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 19th 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 19th 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