May 2013 Host:  Karen

(with Jennie and Danny)

 

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

 

Summary

This novel weaves a tale back and forth between the roots of nineteenth century polygamy and a modern day polygamist murder mystery.  One story is based on the life of  Anna Eliza Webb, the 19^th wife of Brigham Young (who was one of the first leaders of the Mormon church and who likely had married 50 women by the time he added Anna Eliza to his family).  Anna Eliza’s real writings are incorporated into this novel, depicting her life as a plural wife and how her family came into the Mormon church.  She became famous for a time as she publicized her autobiography and the heinous way women and children were treated in the Mormon church under the leadership of Brigham Young.  The second story is about the 19^th wife of a modern day polygamist who is accused of murdering her husband.  She begs her son Jordan, who she abandoned on a dark highway for allegedly holding a girl’s hand when he was 14 years old, for his help.  Excommunicating young men from the church was a common practice of the First Latter Day Saints due to competition for wives for the older men.  These young boys became known as the Lost Boys and oftentimes were damaged and destitute, roaming southwest cities such as Las Vegas.   Although a bit slow at times, this was a fascinating, well researched, and very enlightening story.

 

Menu

 

White Strawberry Sangria

This delicious sangria consists of mixing together 1 750 milliliter bottle

dry white wine with 1/2 cup strawberry schnapps, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2

cups sliced fresh strawberries.  Add ice cubes and chill 1-4 hours.

 

Curried Rice Pilaf

This easy recipe consists of 1/4 cup green onions, 1/2 cup frozen peas, 2 minced garlic cloves,

1/4 cup butter (or more if needed), 1/12 cup basmati rice, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1/2 cup salt, and 3 cups chicken broth.

1.  In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic in butter until tender.  Stir in rice, curry powder, and salt.

Saute for 2 or 3 minutes until rice is lightly browned.

2.  Pour chicken broth over rice mixture and stir.  Add peas and cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender.

 

Grilled Salmon with Vegetable Salad

 

Dessert

 

Danny