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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
History and religion have told the story of Jesus, a man from Nazareth who became a Messiah. There is another story that is meant to be told though, that of Jesus' wife.
Ana is born to a wealthy family in Sepphori, her father having ties to those ruling in Galilee under Roman influence and prestige. Though her status affords her the ability to have tutors, giving her the gift to read and write, Ana still is subject to the traditions of womanhood during the 1st century. With little consent, Ana is betrothed to a man she hates and yet her alternative it to be the concubine of an influential ruler. Dismissing both, Ana takes the way of her friend Tabitha, who threw off the expectations of society by speaking out about her rape. By obliterating her betrothal and rejecting the offer to be a concubine, Ana spirals toward destitution with her wealthy family. It is during this time that Ana meets a young man in the market, a carpenter and mason who lives not far in Nazareth. As Ana's life shifts, she is drawn to this man named Jesus, who offers to marry her in order to save her from being stoned to death for her misconduct. Abandoning her family, Ana marries Jesus and is enveloped into his family; quickly learning that her ability to write is little help when it comes to milking a goat. Blending their spiritual beliefs, Jesus and Ana come to a beautiful coexistence in Nazareth. However a great storm begins to brew in Galilee, one where Ana's adopted brother, Judas, begins to come out of the woodwork as a figure fighting against the oppressive rule of Rome. Becoming influenced by John the Immerser (the Baptist) and Judas, Jesus begins to offer his own sermons concerning his faith in God in relation to combating Rome. As Jesus begins his tour around Galilee, Ana finds herself in her own trouble as is forced to leave her husband for refuge in Alexandria. Even while separate, Ana thinks constantly of Jesus and interworks her own believes with his in her writing. Ana's perspective on the story of Jesus brings a new light to the tale that offers a different form of love, compassion, and understanding that otherwise wouldn't have been told. While I greatly enjoyed the female characters in Jesus' life, particularly his mother, Mary, I also greatly enjoyed the other women that were predominate in Ana's life. Yaltha, her aunt, and her friend, Tabitha, are both very strong examples of survivor women who fight against the wrongs that have come to them. Ana as a writer was also a unique perspective, for while she could have easily made a gospel for her husband, instead she focused on telling the stories of women in her life and those who came before her in the Torah. I would have liked more of her life after Jesus, but I also understand how the novel had to end at some point. However, the brilliance of emotion is what shines through the most in this novel, a profound culmination of women grieving, laughing, and living together. It was less about Jesus the son of God and more about Ana the wife of Jesus, a story that included Jesus alongside her life. While many might find issue with Jesus being portrayed with a wife, I found it entirely believable from a historical standpoint. Religion and history intertwine so much and this novel shows the historical element far more while integrating the religion of the characters into the narrative. It was a beautiful rendition of humanizing historical figures who spurred forth a religious awakening.
While Ana longed to write the stories in her heart, I longed to have this story continue far beyond the confines of these pages. Knowing that such stories existed and were not often told gives a sense of redemption by being told in this novel.
Ana is born to a wealthy family in Sepphori, her father having ties to those ruling in Galilee under Roman influence and prestige. Though her status affords her the ability to have tutors, giving her the gift to read and write, Ana still is subject to the traditions of womanhood during the 1st century. With little consent, Ana is betrothed to a man she hates and yet her alternative it to be the concubine of an influential ruler. Dismissing both, Ana takes the way of her friend Tabitha, who threw off the expectations of society by speaking out about her rape. By obliterating her betrothal and rejecting the offer to be a concubine, Ana spirals toward destitution with her wealthy family. It is during this time that Ana meets a young man in the market, a carpenter and mason who lives not far in Nazareth. As Ana's life shifts, she is drawn to this man named Jesus, who offers to marry her in order to save her from being stoned to death for her misconduct. Abandoning her family, Ana marries Jesus and is enveloped into his family; quickly learning that her ability to write is little help when it comes to milking a goat. Blending their spiritual beliefs, Jesus and Ana come to a beautiful coexistence in Nazareth. However a great storm begins to brew in Galilee, one where Ana's adopted brother, Judas, begins to come out of the woodwork as a figure fighting against the oppressive rule of Rome. Becoming influenced by John the Immerser (the Baptist) and Judas, Jesus begins to offer his own sermons concerning his faith in God in relation to combating Rome. As Jesus begins his tour around Galilee, Ana finds herself in her own trouble as is forced to leave her husband for refuge in Alexandria. Even while separate, Ana thinks constantly of Jesus and interworks her own believes with his in her writing. Ana's perspective on the story of Jesus brings a new light to the tale that offers a different form of love, compassion, and understanding that otherwise wouldn't have been told. While I greatly enjoyed the female characters in Jesus' life, particularly his mother, Mary, I also greatly enjoyed the other women that were predominate in Ana's life. Yaltha, her aunt, and her friend, Tabitha, are both very strong examples of survivor women who fight against the wrongs that have come to them. Ana as a writer was also a unique perspective, for while she could have easily made a gospel for her husband, instead she focused on telling the stories of women in her life and those who came before her in the Torah. I would have liked more of her life after Jesus, but I also understand how the novel had to end at some point. However, the brilliance of emotion is what shines through the most in this novel, a profound culmination of women grieving, laughing, and living together. It was less about Jesus the son of God and more about Ana the wife of Jesus, a story that included Jesus alongside her life. While many might find issue with Jesus being portrayed with a wife, I found it entirely believable from a historical standpoint. Religion and history intertwine so much and this novel shows the historical element far more while integrating the religion of the characters into the narrative. It was a beautiful rendition of humanizing historical figures who spurred forth a religious awakening.
