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Dark Angel
This is the exciting coming-of-age story of an 11-12 year old girl in the years soon after the Civil War. She's all tomboy and wonder -- wonder about becoming a woman, as her older sister is already. She is the colorfully outspoken daughter of a Mormon Bishop in 1869 Utah Territory. Everything around her cannot escape her critical eye and mouth. She is a typical child, girl or boy, at the brink of adulthood. Her life is changed forever when a stranger, a man no one seems to know, saves her and her older sister from the unwanted attentions of several lecherous army deserters (and Mormon haters) by killing them before too much harm comes to the girls. This novel is rough and fast and funny as only Robert Kirby can write it. This is a book about Mormons, by a Mormon, but not exclusively for Mormons. If it was a movie it would be rated PG or a soft PG-13 due to some language and a situation or two. A great read! 15 out of 17 Amazon readers agree! You will too!
276 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
3 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kirby
12 books9 followersLibrarian Note: There are more than two authors in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 15, 2016
Read this a second time for book club and I absolutely loved it! It had been long enough (first time was in 2008) that I basically couldn't remember any details...I was glad, it was like reading it for the first time. I know it's not any literary wonder, but it keeps you turning pages, all the while doling out little nuggets of wisdom and insight by either tugging at your heart strings or tickling your funny bone.
February 24, 2016
Loved it! Has been so long since I have loved a book. I love the way it's written. It's hilariously witty and fun. Loved the main character and her point of view. Loved it beginning to end! I wish he had more books like this and almost wish there was more to Rose's story left to read. Quick, easy, fun read!
August 13, 2008
I love this book. It is the story of heaven and hell of torture and saving grace of love and rejection and of growing up, becoming a woman and a better person for having loved someone, however painfully.
I loved the way Rose who is 11 has such a weary relationship with God, and how irreverent and contentious she is, with her morbid sense of self preservation and her wisdom brought by very hard lessons in her young life.
This story is about redemption and murder and it is set in the late 1800's in Utah territory on the farm of a bishop in the mormon church.
My quote fromthe book is
I learned a secret standind there...the secret is that sometimes killing isn't as big a sin as the daily and countless cruel things it takes to make a killer. In many respects, dying was a minute thing, as inconsequential and temporary to God as going through a door was to us. But God cared about wounded spirits. He cared because they might, if not salvaged soon, be wounded for all eternity. -Rose
I loved the way Rose who is 11 has such a weary relationship with God, and how irreverent and contentious she is, with her morbid sense of self preservation and her wisdom brought by very hard lessons in her young life.
This story is about redemption and murder and it is set in the late 1800's in Utah territory on the farm of a bishop in the mormon church.
My quote fromthe book is
I learned a secret standind there...the secret is that sometimes killing isn't as big a sin as the daily and countless cruel things it takes to make a killer. In many respects, dying was a minute thing, as inconsequential and temporary to God as going through a door was to us. But God cared about wounded spirits. He cared because they might, if not salvaged soon, be wounded for all eternity. -Rose
February 27, 2017
You know that book that you absolutely love and you don't know why? This is that book for me. I love this book SO much. I read it when it was newly published and I think I identified with the main character, Rose. She's a fiesty, nosey, irreverant pre-teen who befriends a gunman with a bad reputation after he saves her and her older sister from some violent men. He comes to work on her father's farm and quickly finds that most people don't want him around. This book makes me laugh out loud every time I read it (which has been many.) I laugh, cry and cringe. I love it. I just do. I read it again every couple years and I always love it just as much. It was so fun to read to my 12 year old son too. When I read it to him, we were actually living where the book was set. Dry Creek in Lehi, UT. So fun! Anyway- I could go on and on. As I said- I love it.
May 21, 2013
This was an awesome book and not at all the type of book I am normally attracted to (which is brain candy). It was a very wrenching read for me, my gut all tied up in knots, and it haunted me until I finished it.
I loved Rose's voice and thoughts telling the story.
Note that there is swearing, frankness, cruelty and violence--and a lot of good things, too.
I still need to recover. I feel worn out emotionally and physically. I can't even think about picking up another book to start reading until I recover.
I loved Rose's voice and thoughts telling the story.
Note that there is swearing, frankness, cruelty and violence--and a lot of good things, too.
I still need to recover. I feel worn out emotionally and physically. I can't even think about picking up another book to start reading until I recover.
December 30, 2023
Still one of my favorite stories. I love revisiting it every time I do. I love the mix of humor and heartache. Just like life is.
Original review: I love this book! I read it as a teen and remember loving it then. It left a lasting impression on me, enough that I had it in mind to find and reread for years...over 20 years! And I’m so glad I finally did! I think I loved it even more this time, with a few life experiences under my belt and new perspectives. It moved me and gave me much to reflect on. Such a great read! One of my most favorites ever!
