AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Libbie Grant
How do you know you’ve read a masterpiece? For me, it’s how I feel after finishing a novel. When an author has the ability to immerse me so deeply inside their world that I can feel what their characters feel, when I am left with a massive book hangover after turning the last page, and when I’m still thinking about the book months later, I know I’ve read something truly special. Libbie Grant’s work commands such a response.
Libbie’s catalogue of historical fiction encompasses many eras, subjects, and characters—most of them written under her pen name, Olivia Hawker. But in her groundbreaking new novel, THE PROPHET’S WIFE, Libbie tackles the founding years of the LDS faith through the eyes of Emma Hale Smith, the first—and only legal—wife of Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet. The Prophet’s Wife both entertained and educated me. I knew very little of the history behind the Mormon faith or its founding before I read Libbie’s novel. Her masterfully written prose lured me in from the first pages, and Emma’s perspective and voice captivated me completely. Today, I’m pleased to present Libbie’s interview about her compelling new novel.
THE FULL SYNOPSIS
In 1825, in rural Pennsylvania, Emma Hale marries an itinerant treasure-digger, a man who has nothing but a peep-stone in his pocket and a conviction that he can speak directly to God. His name is Joseph Smith and in a few short years, he will found his own religion, gather zealous adherents by the tens of thousands, and fracture Emma’s life and faith
While the Mormon religion finds its feet and runs beyond the grasp of its founder, Emma struggles to maintain her place in Joseph’s heart—and in the religion that has become her world. The Mormons make themselves outcasts everywhere they go. Joseph can only maintain his authority by issuing ever-stranger commandments on God’s behalf, culminating in an edict that men should marry as many women as they please. The Mormons’ adoption of polygamy only sets them further apart, and soon their communities are ravaged by violence at the hands of their outraged fellow Americans. For Emma, things take a more personal toll as Joseph brings in a new wife—a woman whom Emma considers a sister.
As Emma’s family grows along with Joseph’s infamy, she knows there will never be peace until Joseph faces the law. But on the half-wild edge of the frontier, he’s more likely to find death at the hands of a vigilante posse than a fair trial. For the sake of her people—and her soul—Emma must convince the Prophet of God to surrender... and perhaps to sacrifice his life.
"The Prophet's Wife is one of finest books I have read in some time. Not only is it a gorgeously written and nuanced examination of the evolution of an American faith, The Prophet's Wife offers a deeply affecting portrait of the marriage between a complicated man and the strong woman caught in the storm of his making. A masterpiece of a novel perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel and Geraldine Brooks. Don’t miss this one!" -- Kris Waldherr, author of The Lost History of Dreams and Unnatural Creatures: A Novel of the Frankenstein Women
THE INTERVIEW
Paulette: Hi, Libbie! Thank you so much for taking the time for this interview. Can you tell us about The Prophet’s Wife and your reason for writing it?
Libbie: The Prophet’s Wife is set in the mid-19th century in America, and it tells the story of the founding of the Latter-day Saint religion—better known as the Mormon faith. I was raised in the church—in fact, my family’s roots in the religion go all the way back to the Fayette, New York days, which my novel covers. But I’m no longer a member myself. I left the church about twenty years ago, when I realized I just wasn’t a believer in anything, and no religion felt right to me.
However, I maintained a fascination with the early history of the church because it’s such a strange, compelling story. And most Americans know nothing about it. The LDS church grew out of so many converging parts of American history, including the lead-up to the Civil War, and the fourteen years between the first printing of the Book of Mormon and the death of the religion’s founder, Joseph Smith, were packed with unbelievable events—including an attempt by the state of Missouri to “exterminate” the Mormons.
I thought it was such a gripping piece of history, yet almost no one knows the tale. Even among members of the church, the complete history with its proper, secular context isn’t fully appreciated. I decided to use fiction to convey the story, rather than nonfiction, because I think it’s easier to get readers emotionally invested in fiction—and the history of Mormonism’s genesis share some critical features with certain rising sects and belief systems we’re seeing in our country today.
Paulette: The entire novel was enlightening. Even though I’m from Missouri myself, I’m ashamed to say I never knew about the struggles and the persecution early Mormons endured there. They definitely did not cover this subject matter in Missouri history when I was in school. You did a brilliant job of channeling Emma’s emotions throughout and creating a riveting connection for the modern-day reader as you revealed the history behind the church. The best kind of historical fiction makes you want to research and learn more as you read, and I definitely did so.
Your work is certainly an inspiration to me, and your craft book, Take Off Your Pants has helped me so much as an author. Who are some of your inspirations?
Libbie: I absolutely love Hilary Mantel. She might be my all-time favorite author. I really like Geraldine Brooks and Ali Smith and Kathryn Davis, too, though those latter two don’t really do historical fiction. I really enjoyed Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, though it was my first time reading her work.
