I was giddy with anticipation about The Book of Longings from the moment its publication date was announced. And, I’m thrilled to report that author Sue Monk Kidd did not disappoint with her newest novel.
What’s The Book of Longings about?
It’s long been debated whether Jesus (yep, as in “Christ Superstar”) had a female partner. (Hello, The Da Vinci Code.) The Book of Longings takes this controversial idea and runs with it, creating the fictional character of Ana, the spirited, devoted, and forgotten wife of Jesus.
This exquisite story takes you to Sepphoris, Nazareth, Jerusalem, and even Egypt, bringing ancient times vividly to life. Kidd’s dedication to historical research is impressive. Her attention to detail is enchanting, particularly in the chapters set in Egypt.
What I loved about The Book of Longings
While The Book of Longings admittedly started off a little slow for me, Ana’s compelling story soon picked up speed. I was soon sucked into her bittersweet life, marriage, and world.
The love story between Ana and Jesus is sweet and realistic, touching and adorable, though unbearably heartbreaking at many points in the novel. I mean, even if you’re not Christian, you know that Jesus’ relatively short life met a particularly gruesome end. It’s kind of like watching Titanic. You’re really, really rooting for the dopey-in-love couple to get a happy ending! Even though you know it’s doomed from the start.
Before that, though, Ana’s marriage to and life with Jesus is captivating. Kidd expertly inserts Ana into familiar New Testament parables, such as helping the lame, overturning the tables in the temple, and stopping the stoning of a woman. Kidd also provides plausible explanations for why Ana was written out of history.
Most importantly, Ana’s story doesn’t end with Jesus’ life, nor does it begin with it. Ana is a fully developed character who’s much more than just the wife, lover, and partner of Jesus. She’s a brave, strong, smart, and driven woman in her own right. While a large portion of the book intertwines her life with her husband’s, much of it is also devoted to her passion, writing. We also spend a lot of time with Ana’s own set of family and friends, with whom she experiences adventures with and without Jesus.
Should you read The Book of Longings?
I’ve read a lot of retellings, and The Book of Longings is one of the best. Make sure you don’t miss this book if you’re a fan of historical fiction or Biblical mythology, or if you just like strong female characters.
Potential (religion-wary) readers should note that The Book of Longings isn’t a religious story, even though it deals with a religious figure. Kidd mentions in the Author’s Note that this is an important aspect of her novel. Kidd’s Jesus is fully human. He’s a devout Jewish man with human needs, desires, and conflictions, and his life with Ana and his family is strikingly un-grand.
What’s the book-inspired recipe for The Book of Longings?
Stay tuned for my book-inspired recipe: Chickpea Burgers with Mint Tahini Carrot Slaw.
