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musicalpopcorn's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This is the story of Ana, wife of Jesus, but also author, friend, and prophet in her own right.
I quite enjoyed this story and how it wove through the biblical life of Jesus. Despite the subject matter, it never felt preachy and kind of made Jesus more accessible as a man who lived a full life before his crucifixion.
I enjoyed the characters and felt attached to the story, even though the ending was clear from the beginning (as I suppose it would be given the subject).
I quite enjoyed this story and how it wove through the biblical life of Jesus. Despite the subject matter, it never felt preachy and kind of made Jesus more accessible as a man who lived a full life before his crucifixion.
I enjoyed the characters and felt attached to the story, even though the ending was clear from the beginning (as I suppose it would be given the subject).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Blood
Moderate: Miscarriage
inked_in_pages's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
GENRE: Historical Fiction, Feminist Retelling
[Tw: sexual assault, forced marriage, graphic death of a loved one, in uterine fetal death]
Did you like the book?
This is the type of book that takes a lot of thought and a lot of stamina to get through. I liked it while reading but in the days since finishing it and after having more reflection about the content and the power of the story. I like it even more now.
Was there anything challenging about the book? Surprising?
Sue Monk Kidd has a way of writing that is both captivating and challenging at the same time. It was difficult at times to read a well-known (and widely debated) story from a different perspective and it challenged a lot of the beliefs that were instilled in me from a young age. Readers should be prepared to open their minds to new possibilities within well known stories.
What were your takeaways?
The strength, tenacity and bravery of the women in this story was absolutely the most important part. The humanity of Jesus, outside of his well known title of Messiah, is also a really important part of this story because it allows for the deeper humanity of the women in this story. This is not a story about Jesus or even Christianity, this is a story about the power of women and the influence we can have on historv.
Who would you recommend this to?
I think all women should read this honestly, but I know it's not for everyone. Anyone looking for an emotional story about the fierceness of the female experience. A perfect book for buddy reads and book clubs
[Tw: sexual assault, forced marriage, graphic death of a loved one, in uterine fetal death]
Did you like the book?
This is the type of book that takes a lot of thought and a lot of stamina to get through. I liked it while reading but in the days since finishing it and after having more reflection about the content and the power of the story. I like it even more now.
Was there anything challenging about the book? Surprising?
Sue Monk Kidd has a way of writing that is both captivating and challenging at the same time. It was difficult at times to read a well-known (and widely debated) story from a different perspective and it challenged a lot of the beliefs that were instilled in me from a young age. Readers should be prepared to open their minds to new possibilities within well known stories.
What were your takeaways?
The strength, tenacity and bravery of the women in this story was absolutely the most important part. The humanity of Jesus, outside of his well known title of Messiah, is also a really important part of this story because it allows for the deeper humanity of the women in this story. This is not a story about Jesus or even Christianity, this is a story about the power of women and the influence we can have on historv.
Who would you recommend this to?
I think all women should read this honestly, but I know it's not for everyone. Anyone looking for an emotional story about the fierceness of the female experience. A perfect book for buddy reads and book clubs
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Religious bigotry, Violence, and Miscarriage
aleisurelydame's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
I expected this book to focus very heavily on Jesus as told from the perspective of Ana. I think my enjoyment of this book stemmed from how heavily focused it was on Ana, and her desire to make an impact with her writing. The reader is taken on a journey with Ana from girlhood, to marriage and widowhood and the desire, sacrifice, and resiliency that accompanies it.
I can imagine that it is challenging to write in a figure that is already well known and much written about in history, but Kidd manages to depict Jesus really well. He feels tangible and human and his relationship with Ana and how they end up parting ways is developed very organically.
I can imagine that it is challenging to write in a figure that is already well known and much written about in history, but Kidd manages to depict Jesus really well. He feels tangible and human and his relationship with Ana and how they end up parting ways is developed very organically.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
kareseburrows's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
"He pressed his forehead to mind and left it there. I think of it still, those moments, that leaning upon each other, the tent our lives made together."
Please note my review contains some spoilers.
