“An extraordinary novel . . . a triumph of insight and storytelling.” —Associated Press“A true masterpiece.” —Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from the celebrated number one New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of WingsIn her mesmerizing fourth work of … Bees and The Invention of Wings
In her mesmerizing fourth work of fiction, Sue Monk Kidd takes an audacious approach to history and brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of a young woman named Ana. Raised in a wealthy family with ties to the ruler of Galilee, she is rebellious and ambitious, with a brilliant mind and a daring spirit. She engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes narratives about neglected and silenced women. Ana is expected to marry an older widower, a prospect that horrifies her. An encounter with eighteen-year-old Jesus changes everything.
Their marriage evolves with love and conflict, humor and pathos in Nazareth, where Ana makes a home with Jesus, his brothers, and their mother, Mary. Ana’s pent-up longings intensify amid the turbulent resistance to Rome’s occupation of Israel, partially led by her brother, Judas. She is sustained by her fearless aunt Yaltha, who harbors a compelling secret. When Ana commits a brazen act that puts her in peril, she flees to Alexandria, where startling revelations and greater dangers unfold, and she finds refuge in unexpected surroundings. Ana determines her fate during a stunning convergence of events considered among the most impactful in human history.
Grounded in meticulous research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus’s life that focuses on his humanity, The Book of Longings is an inspiring, unforgettable account of one woman’s bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place and culture devised to silence her. It is a triumph of storytelling both timely and timeless, from a masterful writer at the height of her powers.
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“I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus of Nazareth. I was a voice.”
As a Christian, I admit that I was hesitant to read this novel, but I’m so glad that I did. As the author states in her note at the end of the book, if Jesus did have a wife, she would be the most silenced woman in history and the woman most in need of a voice. Sue Monk Kidd has definitely given her a voice. And what a voice it is! A beautifully written story that respectfully explores the question, if Jesus had a wife what might she have been like?
This book is amazing! Now on my “favorites” shelf! Thank you so much for a great read!
Well written. Great characterization.
Sue Monk Kidd’s fourth novel offers an enthralling and believable back story to Ana, the much loved wife of Jesus.
Wealthy, brilliant, daring, and independent — with a gift for and love of writing– Ana receives a much richer education than was typical of girls in this era. Thanks to an indulgent father. But at 14, her parents begin arranging a marriage to a much older widower who will ensure financial comfort for Ana and advance their own personal goals. Ana’s objections are ignored.
Then, a chance encounter in a marketplace with 18-year-old Jesus changes Ana. And as circumstances unfold, and their OWN marriage becomes possible, Ana finds her life of privilege transformed into one of household chores in the crowded home of her husband’s family, while her husband is frequently away searching for work.
While Ana’s decidedly feminist story is primary in the book, and tells much about the difficulties of being an intelligent woman at a time when women were the property of the men who controlled them — the story of Jesus is just as compelling. His unique perspective on society, uncertain parentage, and continual religious questioning make him an outlier in the community. He is searching for something. But all the while, what is so touching is the way he supports Ana and encourages her longings for more in life.
When Jesus meets John the Immerser (Baptist) and decides to follow him, Ana gets to do some traveling of her own and have her own adventures. Though separated for long periods of time, their love endures. And we learn much about the meaning of family — which is sometimes made up of those related to you and other times, those you choose.
It’s a lovely novel. My only criticism is that it felt a bit slow at times, though the last 20% is a real page-turner.
Captivating historical fiction by a wonderful author. This is the story of Ana, the fictional wife of Jesus. Ana is a scribe who yearns to be a writer. She’s a strong, courageous woman during a time when women were undervalued and often mistreated. Wonderful, imaginative tale that will keep you turning the pages!
What if Jesus had a wife? Sue Monk Kidd tells the story in the first person of Ana, a youthful woman who lives a life of priviledge. Her father is the head scribe to Herod The Great. Willful Ana goes against being chattel to have a voice in her life, writing and whom she will marry. Historical fiction of the time of Jesus has been meticulously researched. I love that Jesus had a crooked smile. Bring a box if tissues for the last act.
A fascinating imagining of Ana, a young Jewish woman–and secret scribe–who loves and marries Jesus, a kind, pious carpenter from Nazareth. The focus of the book is Ana, sister of the radical Judas, but the sections shared by benevolent, deep-thinking Jesus are especially compelling.
“I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus.” I was invested immediately with my imagination going wild to fill in fictional blanks to stories I’ve heard all my life. Bravo, @suemonkkidd. I loved this book.
