The Book of Longings

By: Sue Monk Kidd

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò, Sue Monk Kidd

The New York Times Best seller

From the author of the multi-million-copy-selling The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings

An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from the celebrated number one New York Times best-selling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings.

'I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus.'

In her mesmerising fourth work of fiction, Sue Monk Kidd brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of a young woman called Ana.

Ana is a rebellious young woman, a gifted writer with a curious, brilliant mind, who writes secret narratives about the neglected and silenced women around her. Raised in a wealthy family in Galilee, she is sheltered from the brutality of Rome's occupation of Israel. Ana is expected to marry an elderly widower to further her father's ambitions, a prospect that horrifies her. A chance encounter with the 18-year-old Jesus changes everything: his ideas and his passion are intoxicating.

Taking Ana on a journey she could never have imagined, The Book of Longings is a glorious evocation of a time and a place where astounding events unfolded, and of one woman's fate when she fights to make her voice heard.

©2020 Sue Monk Kidd (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Superlative.... From a writer at the top of her game.... A practically perfect historical novel." (New York Journal of Books)

"A bold, imaginative reworking." (Sunday Times)

"Brilliant.... Brava!" (The Daily Mail)

amazing astonishingly touched my heart deeply.

I needed to hear this story. ehat can I say 40 years of conservative Christianity left me full of fears. I am now a mystic of the league of longing. still in live with the universal Christ.

pronunciation!

great story, but became continually irritated by the reader mispronouncing the name Chaia. It should read as a Ghuya.

A most beautiful journey

Written with the most beautiful detail and emotional encounters. A literary journey all women should choose to join.

Captivating!!!

Absolutely loved the Re-imagination of Anna & how her existence & voice would have impacted our current world. A deep book of longing!!! I also loved her life-changing prayers!!!

Moving and Beautiful

At first I was taken aback by the audacious way this novel is written, which the author herself acknowledges. As a Christian, I’ve grown up with the traditional view of bachelor Jesus. However, it didn’t take long to be captivated by this tale of courage, love, and self-fidelity. Ana is a woman of untold strength and bravery. Seeing Jesus through her eyes opened my own to a greater understanding of the “fully human” side of him. The characters in this book are complex and fully realised, and the world they inhabit feels very tangible. Another excellent work by Ms. Monk Kidd.

Beautiful

This narrative was so engaging and also had a spiritual depth for women that I found profound. I highly recommend this beautiful story to all women - the concept of 'longings' is so real and true for me and I believe for many women.

A feminist reimagining of Biblical history

I was thoroughly absorbed in this beautiful feminist re-imagination of the story of Jesus. Sue Monk-Kidd does not fail to disappoint. As an audiobook, it is well narrated but the mispronunciation of Jewish names and prayers did start to drive me nuts.

beautiful storytelling

This was compelling tale of a young woman's struggle to be heard in the world. a great historical fiction that was both believable and enjoyable to read. a great concept in which a story previously unheard of is told in all its vibrancy. beautiful language throughout and dialogue to really make you think deep within yourself.

I loved this book!

I would like to believe it is a true story. Ana mist definitely has a voice and she needs to be heard by all women.

The Book of Longings

The narrator has a beautiful and soothing voice, I enjoyed it immensely. It's exquisitely written, highly recommended.