Growing up in a strong catholic family, you're almost influenced to never think of or even imagine the possibility that Jesus could have had a wife. You're always told to think of Jesus from a spiritual aspect, to picture a "divine" being and not so much a "human" being, almost as if thinking of Jesus as human steals his connectedness to God and his divine purpose as the Messiah, which I don't think it does. Kidd says in writing Jesus's character, she was drawn to his humanity, which is an aspect of the book I really enjoyed, simply because in catholicism you become so familiar with Jesus's divinity, that seeing his humanness (or Kidd's interpretation of his humaneness) leaves this door open for thinking of him in a new light.
That said, while Jesus is an important protagonist, it's his wife Ana who takes centre stage throughout the book, with her boldness, fierceness, sharp tongue, strength and deep, heartfelt longings. She's a precious, strong gem in a political, cultural and historical time period where a woman's light is constantly diminished and their voices silenced. I think the most powerful longing Ana had was to be seen, loved and understood for who she was, and I think Jesus gave to that to her. While the book moved at a slow pace, the middle of it, the part where Ana and Jesus's marriage builds before they go their separate ways, has to be one of my favorite parts. Not only is there a sweet friendship between them, but something deep, secret and intimate forms there, and only they understand what that something is, both of them outcasts finding this solace with one another. I love that he calls her, "Little Thunder". I cried when, after going 2 years of not seeing him, the first image she has of him is while he's beaten and bloody, carrying his cross towards death.
That said, all around Ana stand these steadfast women, and they all feed off of, and lean into one another. Her Aunt Yaltha is like a beacon, guiding Ana the way her mother never did. I do love that despite not appreciating Tabitha in the beginning, friendship blossoms between them, especially when Ana stands up for Tabitha after she's sexually assaulted and her tongue is cut out for speaking out about her rape. The strong feminist underpinnings in the book are inspiring, and I have to comment on Kidd's writing, which I loved. There's a steady flow to the language that Kidd uses that I feel draws you into the story just as much as other aspects, like the storyline and the characters, and the history.
I think anyone who decides to read this book should read Kidd's "Author's Note" first, because it gives you a better understanding of the story that Kidd is telling. It's good to remember that this is book, with its historical and cultural points, is also that of fiction. It's a beautiful and emotionally gripping story that encompasses female strength, human love, divine love, the power of friendships, faith, purpose, loyalty, betrayal and longing. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this, and it's become one of my favorite reads.
Please note my review contains some spoilers.
Growing up in a strong catholic family, you're almost influenced to never think of or even imagine the possibility that Jesus could have had a wife. You're always told to think of Jesus from a spiritual aspect, to picture a "divine" being and not so much a "human" being, almost as if thinking of Jesus as human steals his connectedness to God and his divine purpose as the Messiah, which I don't think it does. Kidd says in writing Jesus's character, she was drawn to his humanity, which is an aspect of the book I really enjoyed, simply because in catholicism you become so familiar with Jesus's divinity, that seeing his humanness (or Kidd's interpretation of his humaneness) leaves this door open for thinking of him in a new light.
That said, while Jesus is an important protagonist, it's his wife Ana who takes centre stage throughout the book, with her boldness, fierceness, sharp tongue, strength and deep, heartfelt longings. She's a precious, strong gem in a political, cultural and historical time period where a woman's light is constantly diminished and their voices silenced. I think the most powerful longing Ana had was to be seen, loved and understood for who she was, and I think Jesus gave to that to her. While the book moved at a slow pace, the middle of it, the part where Ana and Jesus's marriage builds before they go their separate ways, has to be one of my favorite parts. Not only is there a sweet friendship between them, but something deep, secret and intimate forms there, and only they understand what that something is, both of them outcasts finding this solace with one another. I love that he calls her, "Little Thunder". I cried when, after going 2 years of not seeing him, the first image she has of him is while he's beaten and bloody, carrying his cross towards death.
That said, all around Ana stand these steadfast women, and they all feed off of, and lean into one another. Her Aunt Yaltha is like a beacon, guiding Ana the way her mother never did. I do love that despite not appreciating Tabitha in the beginning, friendship blossoms between them, especially when Ana stands up for Tabitha after she's sexually assaulted and her tongue is cut out for speaking out about her rape. The strong feminist underpinnings in the book are inspiring, and I have to comment on Kidd's writing, which I loved. There's a steady flow to the language that Kidd uses that I feel draws you into the story just as much as other aspects, like the storyline and the characters, and the history.
