Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey, Fiction, Westerns

The portrayal of Mormonism in this book is decidedly critical, depicting its male figures as villains who exploit their faith for greed and lust. Set against a backdrop of adventure, the narrative explores themes of morality and societal change in the early twentieth century. The story invites readers to reflect on the complexities of religious practices and the consequences of their misapplication, particularly through the lens of the characters' actions and motivations. The sequel, The Rainbow Trail, continues this exploration.