While Ana longed to write the stories in her heart, I longed to have this story continue far beyond the confines of these pages. Knowing that such stories existed and were not often told gives a sense of redemption by being told in this novel.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Sue Monk Kidd just wrote the ultimate "What if?" story with "The Book of Longings". What if Jesus was married? What would his wife be like? What would her story be? Kidd answers these questions with a strong willed, intelligent, outspoken, and counter culture outcast of a woman named Ana. This story follows Ana through her earlier years where she's betrothed to a man she doesn't wish to marry which is arranged by her father, her love story with Jesus, through his ministry, and beyond his death. But the focus is always on Ana and her story and not the ministry of Jesus himself, and the result is a fully fleshed out book that is a true joy to read.
To start my high praises for this book, let's start with the uplifting of a narrative from a woman based in biblical times (cue standing ovation). Kidd's words gave life to women's experiences that were common for this time. She humanized these women in a way that you just can't get from a history lesson or a Sunday school lesson. But beyond that, she highlighted the the sheer bravery of any woman who stepped out of the patriarchal box placed on them and the bravery it took for women to follow Jesus.
Kidd also humanized Jesus. As a Christian and having been raised in a Christian home, I know the ministry of Jesus fairly well. But not once have I sat and pondered his years from 12 to 30. What was he like? What did he do? Did he have daily routines? Even though Kidd doesn't focus the story on Jesus, nor should she, she allows these insights to flow through and I found it refreshing to have a new line of thought to an age old story.
The downfalls I found to the book began with it becoming a little drawn out in the middle. I was waiting for the next thing and couldn't bring myself to pick the book up at times. I had also hoped that she would have Ana present for miracles and the resurrection, so I was slightly disappointed when that didn't come to fruition. But, in the author's note at the end of the book, Kidd explains that she wanted to focus only on the human side of Jesus because the narrative we have now is so focused on his divine side. I was glad that she cleared that little bit up for me.
Other downfalls, or more like questions, that arose for me was how Jesus didn't know much about his birth and also how he didn't know John the Immerser (the Baptist). I guess I always assumed Mary would tell Jesus of his miraculous birth, but maybe she didn't. But also, maybe it was just a way for Kidd to humanize him some more. Then when it came to John, they were cousins. Mary fled in her early months of pregnancy to live with John's mother who was also pregnant with John at the time. So did they not know each other at all? But again, Jesus wasn't the focus of this book, so does it really matter to this story?
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars simply because it wasn't a book that "I just couldn't put down". As I said, there were times I struggled to pick it up as it seemed a little boring at times. But having a female character fully fleshed out and placed into the gospel was a delight to read, especially such a fierce woman as Ana (girl power!). I would recommend this book to women in particular and especially women of the Christian faith. See it as the fiction it was written to be and let it open your mind to explore the possibilities and new perspectives, you won't be sorry.
To start my high praises for this book, let's start with the uplifting of a narrative from a woman based in biblical times (cue standing ovation). Kidd's words gave life to women's experiences that were common for this time. She humanized these women in a way that you just can't get from a history lesson or a Sunday school lesson. But beyond that, she highlighted the the sheer bravery of any woman who stepped out of the patriarchal box placed on them and the bravery it took for women to follow Jesus.
Kidd also humanized Jesus. As a Christian and having been raised in a Christian home, I know the ministry of Jesus fairly well. But not once have I sat and pondered his years from 12 to 30. What was he like? What did he do? Did he have daily routines? Even though Kidd doesn't focus the story on Jesus, nor should she, she allows these insights to flow through and I found it refreshing to have a new line of thought to an age old story.
The downfalls I found to the book began with it becoming a little drawn out in the middle. I was waiting for the next thing and couldn't bring myself to pick the book up at times. I had also hoped that she would have Ana present for miracles and the resurrection, so I was slightly disappointed when that didn't come to fruition. But, in the author's note at the end of the book, Kidd explains that she wanted to focus only on the human side of Jesus because the narrative we have now is so focused on his divine side. I was glad that she cleared that little bit up for me.