Original review: I love this book! I read it as a teen and remember loving it then. It left a lasting impression on me, enough that I had it in mind to find and reread for years...over 20 years! And I’m so glad I finally did! I think I loved it even more this time, with a few life experiences under my belt and new perspectives. It moved me and gave me much to reflect on. Such a great read! One of my most favorites ever!
February 23, 2011
I think this one actually deserves 4.5 stars. This was such a fun read and definitely what I needed after reading a couple books I didn't like too much. I LOVED the main character Rose, the story was light, uplifting, mysterious and a little soul searching. I love how it was written and I was laughing out loud for some of the things Rose would say. I would definitely recommend this book. So fun.
May 1, 2008
What a fun Mormon-setting western. That doesn't make it sound as fun as it is. I laughed so hard and couldn't put it down. There's a bit of "western-style" language, but nothing gratuitous. If you can get a copy of the first edition, the author edited out most of the language (he added it back in his later editions.) I have a few copies and plan on using it for our Dec. Book club.
February 13, 2009
I really enjoyed the characters in this book.
Rose Merrell is wise beyond her years but still a child, which the author did a great job portraying. And it was wonderful ending.... I won't give it away.
Rose Merrell is wise beyond her years but still a child, which the author did a great job portraying. And it was wonderful ending.... I won't give it away.
December 27, 2014
One of those life changing books for me. It made me examine how I judge people in my own head, and how that translates into how I treat people.
June 21, 2008
a good friend of mine at Timp Hospital introduced me to this read. A captivating look into what its like to grow up in polygamy
March 7, 2016
Read for book club and it was just okay for me. I liked the beginning and the end but found myself skimming through the middle.
March 25, 2020
I read and loved this book 13 years ago. I was curious if I would still love it. I liked it and it was a fun escape. At the time of my first reading I did not know who Robert Kirby was, but since then know he has a humor column which I read in the Salt Lake Tribune. The little 10 year old girl narrator definitely has Kirby's wit and keen understanding of the absurd. Reading the book this time I could definitely hear his voice, but the polygamy stuff bothered me a lot more. The BYU football bit made me gag. But the overall story was enjoyable, this is the place I grew up, this is the place and time my ancestors lived, and he does a nice job of telling a good story.
April 2, 2024
Sort of a Mormon take on the novel Shane. Set in Lehi, Utah area in the 1860s, the story is narrated by eleven-year-old Rose Merrell who is rescued from a ruthless attack by her very own Dark Angel. A war-ravaged veteran of the Civil War, Fulton Loring has traveled the country gaining notoriety as a vicious killer. He is taken in by the Merrell family and slowly tries to heal his tortured soul. Rose as narrator is hilarious as she gives her frank assessment on everything from polygamy, puberty, God, and everything in between. This was such a fun read. It's pretty violent, but very engaging.
January 29, 2018
I'll stick to Robert Kirby's columns in the Trib. Beginning and end were ok; skimmed thru most of the middle.
Favorite quote from book: "....Hell is not like they say in the Bible, a fiery, noise place where people are tortured eternally by shrieking demons. No sir. Hell is a silent place, as black and deep as night, as cold as the lean belly of winter, where the damned wrestle against the rapacious embrace of a lover called Hopelessness."
Favorite quote from book: "....Hell is not like they say in the Bible, a fiery, noise place where people are tortured eternally by shrieking demons. No sir. Hell is a silent place, as black and deep as night, as cold as the lean belly of winter, where the damned wrestle against the rapacious embrace of a lover called Hopelessness."
August 30, 2018
What a book!
What a great book. I was entertained the whole way through. Yes, this is a book about Mormons. But unlike one I have ever read before. The ugliness of passing judgement, gossip, and believing in a God who sometimes seems so far away. Through Rose’s eyes ordinary life is much more exciting. I loved this book. And I loved the character Fulton and the person he was trying to become.
What a great book. I was entertained the whole way through. Yes, this is a book about Mormons. But unlike one I have ever read before. The ugliness of passing judgement, gossip, and believing in a God who sometimes seems so far away. Through Rose’s eyes ordinary life is much more exciting. I loved this book. And I loved the character Fulton and the person he was trying to become.
December 7, 2018
Oh Rose! I totally related to her. My dad married his 3rd wife when I was a little younger than her, so I have to admit that I had many of the same thoughts about it that she had. Some things felt so familiar that it was a little uncomfortable. It was a fun read and definitely good glimpse of polygamy and early pioneer times.
June 30, 2017
Recently reread. This book is easily at the top of my favorites.
September 13, 2017
One of the best books I have ever read.
October 8, 2023
One of my favorite books! Just love the writing and the time period!
November 25, 2025
Perfect Read
Its just everything a story should be. Great characters and plot. Humor and love. Get it and enjoy!! Thanks, Mr Kirby.
Its just everything a story should be. Great characters and plot. Humor and love. Get it and enjoy!! Thanks, Mr Kirby.
