The Colony: Faith and Blood in a Promised Land [Hardcover]

A Meticulously researched&. The author couldnt have found a more bizarro clan to profile than the LeBarons, whose history of murdering family members, mental illness and incest rivals that of the Hapsburgs&. Denton provides an excellent history of a polygamist subculture& [her] book is a testament to what happens when male power, under the guise of religious conviction, goes unchecked. A mesmerizing deep dive into Mormon fanaticism, violence, deceit, mental illness, and misogyny, dating back to the religions mid-19th century founding by Joseph Smith. [An] intriguing portrait of fundamentalist Mormons in Mexico . . . Investigative journalist Denton (American Massacre) & describes the military-style attack in stark detail and shares evidence from the resulting investigation pointing to a local drug cartel . . . Drawing on interviews with former sister wives, Denton brings nuance and sensitivity to her discussion of the LeBarons polygamist practices and the status of women in the community. The result is a fascinating tale of religion, violence, and family secrets. Riveting, insightful, ripped from the headlines, this should appeal to fans of true crime and of Jon Krakauers A multifaceted exploration . . . The author examines the messianic beginnings of Mormonism with Joseph Smith in the 1830s followed by Brigham Young and later highly flawed leaders, many suffering mental illnesses. Denton also dissects other elements of the Mormon practice, including legacies of male superiority, female servitude, and forced polygamy.... Thorough research and balanced reporting combine in a riveting investigation. Reminiscent of KrakauersUS