Other downfalls, or more like questions, that arose for me was how Jesus didn't know much about his birth and also how he didn't know John the Immerser (the Baptist). I guess I always assumed Mary would tell Jesus of his miraculous birth, but maybe she didn't. But also, maybe it was just a way for Kidd to humanize him some more. Then when it came to John, they were cousins. Mary fled in her early months of pregnancy to live with John's mother who was also pregnant with John at the time. So did they not know each other at all? But again, Jesus wasn't the focus of this book, so does it really matter to this story?
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars simply because it wasn't a book that "I just couldn't put down". As I said, there were times I struggled to pick it up as it seemed a little boring at times. But having a female character fully fleshed out and placed into the gospel was a delight to read, especially such a fierce woman as Ana (girl power!). I would recommend this book to women in particular and especially women of the Christian faith. See it as the fiction it was written to be and let it open your mind to explore the possibilities and new perspectives, you won't be sorry.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
“Let life be life and death be death.” This line lingers long after the final page of The Book of Longings, echoing the novel’s quiet, resilient wisdom. Sue Monk Kidd gives voice to Ana, a woman of intellect, courage, and deep spiritual longing, living in a world where her words—and her very presence—are often silenced. Through Ana, Kidd explores the tension between surrender and defiance, between accepting what is and daring to imagine what could be.
Ana’s journey is shaped by immense loss and relentless hope, and yet she never stops writing, never stops questioning. In a world governed by men and myth, she claims space for her own truth. That act alone feels revolutionary.
And still, through all the upheaval and grief, Kidd grounds us with a deceptively simple reassurance: “All shall be well.” It is not a naive hope, but a hard-won one—earned through resistance, through love, through letting go. This book is both a rebellion and a prayer, and like Ana herself, it refuses to be forgotten.
Ana’s journey is shaped by immense loss and relentless hope, and yet she never stops writing, never stops questioning. In a world governed by men and myth, she claims space for her own truth. That act alone feels revolutionary.
And still, through all the upheaval and grief, Kidd grounds us with a deceptively simple reassurance: “All shall be well.” It is not a naive hope, but a hard-won one—earned through resistance, through love, through letting go. This book is both a rebellion and a prayer, and like Ana herself, it refuses to be forgotten.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
5/5
I did not expect to enjoy this story so much but it has turned out to be one of the best books I’ve ever read. This is told from the perspective of Ana, the fictional wife of Jesus, and chronicles her life and poses the question of how different the world would be if Jesus did, in fact, have a wife and her story, like most women’s, was buried.
Sue Monk Kidd weaves an intricate and important story. I loved that is was told from a historical perspective but didn’t lessen the importance religious belief had on the narrative. The portrait painted of Ana’s experiences as a young girl, adulthood, and through the crucifixion of her husband are poignant and detailed and some of the most intriguing pieces of writing I’ve ever read.
The relationships between Ana and the other women in her life were particularly interesting and heartwarming to read about and the camaraderie we see in how they work together against beliefs of women at the time were extremely empowering. I worried I would get bored, but as the story covers such a large portion of time it is very fast-paced and there were plenty of heavy and riveting scenes to keep me engaged.
Most people do not read the author’s note so I’d like to include this small portion from this one that felt particularly strong to me and, I won’t lie, definitely made me cry:
“The day Ana appeared, I knew one thing about her besides her name. I knew that what she wanted most was a voice. If Jesus actually did have a wife, and history unfolded exactly the way it has, then she would be the most silenced woman in history and the woman most in need of a voice. I tried to give her one.”
And give her one she did.
I did not expect to enjoy this story so much but it has turned out to be one of the best books I’ve ever read. This is told from the perspective of Ana, the fictional wife of Jesus, and chronicles her life and poses the question of how different the world would be if Jesus did, in fact, have a wife and her story, like most women’s, was buried.
Sue Monk Kidd weaves an intricate and important story. I loved that is was told from a historical perspective but didn’t lessen the importance religious belief had on the narrative. The portrait painted of Ana’s experiences as a young girl, adulthood, and through the crucifixion of her husband are poignant and detailed and some of the most intriguing pieces of writing I’ve ever read.
The relationships between Ana and the other women in her life were particularly interesting and heartwarming to read about and the camaraderie we see in how they work together against beliefs of women at the time were extremely empowering. I worried I would get bored, but as the story covers such a large portion of time it is very fast-paced and there were plenty of heavy and riveting scenes to keep me engaged.
Most people do not read the author’s note so I’d like to include this small portion from this one that felt particularly strong to me and, I won’t lie, definitely made me cry:
“The day Ana appeared, I knew one thing about her besides her name. I knew that what she wanted most was a voice. If Jesus actually did have a wife, and history unfolded exactly the way it has, then she would be the most silenced woman in history and the woman most in need of a voice. I tried to give her one.”
And give her one she did.
medium-paced
Although he's not the main character, Jesus shows up in the novel! This is a great story with engaging characters. You might recognize some of them from another great book.