BOOK REVIEW
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
-DESCRIPTION-
Ana is a young women, only daughter of a wealthy family, living during Biblical times…really Biblical times…she meets and falls in love with Jesus himself. Only, she’s been betrothed to some older man in exchange for land. Go figure. Ana, along with her Aunt Yaltha are strong willed, ambitious, smart, and Biblical time feminists. I guess all you had to say was- maybe it’s not the woman’s fault when she gets sexually assulted- and this made one a feminist.
-THOUGHTS-
Kidd is an amazing writer, and this book did not disappoint. It’s modern while being Biblical. It’s reverent while not being preachy or religious. We love Ana, but the entire time we wonder if we could ever have the guts, courage, and bravery she does. I’m sure these women existed then, I wish we knew more about them. I think the religious and nonreligious alike would enjoy this book. I really felt a gut wrenching sorrow for Jesus, his family, Mary, and Ana, during his crucifixion. This book has given Jesus humanity, given him friends and family, a sense of humor, and brought home just what a good guy he was (I hope that doesn’t sound flippant).
-RATING-
4/5 stars
I recommend this book!
-SIMILAR RECOMMENDED READS-
The Red Tent
The Davinci Code
The Secret Life of Bees
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd is an excellent historical fiction novel that transports a reader to ancient biblical lands and times. This book features Ana, a strong, intelligent, independent, fiery woman that just happens to live in the wrong time…first century BC. We find her path in life changing as she goes against what is expected and marries Jesus.
What unfolds feels as a legend in and of itself. We get to experience descriptions of great lands, and infamous men and women of history. Ms. Monk Kidd does an excellent job creating this experience and continues to keep elements respectable and authentic. A beautiful story.
5/5 stars
The Book of Longings is about Ana, the wife of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Honestly, I was disappointed. I have enjoyed previous books by Sue Monk Kidd. This book was a great change from her normal style of writing. Though well researched, it was not appealing to me.
And if you can believe that Jesus was married, then there are some shocking details about his wife, Ana. I won’t elaborate so I don’t spoil the shock value should you choose to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What a story this is. The story of a woman who might have been Jesus’ wife, spanning the time shortly before he begins his mission to his death. A surprising story. Not a story about the type of woman we might expect to be Jesus’ wife, not his Little Helper, quiet, devout, always by his side, deferring to him, acquiescing to his every wish. Instead it’s the story of a strong woman with a voice that will not be silenced who makes her own path, finds her destiny and satisfies her longings. It’s a story about her everyday relationship with him and her influence on him, and His influence on her and His understanding of the unique person she was.
Ana is very much her own person and always has been. Her background and personality are nothing like that of Jesus. She comes from wealth and privilege, isn’t always a nice person, is often selfish and self-centered. In other words, often human She isn’t necessarily a believer either, but her love for Jesus is deep. It came over her the first time she saw him and never wavers.
We don’t know that Jesus had a wife, but we don’t know that he didn’t either, since the Bible doesn’t tell us much about those years. Author Sue Monk Kidd flawlessly weaves the “what if’s” with what we already know of Jesus’ life and presents a story that is completely plausible and believable, and completely mesmerizing, filled with characters that could have been part of history. Her parents, her aunt Yaltha, her friend Tabitha, and her brother Judas – that Judas – all come alive. As does the human Jesus, leading an everyday life as a husband, brother and son, while being drawn to a higher purpose.
Women were meant to be silent and obedient in this time and place. Wealth, privilege, or association with a powerful ruler did not exempt you from danger. Again, author Kidd weaves in facts about known historical figures with events and consequences in the lives of Ana and her friends and relatives.
The Book of Longings is extraordinary, touching, thought-provoking and a very enjoyable read. I received an advance copy from publisher Random House. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it without hesitation.
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd is the most stunning novel I have read recently. It is the tale of Jesus’ fictional wife, their life together, and her life without him. It brings to the forefront both his humanity and the longings of a woman who didn’t exactly fit the mold, just as he didn’t fit the mold. She watched him die. Her brother betrayed him. Not because he didn’t love him, he just hated the Romans more. Life was cruel the, for everyone, not just the Jews. It was worse for them. There were bad people then: selfish, arrogant, jealous, egocentric, just as people are now. There were also loving people, people misunderstood, people who were loyal. We meet them all in this book. I have no words. It was a breathtakingly beautiful book that I recommend to all Christians and non-Christians alike.
I received a free ARC of The Book of Longings from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thebookoflongings