When I first read the description of this book I was a little skeptical since I’m not very religious or into historical fiction, but this book exceeded my expectations! The story is about Jesus’ wife, and Jesus himself isn't in the book much. Instead we see Ana, a strong-willed writer who is ahead of her times, and willing to do anything to maintain her freedom and to help tell the stories of women who have lost theirs. This book really transported me to another time.

Sue Monk Kidd delivers another ambitious, vividly woven read, once again demonstrating her willingness to tackle original themes and people her novel with richly compelling characterizations. A novel sure to provoke fascinating book group conversations and one which will linger in the reader's memory

As a long and loyal fan of S.M.K. this book does not disappoint. It's curious, thoughtful and thought-provoking. It's a lovely story, a clever and well thought-about story-line/concept. Very curious. A great read to pass the time that we all seem to have in abundance. Read this.

No words for this book. I need to process. But suffice to say, I loved it and plan on recommending it to others. I will also likely purchase a copy of it to keep and read over and over.

BOOK REVIEW: The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

Genre: Historical Fiction / Religious Fiction

T.I.M.E. Favorite ✨😎✨
Book Club Favorite

Imagines the story of a young woman named Ana who longs to write stories about neglected and silenced women.

“Raise the bar” by setting this story in the first century…. A time, place, and culture that's actually designed to silence her as a woman.

“Raise the bar” even further by having her path cross with the journey of Jesus… And how their two paths coming together in an imagined marriage might have influenced history moving forward.

This is a book from an Author I Already Love via The Secret Life of Bees and The Dance of The Dissident Daughter.

Both great “must read books” that feature strong female characters that overcome great obstacles because of their desire to discover their own unique voice… Whether win or lose.

In full disclosure, I must tell you that I have a personal connection to this author, as I performed a one-person stage adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees” for 12 years nationally during my life in New York City.

It was an absolute daily blessing to present that beautiful story from such a talented and courageous writer.

And during that time, I had the opportunity to meet Sue Monk Kidd on several occasions and experience a wonderful talk that she gave on writing.

Within that talk, Sue really stressed the importance of fully committing to courageously telling a story in its full form… Once that story has revealed itself to you in all of its’ strengths and weaknesses.

To speak authentically… To speak truthfully… And with courage.

The Book of Longings is a great example of this author's commitment to do that... And the character of Ana’s full commitment to discover her voice as well.

Make sure you bring this one to the top of your list!

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
2020 Book Release | April

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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Books & DIY Home Ideas | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com ... Including my video tutorials for DIY home ideas inspired by recommended books to support you in bringing your favorite book to life in your life and home.

You can see my full review for The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd at https://www.thisismyeverybody.com/books/books-to-read-next-characters-who-overcome-obstacles


✨😎✨A big thank you to Sue Monk Kidd, Penguin Group Viking and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.

I honestly struggled a few different times to pick up and finish the Book of Longings, which is a shame given the beautiful writing. But the writing! The writing is vivid and all-encompassing, so much that I didn't mind the side plots or a slower speed of the story.

However, the main holdup that I had, which I think kept having me put down the book and hesitating to pick it back up, was the surprisingly uninspiring main character of Ana. Ana was billed as having an "impetuous streak", which made me eager to read this book and sing high feminist praise, but I do feel like Ana feel into the trap of her "impetuous streak" being her main defining feature and translating into something of a tiresome caricature of an independent woman, rather than a woman with fully realized self-determination. Too often, Ana came off as wholly unconcerned or even ignorant about those around her presenting an idea that women can be independent or caring but not both. Ultimately, I found myself not awed and inspired by Ana, but frustrated and disappointed -- but at least it all happened within eloquent and lively prose.

As a Christian, at first I was hesitant about this book. I decided to go into it with an open mind, & I'm so glad I did. The historical research for this must have been exhausting. Sue Monk Kidd paints a picture of the times back then in such a brilliant fashion that it made me want to know more. Ana's story was respectfully told, & I honestly thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. For anyone who is unsure about this book, I would highly recommend you put all preconceived ideas to rest & read it!!

**Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for sharing this ARC in exchange my honest review.
**Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for sharing this ARC in exchange my honest review.

Sue Monk Kidd offers a fictive depiction of the christian figure, Jesus Christ, as a married man. This novel challenges biblical history, yet it provokes discussion on the author's creative licence in depicting Jesus and speculating on how he would be perceived by his followers and outsiders.

