A review by randombookswithmj
The Celestial Wife by Leslie Howard

2.5

 
This book delves into the complex and often troubling world of polygamy within fundamentalist religious communities; shedding light on important issues that many may not be aware of. The author bravely tackles the horrors of polygamy, child abuse, control, and power dynamics that exist within these societies, bringing these critical topics to the forefront for readers to contemplate. Exploring this topic in a fiction novel was the reason I wanted to read this book. 

However, the writing style is somewhat naive and simplistic, with the topics not explored in as much depth as they could have been. More research and detailed writing on both the cult aspects and the history of winemaking in BC could have enriched the book and provided a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. 

Overall, while the book touches on important themes, it may have benefitted from a deeper exploration and a more mature writing style. It is more suited to a young adult audience, with elements of a coming-of-age novel woven throughout. Despite its shortcomings, this book serves as an introduction to the realities of polygamy in fundamentalist religious communities and the need for greater awareness and understanding of these issues. 

Would I recommend this book? Sadly, no. Only if you would really like to read more on this topic. However, I would suggest looking for a different book.