As a reader, I lean heavily toward literary authors, and my own writing is more on the literary side. I go deep into my characters’ emotions—their inner landscapes. There are a lot of shocking events in The Prophet’s Wife, but it’s not an action- or plot-oriented book; it’s really about the inner experience of Emma, who’s married to the religion’s founder Joseph—all the hardships she endures, which are more emotional than physical. If you liked Hamnet or Wolf Hall, I think you’ll like The Prophet’s Wife, too.
Paulette: I’m a Hilary Mantel fan as well, and your work has many parallels—especially in your use of language and your ability to create a deep connection to your main characters. While your work is historically accurate and literary in scope, it’s still accessible to the reader and that’s a skillful road to maneuver. Authors such as yourself are the sort that “convert” readers to historical fiction—people who categorize historical fiction as dry and boring need only pick up one of your novels to learn otherwise!
What are some of your favorite themes to explore in your work?
Libbie: I’m very drawn to religion and spirituality, which is funny because I’m not religious myself. But I’m fascinated by why some people find religion so necessary. I’ve returned to that question many times in my books. (I also write under the pen name Olivia Hawker, if readers want to check out more of my work.)
Lately I’ve also noticed a new leitmotif developing in my books: art and its purpose, or I suppose I should say, its meaning.
Paulette: Yes. The search for meaning is such a timeless force in art and has great parallels with your themes of religion and spirituality, I think. As an agnostic theist, I feel most in touch with my spirit, or whatever cosmic energy is out there, when I am writing, or in nature. That very human drive to create and to share our work with the world transcends faith and organized religion—it’s something human beings have always done. The act of creation brings both pleasure and pain, but it is irresistible and nearly impossible to deny.
Is there anything new you’re working on that you can share with us?
Libbie: Speaking of novels about art and its meaning… I’m working on one about Vincent van Gogh and his brother, Theo. I’m still in the very early stages and I haven’t even sold it to a publisher yet, but I’m hammering away at it every day. I really love how it’s turning out. These two brothers had such a close yet complicated relationship, and Vincent was an incredibly complex person who just wasn’t made for the time and place—or the family—he was born into.
It has been a very intense challenge to try to present Vincent van Gogh, as a character, in a way that will make him sympathetic to the average reader, yet also shares his unique struggles and what I believe was his true personality in an honest way.
I love a good challenge, though, and I’m extremely pleased with how the book is turning out so far. I think readers will really enjoy it when it’s finished.
Paulette: It’s fascinating and troubling to consider how many of the great artists throughout history were often misunderstood by society, their families, and their peers—and sadly, despite their brilliance, they were often ostracized for their differences. I look forward to reading your take on Vincent’s story and seeing the world through his eyes.
You’ve had a prolific career, with many successful books under your belt. What has been the most surprising or unexpected moment in your writing career, so far?
Libbie: About a year ago, one of my readers sent me a video of an interview Dolly Parton had done for Marie Claire discussing her personal library and what reading has meant to her. She didn’t mention my book by name, but when she pointed out her special shelves where she keeps her favorites (along with heirlooms like an antique toy piano from her childhood), there was one of mine! One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow—which I wrote under my pen name, Olivia Hawker—was displayed on Dolly’s shelves among so many other great books.
I was amazed! I’ve loved Dolly since I was a tiny kid, and to think that I’d created something that she also loved enough to keep displayed with her other favorites…! Honestly, I’m still amazed. Whenever I’m feeling down, I remind myself that I wrote one of Dolly Parton’s best-loved books and it cheers me right up again. No matter how far my career goes, I don’t think I’ll ever be prouder of anything than I am of having a place on Dolly’s shelf of “keepers!”
Paulette: Wow! What a great story. Wouldn’t we all love to have a book on Dolly’s shelf of favorites?? I have to agree with Dolly—One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow was the first book of yours I read, and I’ve followed your work ever since.
You’ve always been so candid about your writing journey. In closing, is there any wisdom you’d like to offer new authors, like me?
Libbie: Never stop fighting and working for the life you want. I am not one of those authors who had a big splashy debut and made it with my first book… or my second. Or my tenth. I have relentlessly clawed my way to where I am now, and I’m still clawing to get myself even closer to my goals. This business can be very difficult and draining and heartbreaking and discouraging. It takes an iron will and a self-generated belief in your own worth to keep going.
Keep going for as long as it takes. It’s worth it, I promise.
Paulette: Great words to end on, and to live by. Thanks so much for your time, Libbie.
You can purchase The Prophet’s Wife anywhere books are sold, or from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or BookShop.
Libbie Grant is an American author of historical and literary fiction.
Under her pen name, Olivia Hawker, she is a Washington Post bestseller and a finalist for the Washington State Book Award and the Willa Literary Award for Historical Fiction.
She lives in the San Juan Islands with her husband Paul.
You can connect with Libbie on Instagram at @hawker.books or via her website: www.libbiegrant.com