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Under the Banner of Heaven

A Story of Violent Faith

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Under the Banner of Heaven

Written by: Jon Krakauer
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the author of Into the Wild and Into Thin Air, this extraordinary work of investigative journalism takes readers inside America’s isolated Mormon Fundamentalist communities. • Now an acclaimed FX limited series streaming on HULU.

“Fantastic.... Right up there with In Cold Blood and The Executioner’s Song.” —San Francisco Chronicle

Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the renegade leaders of these Taliban-like theocracies are zealots who answer only to God; some 40,000 people still practice polygamy in these communities.

At the core of Krakauer’s book are brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a commandment from God to kill a blameless woman and her baby girl. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this appalling double murder, Krakauer constructs a multi-layered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, polygamy, savage violence, and unyielding faith. Along the way he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America’s fastest growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief. Christianity Murder Religious Studies Social Sciences True Crime Mormon Crime Royalty Mormon History
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An excellent look into the Mormon faith from a very well researched, middle of the road point of view. He highlights positives and negatives and doesn't leave anything out. Scott Brick has an excellent voice and reads it well. Overall would absolutely recommend.

A well researched book

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The information was alright but the overall reading of it was very boring to listen to. I made it half way through the book and turned it off.

Informative but Boring

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While expecting a true crime novel, which this novel partially is, I came away with a deeply expanded knowledge of the Mormon practice. I particularly enjoy Mr. Krakauer's writing style and attention to detail. Some of the work is hard to listen to as there are accounts of child abuse and obviously, the re-telling of the murders of Brenda and Erica Lafferty, and subsequent aftermath. The narration is very good, matter of fact and to the point. I recommend this title, but be warned, adult themes and some disturbing topics.

Informative and disturbing.

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Written in neutral, non-judgemental manner. Tells about a murder event and trial at the same time as educating the reader to the history and philosophy of the LDS church. Fascinating reading wonderfully written to interlock the pieces so that the reader appreciates and understands.

Should be mandatory reading for LDS students

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There is not much more to say. This book has so much Mormon lore (at least 4 houses worth)that I wondered if I was being converted rather than to the story of Brenda and Erica. They were barely mentioned. Too bad. The show carried the story of religious influence much better.

Boring

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