to learn from her example. That is what inspired me to learn more about her. She is, perhaps, the most remarkable woman ever to have walked the earth, aside from Mary the mother of Christ. Her only downfalls being the fact that she was as human as anyone and that because of that and the deep love she felt for her husband, her jealousy made it impossible for her to accept just one of his teachings (pleural marriage). She then went on to shelter her children from that teaching as well, resulting in the RLDS Church, which I also have much respect for, having visited their temple and visitors center, as well as the church history sites they own in Nauvoo, IL.
Having read this book I believe without doubt that the law of pleural marriage is and was true, though few were called to fulfill it in this life due to the fact that most of us would not understand it and/or would have abused it. But, the fact remains that we will practice it in the celestial kingdom. I understand completely why the principal was only taught to a select few by Joseph, and why it was necessary for him to hide his practice of it from Emma. Had he been completely open about it I believe it might have actually killed her. He, too, endured much emotional distress over the pain his marriages inflicted on his beloved "Queen." My heart aches for Emma and her struggles and I doubt I could have endured them with half the grace she did. I cannot wait until the day I can embrace her and thank her for the example she has left for me to follow.
great read.... and very interesting to see what seems to be a very objective story of this woman's life.
Curious and also very sad what a "quandary" the sacred mandates (that come and go depending on which Mormon leaders, Bibles, etc. one happens to read at the time) associated with the plural wives doctrines caused over the course of her whole life. Also shows what life based on a "man" and the changing whims of a man can be like, and certainly does encourage/strengthen my resolve to make sure what I believe is based on solely the Bible :)
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