An imaginative story with many Biblical and historical references. Depicts Jesus as a man as prophet and centers around the fictional character of Ana sister of Judas and future wife of Jesus. Through strong female characters, the plight of women and their substandard status is revealed. Not my favorite work of the author's but still very good.
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. I had read this author's breakout novel "The Secret Life of Bees" years ago and enjoyed it. When I heard about her new novel, I signed up to get the ebook through the library. When I started reading it and discovered that is was set in biblical times, I was tempted to put it down. It was hard to get into at first -- the story centering around a young woman named Ana, the daughter of the chief scribe of Herod Antipas (yes, I had to go back and look up who he was). Soon, my Catholic education and role as a Sunday School teach came back to me and I got intrigued when Ana, betrothed to an older man against her wishes, meets a young carpenter in the market named (wait for it -- JESUS). Oh and Ana has a (half/adopted?) brother named Judas. So you know how the story ends -- but the fictionalized story of Ana's relationship with Jesus and the role of women in these times was really interesting. This is a really intriguing book and while it is not for everyone, I recommend it. #TheBookofLongings #NetGalley

"The Book of Longings" offers that Jesus had a wife, and follows her journey from a young girl to the end of her life. Ana grows up in a wealthy household, with parents who plan on marrying her off in an advantageous marriage. From a young age, Ana wants a different life for herself, and draws inspiration from her aunt Yaltha, who has also chosen to live a nontraditional life for women of the time. Ana meets Jesus by chance and they eventually marry, yet he is a supporting character in this story and "The Book of Longings" skips many of the New Testament's "greatest hits." Instead, it focuses on Ana's choices, her interest in writing, and all of the women in her life, such as Jesus's mother Mary, her friend Tabitha, her cousin, and others. This is a beautifully written book with interesting, engaging characters. Ana is a strong narrator of her story, and my favorite character was probably her aunt Yaltha. The story moves through Israel and Egypt, and includes details about Jewish life and customs. This is a great work of historical fiction, and though "Jesus's wife" is a good way to draw readers in, the story is really more about Ana and how women have forged their own paths throughout history.

Beautifully written, compelling story. A truly captivating tale imagining the story of Ana, a young woman who weds Jesus and her journey.

Author Sue Monk Kidd is one of my favorites and I have enjoyed her work time and again. With THE BOOK OF LONGINGS, I must admit that the author’s note is the most interesting part of all. I was drawn in by the question, what if Jesus had a wife? The difficulty lies in the character of that wife, Ana. She is just not that compelling or engaging. I just didn’t care what happened to her. Her family is atrocious but even then, I didn’t like her more in comparison. The relationship between Ana and Jesus is designed rather like a conventional romance novel: rich girl marries poor laborer. Rich girl must learn basic skills to survive; new husband is patient but hears another calling. Perhaps there is more to this calling? There is no surprise ending. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd is a beautifully written book, but I also expected nothing less from the author. Secret Life of Bees was one of the first books that made me cry. So naturally, when I saw this release I jumped at the chance to read it. This book does hold your interest, and I enjoyed the premise of the book. Her writing style is so vivid and detail-driven you felt like you were in the story at times, but I did have a few issues with the book.

At times the story was incredibly slow, and while not a thriller it moved at a snail's pace at times that almost made me put it down. The other issue I had was the time gaps. Large amounts of time seem to pass with no indication they had passed until you read further and realized the story had moved on. I don’t mind time gaps, but 6 years (at one point in the novel) is a significant amount of time to elapse without explanation. And lastly, the character of Ana. This is told from her voice, and at times I wish it wasn’t. She came off a bit whiny. And her relationship with Jesus seemed flat and one dimensional. I didn’t expect a passionate relationship, but they seemed more friends than husband and wife. The book is more about Ana than Jesus, but I would have loved to have more of their relationship.

Ana is a rebellious teenager with ambition beyond the desires of her wealthy family. They want her to marry an older widower; something Ana adamantly disagrees with. It’s an encounter with an 18-year-old Jesus that changes things. It isn’t long though before Ana’s longing to help others have a voice takes over. Her actions put her in peril, and she’s forced to find refuge in unfamiliar surroundings where secrets are revealed that could put her in greater danger. How will she overcome, and will she be reunited with her husband?

Sue Monk Kidd’s writing is beautiful and moving. The book has biblical ties but does not come across as a religious book. It’s more about a story of a woman who is trying to find her voice in a time when women didn’t have one. It’s a solid read that is worth it in my opinion.

