A Woman of Destiny

By Orson Scott Card

Book Overview

From the bestselling author of the Ender Universe series comes Orson Scott Card's epic historical novel Saints

When ten-year-old Dinah Kirkham saw her father leave their Manchester home in the middle of the night, she basked when he would be back. "Soon," he replied. But he never came back. On that night in 1829, John Kirkham laid the foundation of his daughter's certainty that the only person Dinah could ever really trust was herself.

From that day forward, Dinah worked to support her family, remaining devoted to their welfare even in the face of despair and grinding poverty. Then one day she heard a new message, a new purpose ignited in her heart, and new life opened up before her.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312876068
• ISBN13: 9780312876067
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 608 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great read!

I loved this book! I have read it three times now, and each time find something new to enjoy about it. I had to laugh at the reviewer who found it somewhat unsettling for non-Mormons. I think that it's probably more unsettling for Mormons, due to the characterization of some of the early church leaders. However, I actually enjoyed the way Card gave these people human qualities. They may have been prophets, but they were also people, and nobody's perfect. In fact, it was the reality of these particular characters that made me love the book so much in the first place. I also enjoyed the way he had his characters deal with the issue of polygamy. Card has taken a very difficult practice for church members to understand, on an emotional level, and given some perspective as to why people chose to participate in it. This book is not for everyone, though. If you are a Mormon who thinks The Work and the Glory by Gerald Lund is the definitive novelization of early Church history, this is not for you. But if you are open to a somewhat more realistic approach to that era, you will enjoy Saints. And if you are a non-Mormon looking for an interesting historical fiction, again, this is for you.

A Woman of Destiny

Was published first by Berkley Book, New York in January of 1984. Address of publishing company was 200 Madison ave. New York, NY 10016. (I thought that since you listed it as unknown publisher..etc.. I would inform. Also, the book was retitled 'Saints'... Rose

Captivating...Saints pulled me out of my reading slump

I had already read the first two "Alvin" books by Card when I found Saints. This book was an amazing read. I suspended the rest of my life to complete it. I am a strong Christian though not a Mormon. I don't think a reader's religious preference should take away from what a marvelous job Card does creating believable characters and a story based on historical facts. I think it is fascinating to learn where the roots of religious convictions come from. It helps us to better love each other no matter what we believe.

I absolutely loved this book

I normally read Card for his science fiction and fantasy, so I expected to be rather uninterested in Saints. Also, I am not religious at all, and books which focus on religion tend not to interest me. However, even though it took me a while to get into it, I completely loved this book. I was willing to completely accept and believe in the religious views of all of the characters, and become completely absorbed in the story. Orson Scott Card does in Saints what he does in all of his science fiction and fantasy-- he tells a story you believe, about characters you truly feel for, who become, in some way, a part of your life. If you are a fan of Card, this book is worth reading, even if you normally only read science fiction or fantasy.

Maybe not true to form, but true to talent.

If you read Orson Scott card for his Science fiction, I admit this is probably not the book for you. But I read him for his depth of character and skill for telling a story of epic proportions. I am not Mormon, but I love a good historical tale and I was so intrigued with this story that I actually searched out a Mormon to see how true it was! To learn that there is much actual history to this story only gratifies me more. Dinah, the main character, became like a sister to me and I rejoiced and remorsed with her. She taught me a lot of things about strength of will and even had some "magical" talents like many other of Card's characters. I abhor polygamy, but for Dinah I was willing to suspend even this hatred of that patriarchal institution. When we watch any movie or read any fiction, we go into it expecting to supend disbelief as long as the artistry is there. With Orson Scott Card in Saints, the artistry is definitely there. I've read this book twice, and once more to go over the really great parts.