The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff. READ it, learn, imagine, know.

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff. There is a dual plot through the entire book.  One central plot is centered on the "19th" wife of Brigham Young and the other on a 21st century 19th wife.  There is much information about the development, control and power of the Mormon church, then and now.  I'm always puzzled about the implications for young Mormon men, when the older more powerful men are marrying 10-50 of the young women.  Polygamy in both plots seems to be a "church approved" way for men to sexually exploit and brain wash young girls who catch their eye.  History, murder, intrigue, abandonment, escape, political maneuvering, and a totally different way of life, all rolled together in complicated, moving plots.  9 on the 1-10 scale.  Highly recommended.  See more reviews at: http://queenbeewritings.blogspot.com/