The Righteous - Michael Wallace - Discussion and Reviews

[Simon (Highwayman)]

The Righteous

How did it go? Reviews here. If you know how to tag spoilers then they can go here, otherwise please wait for the book discussion thread to open.

(view spoiler)[Simon is quite a smart cookie (hide spoiler)]


Amazon Direct Link : The Righteous

[M.A.]

I read this a few month's ago, here's my review.

To be honest as a Brit I approached this book with trepidation. As far as religion is concerned I have splinters from sitting on the fence for too long on this subject.

Therefore to read a book about a religious sect turned out to be a real eye-opener for me. I'm in awe of the amount of research it must've taken to write such a novel, unless the author is writing from experience.

A terrific mystery that centres around two main characters Jacob and Eliza, that is full of twists and turns.

As a strong independent woman, I found myself bubbling with anger at the way woman are treated in these sects, it had me rooting for Eliza through her many difficulties.

A couple of people have said the ending was intentionally left up in the air to force people to buy the sequel, I'm sorry but I don't agree with that.

An incredible read and I have no hesitation in purchasing more of Michael's books.

I'm on the third of Michael's books now, The Red Rooster, you can see why Thomas and Mercer picked him up!

[Geoff (G. Robbins) (merda constat variat altitudo)]

Mel wrote: "I read this a few month's ago, here's my review.

To be honest as a Brit I approached this book with trepidation. As far as religion is concerned I have splinters from sitting on the fence for too long on this subject."

I know that feeling. I ended up falling head first off the fence into the atheist pit.

[M.A.]

LOL Geoff, I'm not sure I'd call myself an atheist, just seems all the Christians I come into contact with are very hypocritical. ;-)

[Lorraine]

Mel wrote: "LOL Geoff, I'm not sure I'd call myself an atheist, just seems all the Christians I come into contact with are very hypocritical. ;-)"

Which is kind of why I decided to detach myself from religion...

[Chookgate]

Simon (Highwayman) wrote: "(view spoiler)[ Simon is a smart cookie (hide spoiler)]"

(view spoiler)[ No he's not!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Maureen (Mews)]

It took me years to finally make the leap from agnostic to atheist. I do however find myself fascinated with books both fiction and non fiction where religion is the topic.

I've read the bible 3 times. But I read it as I see it, which is a fantastic work of fiction.

Looking forward to reading Michael's book.

[Kath]

I have just finished this book for the second time this year - I didn't think it fair to try and comment on a remembered book from months ago. It was just as good - maybe better - on the second reading.

Yes, we are horrified at the treatment of the women but don't forget there are women of certain ethnic or religious background that have their husbands chosen and lives mapped out even here, today.

I felt that Michael dealt fairly with the religious side. He didn't ridicule minority beliefs. His 'balance' was Jacob. A man with a scientific (medical) background and a sceptical mindset who nevertheless is a product of his upbringing. I don't know how to do a spoiler hidden thingie so I won't give away any plot - yet - but this book is great food for thought and also confirms that absolute power can corrupt in any circumstances.

Thank you Michael. I found it gripping, intelligently written and very enjoyable (twice!) Must shoot off and review it!

[Lynne (Tigger's Mum)]

Thanks Ignite, I was struggling to express my views and you 've just done it for me. You made a very balanced analysis of the book.

[Kath]

Thanks Lynne. I usually have a good think before I type (it maybe doesn't always show!) and I've reviewed it on Amazon. You may guess I gave it 5*.

[Lorraine]

Yes Ignite, I agree with you. I really really liked the fact that the community and their beliefs were described very objectively, it made the book really interesting.

[Patti (baconater)]

This thread is now open to spoilers! Yay!!!!!

[Michael]

Thanks, everyone, for the great comments.

I'm actually in Utah at the moment. My elderly grandmother took a fall (if you've read Trial by Fury, that's who I based Abraham's grandmother on) and I'm also planning to drive into polygamist country in southern Utah in a couple of days to scope out a few of the sites for book #4 of the series. It's better if I travel quietly, as there are a few people down there who don't care for me very much.

[Patti (baconater)]

I'm sorry to hear of your Grandmother, Michael. I hope she's okay. Do stay safe.

[Michael]

My grandmother is doing much better, thanks, and I had an interesting trip through the high desert country. Now that the month is over, does anyone have any questions about the book? I have things to say, of course, but I'm happy to let someone else jump in. :)