Gabriel's Daughters by Janet Kay Jensen

Gabriel's Daughters by Janet Kay Jensen

Dust Jacket:

Wrestling with issues of polygamy, homosexuality, and modernity, Gabriel’s Daughters examines them through the lives of the large, loving, and polygamous Martin family. The story is told primarily through the eyes of Zina Martin, a young girl who—upon discovering she is impregnated by her “sterile” teacher and will soon be married off to a man three times her age—escapes the enclosed polygamous town of Gabriel’s Landing, Utah. Zina then embarks on a journey of self-discovery, yet she can never fully escape the longing she has for her family and even the controversial and outdated lifestyle she once lived. Through both tears and triumph, Gabriel’s Daughters reveals a moving story that not only acts as insightful social commentary but also prompts readers to re-evaluate their lives.


My Review: 5 Stars

This book is a sequel to "Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys" and contains spoilers, so if you plan to read both read this one second.

Zina is innocent, naive and sensitive, and after being impregnated by a High School teacher her shame and impending marriage to her father's friend drive her out of the sheltered polygamist community she grew up in. This book unfolds Zina's journey through her innocent eyes as she learns about the world and most importantly herself.

I enjoyed reading about this family, their reactions, interactions and choices they make to love those around them from many different backgrounds. A great book I would recommend to anyone interested in learning a bit about polygamy and leaving it from a somewhat fair perspective.

This is a great book worth reading again and again.