I do not understand why I have not heard more about this book in the media. It is an absolutely wonderful picture of a woman's life as lived in biblical times. The subject material may make some uncomfortable to begin, but as you read, you'll find yourself pulled into the story and fascinated at the picture it portrays. It is fiction, but written so realistically, you'll see Ana and her life as it melds with widely known stories of the life of Jesus. I have been a fan of Sue Monk Kidd since THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES and this book just adds to my appreciation of her writing skills. Reading this book will cause you to think....something we all could use a little more of....while your faith is reinforced in many new ways. I cannot say it loud enough....read this book!

Oh Sue Monk Kidd. You have outdone yourself. As a Christian pastor, I picked up this book with discomfort. But as I read through the story told from Ana's point of view, I was moved by faithful imagination of the author. Weaving together echos of stories and familiar relationships, Kidd explores the ministry of Jesus. She breathes new life into his teachings and impact on the world. And she brings to light the patriarchal lens from which Christianity emerges.

I could feel the beautiful teenage love story and Ana's relationship with Jesus' family. Her own agency and voice hunger to be expressed. Her life and love move through the pages. Even as the inevitable arrest and crucifixion approached, I wept and hoped for a different outcome. It was beautifully and respectfully written and I appreciated the humility and humanity and reflected while honoring the sacred and holy place of Jesus as the Divine son of God.

A book of fiction...but if Jesus had a wife, Ana was perfect for him. Independent, opinionated, strong-willed, intelligent, a feminist and loving. This story is about Ana, Jesus' wife. I believe the story is really about Ana and her friendships/interactions with her aunt, sisters and friends. Ana is a writer and wants to make sure that her writings will be read and understood. Ana just happened to be marry to Jesus. Jesus wasn't around that much and Ana was able to handle that and do what she thought was necessary to take care of Ana. I love this story, in fact, I finished it and can not get it out of my mind. Very well written, beautiful story.

So, the ending of this story is no surprise, it is what I have been taught since I was in Sunday School and knew about Good Friday and Easter. But, the back story was so interestihng and the point of view was an exciting change. I found Ana's story so compelling and her descriptions of Jesus so "true"--she made him so human, but yet kept the ethereal part of him and she loved both. But Ana herself was so brve; she would have been a suffragette if she had lived in a different time. I did find myself in tears at the end of the book, even though I knew how the story of Jesus ended, but Ana's story concluded was a perfect ending--especially her resolution with seeing Jesus one more time when she was back in Egypt.

You must start this book with the premise that Jesus was an historical figure who lived the life of a Middle Eastern Jewish man, This means that marriage and family would be a normal part of his life. So, the author doesn't speculate about his marital status. She assumes that he married a woman named Ana who comes from a favored family, but has unusually liberated views for a woman of the period.

Daughter of a head scribe, Ana knows how to read and write and is working on a collection of stories of the women and the Bible and of her own family and friends. This is a book that documents rape and torture visited upon women, and how they are cast out and disgraced as if they, themselves, were responsible for their own fate.

Ana rejects one legitimate if undesirable match, one that would keep her for the rest of her life in style. However, she would lose her freedom and her outlet of expression. After his untimely death, she also turns down the role of concubine to the Tetrach of the district, She instead meets a poor, but devout carpenter named Jesus and the strength of their love draws them into marriage and Ana's rejection of wealth and prestige.

As the wife of Jesus, Ana learns to be a peasant wife, working side by side with her Mother-in-law, Mary, and Jesus's sisters and sisters-in-laws. It is an uncomfortable exchange for Ana, but Jesus encourages her to write and pray while he goes off to work in other towns and to foment revolution against Romans and the powerful temple priests.

Woven into the story is Ana's relationship to her step-brother, The outcome of the relationship between Jesus and Judas is well known. Judas is fleshed out as an angry man, shaped by lifelong rejection, religious zeal and a desire to hurry the coming of the King of the Jews.

This was an unlikely book for me to read, let alone to like, but I'm very glad I read it and that I became engaged in the outcome of Ana's story. OF course, I knew the outcome, but Sue Monk Kidd, always an excellent writer, gave me an historical background to further my knowledge of Jesus and his times. It is also a testimony to the treatment of women in Biblical times which provides an excellent discussion jumping off point for book discussions.

This book reminded me of Anita Diamond's much loved, "The Red Tent" and, while it is unlikely it will be "hand sold" from synagogue bimahs, it will have wider appeal and actually seems like a great book to read and discuss among people of different religious perspectives.

HIghly recommended, especially for book groups.

I am not religious anymore, so the fact that religion didn't play much of a role deeply appealed to me. I loved the strong female roles in historical fiction. Though the piece was a little too long, I enjoyed this and it will stay with me for a while.