The Lonely Polygamist is the third novel written by Brady Udall. It was published in 2010 by W. W. Norton & Company. According to Udall, after writing a nonfiction piece in 1998 for Esquire called "Big Love," about modern day polygamy, "there was no question my next novel would be about contemporary polygamy."[1]

First edition

The novel follows the Richards family, focusing mainly on Golden, who is a polygamist, and the husband to four wives and father of twenty-eight children.

Reception

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The book was generally well received by critics. Entertainment Weekly named it the best book of 2010.[2] It was called "a serious contender for Great American Novel status" by Publishers Weekly.[3] The Chicago Tribune says "Udall's control over his complex plot, and his psychological insight into his characters, are admirable and impressive. But perhaps the most pleasing thing about 'The Lonely Polygamist' is the way it avoids giving in to the prurient interests that could easily have dominated a novel about polygamy."[4]

References

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  1. ^ Wirick, Richard. "An Interview With Brady Udall". Bookslut. Archived from the original on 13 February 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  2. ^ Valby, Karen (22 December 2010). "Best Books of 2010: Fiction". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 21, 2010. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  3. ^ Brodeur, Nicole (12 May 2010). "Brady Udall, author of 'The Lonely Polygamist,' on the pressures and perils of multiple marriage". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  4. ^ Jollimore, Troy (2012). ""The Lonely Polygamist" by Brady Udall". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 3 December 2012.