Helpful Score: 4
History of religion brought to life!, April 3, 2005
Reviewer: Heidi J. North "toadmanor"
I know a lot of Orson Scott Card fans will be out of their comfort zone reading this book. Well, so be it. I think it is a magnificent introduction to the history of the Mormon church. Other reviewers have criticized it for not having enough "lovable" characters.
How "lovable" are real people? That's who you feel you have gotten to know in this book. Fictional characters mingle with historical characters, and Card has been honest enough to make them ALL as complicated as people really are. Joseph Smith is not portrayed as a sinless martyr, he is portrayed as a human being, with human failings. This doesn't take away from his great accomplishments -- his accomplishments are so great precisely BECAUSE he was fallible.
And the character of Dinah is a triumph. Perhaps her strength of character isn't "lovable" to some. But for those of us who look for well-rounded, realistic female characters in books, Dinah is GREAT! She is independent, strong willed, and follows the strength of her convictions even when it means personal sacrifice. She is symbolic of the many real women who joined the Mormon church despite severe persecution.
"Saints" is a long book and a complicated book. It is not a "light read." But it is a WORTHWHILE read -- and will also give you some insight into Orson Scott Card not only as a writer but as a member of this uniquely American church, the Church of Latter-Day Saints. (Hence the title.)
Reviewer: Heidi J. North "toadmanor"
I know a lot of Orson Scott Card fans will be out of their comfort zone reading this book. Well, so be it. I think it is a magnificent introduction to the history of the Mormon church. Other reviewers have criticized it for not having enough "lovable" characters.
How "lovable" are real people? That's who you feel you have gotten to know in this book. Fictional characters mingle with historical characters, and Card has been honest enough to make them ALL as complicated as people really are. Joseph Smith is not portrayed as a sinless martyr, he is portrayed as a human being, with human failings. This doesn't take away from his great accomplishments -- his accomplishments are so great precisely BECAUSE he was fallible.
And the character of Dinah is a triumph. Perhaps her strength of character isn't "lovable" to some. But for those of us who look for well-rounded, realistic female characters in books, Dinah is GREAT! She is independent, strong willed, and follows the strength of her convictions even when it means personal sacrifice. She is symbolic of the many real women who joined the Mormon church despite severe persecution.
"Saints" is a long book and a complicated book. It is not a "light read." But it is a WORTHWHILE read -- and will also give you some insight into Orson Scott Card not only as a writer but as a member of this uniquely American church, the Church of Latter-Day Saints. (Hence the title.)
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
