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The Book of Longings  By  cover art

The Book of Longings

By: Sue Monk Kidd
Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò, Sue Monk Kidd
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Publisher's summary

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)

What listeners say about The Book of Longings

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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.

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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!!!

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A most beautiful journey

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

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Loved

This book is exquisite and I’ve loved every bit …. I’m not a fan of fiction but is a must read

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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.

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The Book of Longings

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

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pronunciation!

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

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Missed opportunity on he story

I dont mind playing with the idea that Jesus had a wife and a 'normal' family, but wow to give him such a boring domestic environment is a missed opportunity. The author made it seem that Jesus took up his calling as a half reluctant political move, that started in his adulthood. However, he was already in his calling and teaching at a very young age. His wife would have been an equally enlightened person, deeply involved in his journey, and not this left behind creature.

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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.

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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.

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