Review
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Title: The Wife in The Next Life
Author: Abel Keogh
Publisher: Ben Lomond Press
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2022
Binding: Paper
Pages: 304
ISBN: 978-1959945017
Cost: 14.99
Reviewed by Kathryn Lindsey for the Association for Mormon Letter
The doctrine of “eternal polygamy” is one that haunts the shadows of the Mormon experience but which is rarely addressed openly. The Wife in The Next Life tackles the topic head-on and gives voice to those who are forced to confront it with little official direction. This vulnerable and personal story centers on the dating, courtship, and marriage of Abel and Julianna Keogh following the death of Abel’s first wife, Krista. Though the writing is a bit simplistic and sometimes repetitive, it is nevertheless a meaningful addition to the meager options currently available to Latter-day Saints on this subject.
Wife in The Next Life steps into an important role; however, there are some aspects of the story that potential readers should be aware of before reading. First, this book includes frequent references to suicide and child death. Tragically, Abel’s first wife, Krista, took her own life while also seven months pregnant. Their preterm daughter, Hope, lived a few days with the assistance of life support and then passed away as well. In discussion of that tragedy, I was somewhat troubled by several instances throughout where it was openly speculated that Krista may not be eligible for salvation given her “sin” of suicide. While suicide has historically been considered a sin, our greater understanding of suicide in modern times demands greater compassion than was previously extended. To be clear, Krista is not fully condemned in the narrative, but I was nevertheless bothered by the speculation. Any person whose mental health declines so rapidly and inexplicably as was described of Krista is clearly experiencing a medical emergency and deserves compassion.
Something I would have appreciated seeing more of in this story is insight into Julianna’s internal process regarding the doctrine of eternal polygamy before entering her marriage. While we are told in the text that Julianna comes to terms with these “afterlife questions” before getting married, I felt that statement was contradicted somewhat by her actions. For example, she coaxes Abel into removing the wedding ring he wears on a chain around his neck as it makes her feel like a “mistress” and remarks that she only envisions herself and Abel in the next life. As presented, the narrative left me with the impression that perhaps she didn’t fully grapple with the doctrine of eternal polygamy while dating but possibly actually avoided it to some extent. To be clear, this would be a completely valid and understandable response, and I would never presume to judge how a Mormon woman copes with the prospect of sharing her spouse in the eternities. But, from a reader’s perspective, I felt that pieces of the storyline did not fully support the conclusions drawn. Whether Julianna did engage with eternal polygamy head-on at this stage or whether she avoided it, I would have loved to hear more about her wrestle with the doctrinal unknown. Based on the narrative presented, my impression was that most of Julianna’s head-on struggle with eternal polygamy happened after marriage. For those who are facing these major life choices in the face of doctrinal ambiguity, more focus on the process leading up to marriage may be insightful.
Wife in The Next Life ended on a sweet note with a story about pictures of all the children’s hands (including Hope’s) being gifted to Abel for Christmas. I thought the story perfectly captured how love bridges the divide that exists where Mormon doctrine ends, and our imperfect lives begin. Again, I appreciate the vulnerability that goes into telling this kind of story and thank the authors for their willingness to share their experiences.