I think anyone who decides to read this book should read Kidd's "Author's Note" first, because it gives you a better understanding of the story that Kidd is telling. It's good to remember that this is book, with its historical and cultural points, is also that of fiction. It's a beautiful and emotionally gripping story that encompasses female strength, human love, divine love, the power of friendships, faith, purpose, loyalty, betrayal and longing. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this, and it's become one of my favorite reads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Miscarriage, and Death
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Sexual assault and Rape
mercedesveselka's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a 5 out of 5 stars for me. Absolutely amazing and thoughtful. Heart warming and heart breaking all at once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
random19379's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Sexual violence, Death, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Torture, Suicide, Grief, Rape, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Antisemitism, and Religious bigotry
maddiebusick's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Grief, Miscarriage, Torture, Murder, Sexism, Rape, Blood, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Cursing, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Child abuse, Classism, Confinement, Death of parent, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Medical content, Misogyny, and Suicide
Minor: Alcohol, Deportation, Police brutality, and Slavery
jrosegross's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Child death, Death, Grief, Murder, Physical abuse, and Sexual harassment
sarah_speaks's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, Grief, Torture, Child death, Death, Miscarriage, and Sexism
Moderate: Animal death, Pregnancy, and Rape
Minor: Death of parent and Slavery
kelly_e's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Title: The Book of Longings
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 3.0
Pub Date: March 23 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Tender • Imaginative • Historic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Set in the first century, Ana is a gifted young woman secretly writing stories in a male dominated society. She comes from a wealthy family, and is expected to marry a rich, older widower, but an encounter with 18-year-old Jesus will change everything.
The Book of Longings is the story of their marriage and one women's determination to realize her passion and potential.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I was super excited to read The Book of Longings because I had loved Sue Monk Kidd's previous works. When I originally bought this book, I hadn't read the premise, and when I finally did I was hesitant to jump in. On the urging from several book friends to give it a chance, I did just that and here are my thoughts.
It is flawlessly and beautifully written with each sentence flowing into the next.
It is well researched and presented. The author even mentions where she erred on dates in the name of creative freedom to help with flow.
It is imaginative, the plot is definitely unlike any historical fiction I've read before.
It is an ode to fierce females with Ana being one of the most courageous characters in recent memory, especially in a male dominated society.
But...
It was just not for me. I couldn't remove the religious aspect from my experience, and all the biblical detail and reference were hard for me to focus on.
Don't let that deter you. This is hands down one of those cases where it was me and definitely not the book.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• bookclubs
• readers who love a fierce female lead
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"When you're in love, you remember everything."
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 3.0
Pub Date: March 23 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Tender • Imaginative • Historic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Set in the first century, Ana is a gifted young woman secretly writing stories in a male dominated society. She comes from a wealthy family, and is expected to marry a rich, older widower, but an encounter with 18-year-old Jesus will change everything.
The Book of Longings is the story of their marriage and one women's determination to realize her passion and potential.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I was super excited to read The Book of Longings because I had loved Sue Monk Kidd's previous works. When I originally bought this book, I hadn't read the premise, and when I finally did I was hesitant to jump in. On the urging from several book friends to give it a chance, I did just that and here are my thoughts.
It is flawlessly and beautifully written with each sentence flowing into the next.
It is well researched and presented. The author even mentions where she erred on dates in the name of creative freedom to help with flow.
It is imaginative, the plot is definitely unlike any historical fiction I've read before.
It is an ode to fierce females with Ana being one of the most courageous characters in recent memory, especially in a male dominated society.
But...
It was just not for me. I couldn't remove the religious aspect from my experience, and all the biblical detail and reference were hard for me to focus on.
Don't let that deter you. This is hands down one of those cases where it was me and definitely not the book.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• bookclubs
• readers who love a fierce female lead
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"When you're in love, you remember everything."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Miscarriage, and Sexism
Moderate: Violence, Grief, Misogyny, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Suicide, Blood, and Domestic abuse
death of partner