Mr. Wroe's Virgins — Jane Rogers

A nineteenth century prophet claims seven young women for his own in this “engaging, serious and gleefully ironic novel” based on true events (The New York Times Book Review).
 
A New York Times Notable Book
 
In the 1820s, Prophet John Wroe settled his Christian Israelite church in Lancashire, England, where he and his followers awaited the end of the world. And when God told Wroe to find “comfort and succour” with seven virgins, his followers supplied him their daughters. This is the story of those seven young women -- faithful, cynical, canny, and desperate -- and their charismatic leader, as they move headlong toward the historic trial that brings their household to its dramatic end.
 
With impeccable research into the era and the life of John Wroe, Jane Rogers delivers “a compelling story of astonishing depth, elucidating religious idealism, the beginnings of socialism and the ubiquitous position of women as unpaid laborers” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
 
“[Mr. Wroe's Virgins] leaps headlong into the most ambitious and risky territories: faith, love and existential meaning.” -- The New York Times Book Review
 
“[Rogers] writes better than almost anyone of her generation.” -- The Independent on Sunday