Book Review: The Book of Longings
Title: The Book of Longings
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Length: 416 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot Summary: Raised in a wealthy family in Nazareth, Ana is a brilliant young woman gifted with a fierce intellect, a passion for writing, and a secret longing to give voice to the silenced women of history. Her rebellious spirit clashes sharply with the rigid expectations of first-century Galilee, where women are expected to remain silent and subservient. When she meets a charismatic young carpenter named Jesus, the two form a deep, soul-stirring bond rooted in mutual reverence, love, and shared ideals. As Jesus embarks on his path of ministry, Ana must navigate her own fraught, dangerous journey across ancient Palestine and Alexandria, fighting to preserve her own creative voice, protect those she loves, and honor the sacred longings within her heart.
Review: As someone who only studied Eastern religions in college as an elective, I was utterly fascinated by this imaginative historical fiction exploring the life of the wife of Jesus. I read unhurriedly, wanting to savor every word. What beautiful prose! My heart ached and longed alongside Ana. Eventually, I found myself staying up late, unable to resist learning how her life would unfold.
Ana has easily emerged as my favorite female protagonist. Her desires for creative expression, autonomy, love, and a life with meaning feel deeply human. She is someone not only ahead of her time, but who knows how to chase her longings despite the confines of her circumstances. She leads with hope and a fierce, brazen passion that cannot be diminished. By the end, I felt I had witnessed a life fully lived. I am a voice.
Rating: 5/5
