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The Book of Longings
The Book of Longings
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
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...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780525429760
ISBN-10: 052542976X
Publication Date: 4/28/2020
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 23

3.9 stars, based on 23 ratings
Publisher: Viking
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 29
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

debbiemd avatar reviewed The Book of Longings on
Helpful Score: 2
This is the story of Ana in biblical times. She is the daughter of a chief scribe to a Roman. He teaches her to read and write which is very unusual for women at that time. But when he tries to marry her off she rebels and then meets a poor carpenter from Nazareth. Jesus. Ana's brother is Judas. Lots of ancient history, biblical stories, and history of the lives of women during those times. But overall this is the fictional story of Ana - Jesus's wife - her love for her husband, her hopes and dreams, her feminist teachings and writings, her longings.
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MsJenniferK avatar reviewed The Book of Longings on + 28 more book reviews
Stick with this one and give it time! It picks up speed and is so worth it!
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I do think this book would have had a less rocky start for me, if I had more knowledge of the stories within the Bible.
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But I just relaxed, went with it, and let the magic of this biblical historical work of fiction unfold at its own pace! And I am so glad I did, as it was just lovely!
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The story is told in the first person by 14 year-old Ana, who eventually becomes Jesus's wife. She is a tenacious, interesting, and extremely likable character from the get-go!
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I adored the character of Jesus and how sweet, thoughtful, and welcoming he was of Ana's feministic views and wishes and in his pursuit of helping the poor and mistreated.
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Yaltha, Ana's aunt, was another loved character. Her wisdom, which she uses to guide Ana throughout the years, is something that is personally useful to the reader.
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The research that the author did, her twist on history, and the investment you feel in the characters as they develop = an insanely delicious read... despite whether you are religious or have much knowledge of biblical history!


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