The 19th Wife Summary & Key Insights

David Ebershoff's "The 19th Wife" tells the polygamous story of the fictional nineteenth wife of Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her unexpected journey to self-discovery within the confines of a deeply patriarchal system. The novel's narrative unfolds through the intertwined perspectives of three women: Annalee, a young, devout woman who becomes Brigham Young's wife; the pragmatic and ambitious Dora, one of his previous wives; and the perceptive and somewhat cynical Ruth, Annalee's present-day great-great-granddaughter.

Annalee, eager to please God and her family, enters Young's sprawling household in Salt Lake City with unwavering faith. She quickly learns the complexities of plural marriage, navigating the jealousies, rivalries, and power dynamics among the numerous wives. While initially blinded by piety and the promise of spiritual fulfillment, Annalee gradually witnesses the darker aspects of this system – the emotional manipulation, the lack of agency for women, and the underlying hypocrisy of a leader who espouses religious devotion while indulging in personal desires. She endures physical and emotional hardship, grappling with infertility and the casual disregard for her feelings by both Young and other wives.

Dora, an older, more experienced wife, serves as a foil to Annalee's naive idealism. She's skilled in navigating the political landscape of Young's household, subtly manipulating events and people to secure her own position and influence. Her perspective highlights the practical strategies women employed to survive and exert a degree of control within the rigid structure of polygamy.

Ruth, a contemporary art conservator, discovers a hidden cache of letters written by Annalee, providing a window into the past. Her discovery fuels her own exploration of her family history and her complex relationship with her Mormon heritage. Ruth's storyline provides a modern counterpoint to Annalee's experience, allowing the reader to reflect on the lasting impact of polygamy and its enduring effects on women and their descendants.

The overarching themes of the novel center on the female experience within a patriarchal system, the complexities of faith and belief, and the search for autonomy and self-definition. Ebershoff explores the ways women, despite the oppressive circumstances of polygamy, find ways to exert their agency, forming alliances, creating their own systems of support, and pursuing their own personal ambitions, however limited. The novel doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of polygamy, highlighting its damaging effects while simultaneously acknowledging the resilience and strength of the women who lived through it. Ultimately, "The 19th Wife" offers a nuanced and compelling examination of faith, power, and the enduring quest for individual identity.