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51 pages 1 hour read

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Jon Krakauer

Under the Banner of Heaven

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Utah • 1980s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1350L

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Super Short Summary

In Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer, two brothers, Ron and Dan Lafferty, committed ritualistic murders of their sister-in-law Brenda and her baby daughter Erika in 1984, driven by fundamentalist beliefs rooted in Mormon extremism. The narrative interweaves their story with the history of the Mormon faith, highlighting how radical religious views can lead to violence and abuse. This book contains multiple accounts of sexual abuse and murder.

Mysterious

Dark

Informative

Unnerving

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

222,102 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven delves into religious extremism, presenting a gripping, well-researched narrative. Critics praise its compelling storytelling and meticulous detail. However, some find the portrayal of faith communities overly critical and one-sided. Overall, it's an insightful but controversial exploration of belief and violence.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Under the Banner of Heaven?

Readers interested in true crime, religious history, and investigative journalism will find Jon Krakauer’s Under the Banner of Heaven compelling. Comparable to Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and Dave Cullen’s Columbine, this book appeals to those fascinated by the intersection of faith and violence.

4.2

222,102 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Utah • 1980s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1350L

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