April 24, 2020
Loved this book! A very satisfying read. It reminded me of the storytelling of Richard Peck, rich in country humor and with an unlikely hero.
August 5, 2012
This was way better than I thought it would be. For an lds western it was really good. Fun, plot-driven and funny. Surprised there was so much swearing but it didn't seem gratuitous. It was a good summer read...I was impressed that Kirby could write in first person as a female so well. There were a lot of parts I wanted to read out loud.
"You were supposed to pray when the world weighted you down, but God and Jesus and me had a contrary relationship. Most of the time I held Them personally responsible for the things weighing me down. I don't believe any of the stuff taught in Sunday school about answers to prayers and such. It never happened the way they said; no burning in my bosoms and no ministering angels. I wanted it to, but it never did. I'd even pressed Ma about it, asking her while she was giving me a bath one night if I had to wait until I was older and actually had bosoms for the burning to begin. It must have been a difficult question because she paused a long time to compose herself and then pointed out how Joseph Smith was a man and how he still got a burning in his bosom when he prayed in the grove. God and Jesus didn't leave the job to no ministering angels either, They showed up Themselves. Ma said she doubted it had anything to do with my age and that I should keep trying. "
"You were supposed to pray when the world weighted you down, but God and Jesus and me had a contrary relationship. Most of the time I held Them personally responsible for the things weighing me down. I don't believe any of the stuff taught in Sunday school about answers to prayers and such. It never happened the way they said; no burning in my bosoms and no ministering angels. I wanted it to, but it never did. I'd even pressed Ma about it, asking her while she was giving me a bath one night if I had to wait until I was older and actually had bosoms for the burning to begin. It must have been a difficult question because she paused a long time to compose herself and then pointed out how Joseph Smith was a man and how he still got a burning in his bosom when he prayed in the grove. God and Jesus didn't leave the job to no ministering angels either, They showed up Themselves. Ma said she doubted it had anything to do with my age and that I should keep trying. "
February 26, 2016
Hilarious. Some members of my family laughed till they had tears running. This is one of those rare books where the child's thoughts and words feel authentic. So many times when adults write, it feels like the kids words are created out of the adults head. This book feels like Kirby didn't make it up, but captured the true essence of a perceptive, spirited child's thoughts, and attitudes. Yeah, the 10 year old swears and has a few irreverent grievances with God. But, she does quit once someone she respects tells her to stop. So, the mild cursing ends about 1/2 way through the book. This is not great literature, but I do like the story, and some of the underlying messages are poignant. The one thing I didn't like was how every other character in the book was either mean, idiotic, vain or some other unappealing stereotype. However, upon reflection I realized that this is how kids see people. Goodness is seen in black and white and personalities are narrowly characterized. So I decided to get over my one complaint.
November 8, 2012
It took me a while into the book before I could decide if I liked it or not, but when it finally hooked me, I didn't want to put it down. The story is told through the eyes of a very humorous 11 year old girl (who, unfortunately, has a tendency toward profanity - the reason for the loss of one star.) This is one of the few books that has managed to make me both laugh out loud and tear up. Very well written (if a little drawn out in the beginning.) It was fun and humorous, and the characters were very believable.
May 1, 2008
There is a slight LDS tinge to this book, as a fair warning, BUT I have had friends of many faiths enjoy this book.
It takes place in the 1800's in Utah during the time of polygamy. The narrator is a 10 year old girl, who through life experiences doesn't seem to be buying the whole God thing.
It is hilarious, yet touching and many lessons can be learned.
Try it. If you HATE it, I will buy it from you (with a receipt!)
It takes place in the 1800's in Utah during the time of polygamy. The narrator is a 10 year old girl, who through life experiences doesn't seem to be buying the whole God thing.
It is hilarious, yet touching and many lessons can be learned.
Try it. If you HATE it, I will buy it from you (with a receipt!)
July 16, 2010
Deliciously irreverent... I LOVED ROSE. She was such a babe, I loved her gumption and her attitude. It was funny how even if the language was laid down pretty thick with this one, it wasn't offensive. It just seemed like common language for the wild, wild west. LOVED the clever writing style. It was witty and entertaining. I WILL say though, that this book didn't help me feel at all more comfortable with the whole polygamy thing. No better, but no worse either.
October 6, 2013
This book gets 3.5 stars. I loved the main character, Rose. Her voice as narrator was written so honestly, even irreverently at times, as you would expect from an 11 year old, tough, country girl who had seen a lot of tragedy in her short life. I enjoy books where characters experience growth or a change of heart, and many in this book do. I also liked the clever, funny writing. This is definitely not your typical LDS novel.
March 4, 2023
This is a cute "True Grit" feeling story. As is the case with many of my ratings--I struggle---. I would really give this 3 and a half stars. It is told from the viewpoint of a ten year old Mormon girl, living in pologamy times. It is funny. I enjoyed it and I think that it would be good fun for teenage girls.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews