51 pages • 1 hour read
Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith
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Book Brief
432
Book • Nonfiction
Utah • 1980s
2003
Adult
18+ years
1350L
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
222,102 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
222,102 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
432
Book • Nonfiction
Utah • 1980s
2003
Adult
18+ years
1350L
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