Reviews

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

mgsardina's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective fast-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

5.0

jesslolsen's review against another edition

5.0

A beautifully crafted reimagining of the life of Jesus. The authors note at the end talks about how this story differs and draws inspiration from history, scripture and popular beliefs, but it’s easy to believe that this story could be true because it is so beautifully written.

I’m not particularly religious, however I don’t think you have to be/don’t have to be to appreciate this story - it’s more about the lives of women in this era and how they were intelligent and resilient despite being largely bought/sold/mistreated by me. What stays with me most isn’t Jesus, but how important it is so honor and persist with your passion (the “largeness”) in you, despite any obstacles.

balcamo's review against another edition

reflective 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? No

3.0

I thought this book was good. It had a lot of really frustrating moments, but the story was so well told. The writing was excellent but the story was a bit slow at times. I loved the idea of it though when I got to the end. It was a very interesting book

ashleyfoth's review against another edition

2.0

I was excited to read this book (multiple friends recommended that I read it) but I was just bored. I made it about 1/3 of the way and found myself longing for it to be over. I think Sue Monk Kidd is a talented writer, this story line had a lot of potential, and I can see why people would enjoy reading it… it just was not for me. Maybe in the future I will give it another shot- but for now, I will be moving on to a different book!

lfletch's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

Lovely feminist imagining of Jesus' wife. 

mjbsw's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Though a fictional account of Jesus, this book is really about his fictional wife, Anna.  I didn’t go into this book for any religious or even spiritual purpose.  I just knew Sue Monk Kidd can weave a marvelous story.  Yet, it happened - and that makes a great novel.  5*

alyssa_max's review against another edition

5.0

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Like all good historical fiction, it prompted me to do significant additional research on the people and places in the novel. I was initially skeptical of how the author would portray Jesus as a human character, but found that she did so with nuance and believability.

Honestly, the least believable part of the whole book was the lifespan of Ana’s pet goat, Delilah!

manoushp109's review against another edition

jesus fanfiction self insert 

tmathews0330's review against another edition

5.0

I identified with Ana's writer side so much and loved the opportunity to envision the fully human side of Jesus. One of my new favorite books.

novel_nerd13's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0