Comments on: Longshots – Lance Allred’s polygamous roots and my family’s narratives

By: Hunter

Hunter — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:22:44 +0000

Thanks for this. I’ve just put this book on hold at our local library. Your review interested me enough to give it a try. Thanks.

By: John C.

John C. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:01:33 +0000

AlloftheGospel,
Where are those journals published? I’d be interested in reading them.

Lance is pretty clear that he is relying on his father’s memories of Louis. I’m pretty clear that I’m relying on my wife’s family’s impressions of the situation (which impressions aren’t all that sympathetic to the Apostolic Brethren). So, I’m not surprised that you have another narrative.

By: AllOfTheGospel

AllOfTheGospel — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:15:36 +0000

Louis Allred was my wife’s grandfather, and with her we published his journals. From his private daily journals its obvious his father (Rulon) did not try to convince or coerce Louis into Mormon Fundamentalism. Rulon actually encouraged his son in his LDS Church membership. But Louis took it upon himself to try to prove his father wrong, and through this process came to be convinced that Mormon Fundamentalism was right.

Louis was always completely honest in his private journals, often including his personal thoughts and feelings – even when they were negative, and there is no indication that his faith in Mormon Fundamentalism ever wavered. I think anyone who reads them would come to the that conclusion.

His suicide came after personal trials in which he seems to have doubted his own ability to meet his responsibilities as a leader and husband, and he dealt with these challenges with long periods of fasting. Owen Allred, who was the leader of the group at the time, told his people not to judge Louis harshly, that he was a good man, and to leave the judgement to God.

Louis would have been very young when these things happened, and id undoubtedly relying on his dad’s personal impression and memories, but I thought some might be interested in learning the facts of these matters.

By: Katya

Katya — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:01:51 +0000

Laura Craner also wrote a review at A Motley Vision.

By: John C.

John C. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:47:26 +0000

Jared,
I meant to mention that review. Thank you for doing so.

Scott,
If it was regarding a sport that mattered, like SEC football or the NFL, then I would have most likely highlighted the sporty things.

By: Jared T.

Jared T. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:30:54 +0000

Thanks for the review, John C. Matt B. also has a review at the JI.

By: Scott B.

Scott B. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:22:12 +0000

Thanks for the review, John. I’m very interested to read the book myself.

(Note to admins: In the future, sports-related books are to be reviewed by Scott, Mark, or Brad. Thanks!)

By: J. Stapley

J. Stapley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:16:42 +0000

Thanks for the review, John. I have to admit to not being particularly interested in the vicissitudes of modern polygamist life or basketball (I know, I sound unAmerican or something); but this sounds quite fascinating.