Who Would Like This Book:
If you love richly imagined historical fiction with strong female leads, this one’s for you. Sue Monk Kidd crafts a bold reimagining of Jesus’s life through the eyes of Ana, his fictional wife - a fiercely intelligent, passionate woman determined to give voice to the silenced stories of women in her time. Fans of books like "The Red Tent" or "Circe" who appreciate a mix of feminist themes, meticulous historical detail, and lyrical writing will be captivated. Even readers who aren't religious have found themselves drawn in by the compelling characters and the immersive glimpse into first-century Judea and Egypt.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This novel won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Some readers struggle with the central premise - that Jesus had a wife - finding it uncomfortable or even blasphemous. Others have found Ana’s character to be too modern for the era, or the storytelling a bit melodramatic and slow to start. If you prefer historical fiction to strictly adhere to traditional roles and avoid anachronistic perspectives, or if you want a story focused on Jesus himself rather than Ana, this may not fully satisfy. There’s also criticism about some one-dimensional side characters and a narrative that can sometimes feel agenda-driven.
About:
Sue Monk Kidd's novel 'The Book of Longings' is a fictional retelling of the life of Jesus through the perspective of Ana, his wife. Ana, a strong-willed and educated woman, navigates the challenges of first-century Judea as she finds love and purpose in her relationship with Jesus. The book beautifully weaves historical accuracy with a compelling narrative, exploring themes of love, faith, and the struggle for women's voices to be heard in a male-dominated society.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of misogyny, violence (historical context of oppression), and references to trauma.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance present in the relationship dynamics between Ana and Jesus.
From The Publisher:
"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 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.
Ratings (24)
Incredible (5) | |
Loved It (10) | |
Liked It (4) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (2) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (71):
Read It (24) | |
Want To Read (37) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (9) |
1 comment(s)
What a long, drawn out, BORING book.
What can you read after
The Book of Longings?
About the Author:
Sue Monk Kidd's debut novel, The Secret Life of Bees, spent more than one hundred weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has sold more than six million copies in the United States, was turned into both an award-winning major motion picture…
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