The Prophet's Wife: A Novel of an American Faith

Emma Hale marries Joseph Smith, a treasure-digger who founds the Mormon religion and fractures Emmas life and faith. She struggles to maintain her place in Josephs heart and the religion that has become her world, while the Mormons adopt polygamy and face violence from their fellow Americans. Emma must convince Joseph to surrender and sacrifice his life for the sake of her people and her soul.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In 1825, in the rural Pennsylvania countryside, Emma Hale weds a vagabond treasure-seeker named Joseph Smith, who possesses only a peep-stone and a firm belief in his ability to communicate directly with God. Within a few years, Joseph establishes his own religion, attracts devoted followers in the tens of thousands, and disrupts Emma's life and faith.

As the Mormon religion gains traction and surpasses Joseph's control, Emma battles to retain her position in Joseph's heart and within the religion that has become her entire world. The Mormons face rejection and isolation wherever they go, and Joseph must maintain his authority by issuing increasingly bizarre commandments on God's behalf, culminating in an edict permitting men to marry multiple wives. The adoption of polygamy further alienates the Mormons from society, leading to violent clashes with their fellow Americans.

For Emma, the situation becomes increasingly personal as Joseph brings in a new wife, whom Emma regards as a sister. Emma understands that true peace can only be achieved when Joseph confronts the law. However, on the rugged frontier, Joseph is more likely to encounter death at the hands of a vigilante posse than a fair trial. Emma must persuade the Prophet of God to surrender and potentially sacrifice his life, not only for the sake of her people but also for her own soul.

"The Prophet of God" delves into the emotional turmoil and complexities of a faith in transition, exploring the origins of the Mormon religion and the sacrifices made by its founder and followers. The novel is praised for its insightful portrayal of historical events and its nuanced exploration of human emotions. It has been recommended by the New York Times Book Review, The Denver Post, and author Kris Waldherr, who describes it as a "masterpiece" and a "perfect read for fans of Hilary Mantel and Geraldine Brooks."

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 135 x 203 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063070622