Saints

Rating:
Summary: Maybe not true to form, but true to talent.
Review: If you read Orson Scott card for his Science fiction, I admit this is probably not the book for you. But I read him for his depth of character and skill for telling a story of epic proportions. I am not Mormon, but I love a good historical tale and I was so intrigued with this story that I actually searched out a Mormon to see how true it was! To learn that there is much actual history to this story only gratifies me more. Dinah, the main character, became like a sister to me and I rejoiced and remorsed with her. She taught me a lot of things about strength of will and even had some "magical" talents like many other of Card's characters. I abhor polygamy, but for Dinah I was willing to suspend even this hatred of that patriarchal institution. When we watch any movie or read any fiction, we go into it expecting to supend disbelief as long as the artistry is there. With Orson Scott Card in Saints, the artistry is definitely there. I've read this book twice, and once more to go over the really great parts.

Rating:
Summary: Card practices what he preaches
Review: This book was is a little bit unsettling for a non-LDS person at first, but a lot of fun when you settle in to it. I was unfamiliar with the history of LDS, and thought that this book would give me an interesting perspective. It did.

Card doesn't gloss over sticky points in the development of the church, such as disloyal followers of their prophet, conversion of Christians, problems with the law, and the big P. Instead, he tells the story the story of the early history of his church as he understands it: its ugly truth is no more ugly than that of the start of other religions, and far less ugly and cleaner than most.

If you love Card, then read this book after you have read the memory of earth series. They have absolutely nothing to do with each other, but help with fully appreciating his perspective.