Vita Sackville-West’s Sissinghurst

by Vita Sackville-West & Sarah Raven, Vita Sackville-West and Sarah Raven
Vita Sackville-West’s Sissinghurst cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Technical
  • ID: 4759
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
abebooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-22
fascinating 3.50

The book is a fascinating and disturbing exploration of religious extremism, focusing on a brutal murder committed by Mormon Fundamentalist brothers. It provides a deep dive into the history and beliefs of the Mormon religion, including its ties to polygamy and the current status of the LDS church. The narrative is both chilling and thought-provoking, raising questions about the nature of religious belief and the line between insanity and faith.

The book is a compelling and unsettling read that delves into the dark side of religious extremism. The story centers around a horrifying double murder committed by two Mormon Fundamentalist brothers, who claimed divine revelation as their motive. The detailed account of the crime is jarring, but the rest of the book is equally fascinating, offering a comprehensive look into the history and beliefs of the Mormon religion. The author does an excellent job of weaving research and interviews into a narrative that feels both educational and personal. The exploration of the Lafferty family's beliefs and actions is particularly chilling, highlighting the dangers of groupthink and extreme religious convictions. One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the story of DeLoy Bateman, a fundamentalist who struggles with leaving the church despite losing his faith. His journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, showcasing the complexity of religious belief and the challenges of breaking away from deeply ingrained traditions. The later chapters, which question the line between insanity and religious belief, are particularly thought-provoking. They challenge the reader to consider the nature of faith and the potential for extremism within any religious community. Overall, the book is a powerful exploration of the dangers of religious extremism and the complexities of faith.

Quick quotes

    The scenes about the murder were hard to read. It was very detailed in the description and the brutality of it was jarring.

    That aside, the rest of the book was fascinating if not sad and at times disturbing.

    The later chapters that questioned the line between insanity and religious belief were really fascinating to me.

shinynewbooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2016-04-05
harrowing 3.50

Under the Banner of Heaven is an ambitious but uneven adaptation of Jon Krakauer's book, exploring the dark side of Mormon fundamentalism through a gripping investigation. The series shines in its modern-day storytelling but falters with its confusing historical timeline.

Under the Banner of Heaven is a seven-part limited series that adapts Jon Krakauer's 2003 nonfiction book into a true crime drama. The series follows detective Jeb Pyre as he investigates the brutal murder of Brenda Lafferty and her daughter, uncovering the disturbing ties between the crime and Mormon fundamentalism. The show excels in its modern-day narrative, particularly in the performances of Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones, who bring depth and emotion to their roles. However, the series struggles with its historical timeline, which feels disjointed and lacks the nuance of the contemporary storylines. The show delves into the perversion of religious fundamentalism and the institutional silence that protects it, offering a harrowing look at the consequences of blind faith. While the series is ambitious and often gripping, its uneven pacing and confusing structure detract from its overall impact.

Quick quotes

    The predominant feeling throughout Under the Banner of Heaven is dread.

    The series attempts to translate Krakauer’s sweeping book through the overused prestige TV trope of multiple timelines.

    The show delves into the perversion of religious fundamentalism and the institutional silence that protects it, offering a harrowing look at the consequences of blind faith.

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