Shattered Dreams
Irene Spencer
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Shattered Dreams is a fascinating look at a way of life totally foreign
to most people. Irene Spencer grew up in the branch of the Mormon faith
that still believed in polygamy. As the second of what was ultimately
her
husband's ten wives, she became the mother of thirteen of his 58
children. The statistics are important as they show the
unimaginable situation in which Irene Spencer spent much of her life.
This book is a brutally honest memoir of a woman' life. It follows her
from place to place, never enough money, rarely in a finished house,
living in abject poverty. She loves her husband but is able to spend
very little time with him. He is spread too thin trying to meet the
needs of both his large family and his church. She yearns for romance
and affection, neither of which have a place in the religion she
embraces. Her husband rarely sees his children- hard to spend quality
time with 58 children. She helps her "sister wives" with their children
in an extended system of family and obligations.
Shattered Dreams is a glimpse into the incredible life of one woman.
She is able to take the reader through the many journeys, locations and
situations in which she found herself. Her ability to look back on the
emotions she suffered and share them is a gift she shares thoughtfully
and clearly. It is an emotional tale but told without self pity,
without holding back on any part of it.
It has basic background on the church, its history and turbulence as it
affects her life. A follow up to this memoir would be most
welcomed to expand on the Mormon Church and the events that are
mentioned in this book. Irene Spencer's ability to handle concrete
details along with a descriptive voice would make her an ideal author
to examine and share more information on this subject.