Posted on 04/23/2010 9:33:26 AM PDT by Colofornian
One of the quirkiest, and enjoyable edgy Mormon fiction out there remains “Brother Brigham,” (2007, Zarahemla Books) It’s a pity that probably only a few hundred people have read the novel. Utah Author D. Michael Martindale’s bizarre, at times sexy tale prompts the attentive LDS reader to really wonder if they’re faith is as strong as they might like to think it is.
“Brother Brigham,” set in Salt Lake County, involves Cory Horace “C.H.” Young, descendent of Brigham Young, married in the temple to Danielle. A BYU “marriage” dropout with dreams of being a violinist, he works in a bookstore and lives in a tiny duplex with his wife and two sons, Petey and Glenn. At the bookstore there’s a cute bohemian girl named Sheila who dabbles in satanism.
One day, out of the blue, “Brigham Young” appears to C.H. and tells him that the LDS Church has slipped into apostasy and that he, C.H., has been called of God to restore the Gospel. “Brigham” informs C.H. that polygamy must also be restored. “Brigham” leads C.H. to hidden away money in the desert west of Salt Lake City. The angel, using the same type of language as the Prophet Joseph Smith records in Mormon accounts, pushes C.H. to get things rolling. C.H. reluctantly agrees. He manages to convince his skeptical wife, and then follows the angel’s commandment to marry Satan-dabbler Sheila, who perhaps not surprisingly given her personality, accepts C.H.’s offer. Things start to spiral out of control when “Brigham” commands C.H. to take an underage ward teen, Cyndy, as a second plural wife.
“Brother Brigham” is a lighter novel than may appear from the brief partial synopsis. C.H. is very reluctant to take on what he’s been commanded to do despite promises from “Brigham” that he will be successful. There’s a lot of sex in Martindale’s prose. This will never be a novel found on the virgin shelves of Deseret Book. One funny, sexy sequence involves C.H. and Sheila’s wedding night where, at least for the groom, “plural love” turns into solo lust.
I won’t give away the ending of Brother Brigham, although a turn in the plot and the climax are quite clever. Mormon lore abounds in “Brother Brigham.” A promise in C.H.’s patriarchal blessing seems to hint at what will occur to him. When “Brigham” appears to C.H., he follows Mormon lore by asking the angel to shake hands with him. The plot also includes references to the Book of Mormon and wrestling with demons and raging theological debates Parley P. Pratt-style.
“Brother Brigham” is not a book critical of the LDS faith, but its very plot forces the honest Mormon reader to confront two uncomfortable thoughts. How many of us, if we had lived in the time of Joseph Smith, would have believed a 14-year-old boy had been visted by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? And, a question perhaps even more difficult to answer, is: Had we been members of the early LDS Church, how many of us would have agreed to ditch our matrimonial covenants and pursue wives half our age? Would we have thought that was of God, or a product of lust?
These are not questions that today’s Mormons ponder often. In fact, most of us have become quite comfortable scorning fundamentalist polygamist Mormons for their “sinful” lifestyles.
“Brother Brigham,” besides being a great read, reminds us that we’re pretty lucky to be Mormons in 2010, where C.H’s experiences remain something that we’re not likely to have to deal with.
You didn't just call yourself a homo, did ya?
Usually a Catholic will come on to these threads to tell the haters to go a bit easier on the Mormons. Not Mark. He wants to prove he went to finishing school on that pirate ship from down under. Actually its sweet that your two have chosen to band together. lol.
I'm not sure of what this means either. Your English translator is not working. Do you have another?
If you wish to accept the Lord Jesus into your life, then the Church will welcome you. If not, then you are free to squat on the other bank.
Very perceptive of you.
Usually a Catholic will come on to these threads to tell the haters to go a bit easier on the Mormons.
Do you have examples?
Not Mark. He wants to prove he went to finishing school on that pirate ship from down under.
This time you are using English words, but the meaning is still lacking. Can you explain what you are saying?
Actually its sweet that your two have chosen to band together. lol.
I'm glad that you think that an Evangelical and a Catholic can actually get along when confronted by a non Christian. It is most gratifying.
How sweet. CINO and EINO sittin' in a tree. lol.
I will let Elsie present his bona fides, but as for me, under what understanding do you refer to me as CINO?
Your pardon; ping to the post above.
Your behavior. Plus I'm learning alot from Elsie on how best to judge others. :-)
So don’t let anyone ever tell ya that I’m not learning anything on these threads. lol.
Do you have anything specific? Since you refer to me as a CINO; I would be grateful if you would quantify the delta between my behaviour, and that of the behaviour of Catholics, as specified by the Catechism, according to your observation?
I do appreciate very much watching you live up to your screen name, though.
I don't believe that I've ever read an accusation that you've learned anything on these threads. However, if they ever do, I'll be sure to confirm it.
Are you feeling persecuted Mr. CINO?
I pick and choose whom I learn from. So far you've not had much to offer except for CINO stuff.
Don't get lost in any deep thoughts; you'll be a total stranger there.
You would know.
Trust me, nothing deep about what you guys do on these threads.
Hi I'm Elsie, I'm no longer a cow.
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