The Book of Longings

A Novel

By: Sue Monk Kidd

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò, Sue Monk Kidd

“An extraordinary novel . . . a triumph of insight and storytelling.” —Associated Press

“A true masterpiece.” —Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed

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 bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings

In her mesmerizing fourth work of fiction, Sue Monk Kidd takes an audacious approach to history and brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of a young woman named Ana. Raised in a wealthy family with ties to the ruler of Galilee, she is rebellious and ambitious, with a brilliant mind and a daring spirit. She engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes narratives about neglected and silenced women. Ana is expected to marry an older widower, a prospect that horrifies her. An encounter with eighteen-year-old Jesus changes everything.

Their marriage evolves with love and conflict, humor and pathos in Nazareth, where Ana makes a home with Jesus, his brothers, and their mother, Mary. Ana's pent-up longings intensify amid the turbulent resistance to Rome's occupation of Israel, partially led by her brother, Judas. She is sustained by her fearless aunt Yaltha, who harbors a compelling secret. When Ana commits a brazen act that puts her in peril, she flees to Alexandria, where startling revelations and greater dangers unfold, and she finds refuge in unexpected surroundings. Ana determines her fate during a stunning convergence of events considered among the most impactful in human history.

Grounded in meticulous research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus's life that focuses on his humanity, The Book of Longings is an inspiring, unforgettable account of one woman's bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place and culture devised to silence her. It is a triumph of storytelling both timely and timeless, from a masterful writer at the height of her powers.

Perfection!

Life changer.
I will long for books of this caliber forever more.
Read it now!!

a marriage of souls

Imagine the love of Jesus the man shared with another human, a wife. Kidd works the magic of possibility into the reality that is history with a light touch making it seem so real, so believable, and so touching.

a voice

A fascinating weaving of modern fiction and religious tradition that is entirely plausible. Anna represents a voice-voices-- that historically have not been acknowledged.

One of my top 5 favorite books ever!!

This is one of those rare favorites where I stop on the road heading home to listen before arriving:) I’m so glad a dear friend recommended this one to me!!! I so appreciate the authors passion, research and creativity! This rare wonderful story is still in my thoughts daily even though I finished it a week ago😊

The most beautiful book I’ve ever read (and heard)

Absolutely my very favorite Audible book yet. The narration is beautiful and captivating, the writing is superb and the story has revealed Jesus in a new personal and intimate way for me. Highly recommend.