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Debbie W.'s Reviews > The Book of Longings
The Book of Longings
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Debbie W.'s review
bookshelves: biblical-fiction, audiobook, historical-fiction, 2021-reads
Jan 31, 2021
bookshelves: biblical-fiction, audiobook, historical-fiction, 2021-reads
Much historical, political, cultural and religious research went into the writing of this story. Sue Monk Kidd's writing craft really shines in her development of characters (even several minor ones) as well as her highly descriptive writing. Her "Author's Note", read by Kidd herself, goes on to explain her hesitant reasoning of choosing the possibility of Jesus having a wife and what this woman would have been like; however, the majority of this story focuses on Ana's independent thinking and her love of writing to give women a Voice.
Some nit-picky issues I have included:
1. Why do so many people have to suffer to keep Ana safe?
2. Why does Ana have to be deceitful to Jesus, even though He has been nothing but kind to her, even saving her life?
3. Why is a weak reason given to explain why Ana doesn't assist in preparing her own husband's body for burial? Since she always makes it clear that she is His wife, this would have been highly expected of her!
The real "drawing card", which I believe pulled in most readers, is that the main character, Ana, was written as the wife of Jesus. I really wanted to love this story, but personally, I found it hard to wrap my head around this overall premise, especially since copious amounts of research point to the fact that Jesus was unmarried up until the time of His death. If Mary Magdalene could be mentioned at least five times in the Gospels, you would think Jesus's wife would get an honorable mention! This would have been a fine historical fiction, but if it was so imperative to write this story during the time of ancient Palestine, then keeping Ana as Judas's sister would have been more palatable, in my opinion.
Some nit-picky issues I have included:
1. Why do so many people have to suffer to keep Ana safe?
2. Why does Ana have to be deceitful to Jesus, even though He has been nothing but kind to her, even saving her life?
3. Why is a weak reason given to explain why Ana doesn't assist in preparing her own husband's body for burial? Since she always makes it clear that she is His wife, this would have been highly expected of her!
The real "drawing card", which I believe pulled in most readers, is that the main character, Ana, was written as the wife of Jesus. I really wanted to love this story, but personally, I found it hard to wrap my head around this overall premise, especially since copious amounts of research point to the fact that Jesus was unmarried up until the time of His death. If Mary Magdalene could be mentioned at least five times in the Gospels, you would think Jesus's wife would get an honorable mention! This would have been a fine historical fiction, but if it was so imperative to write this story during the time of ancient Palestine, then keeping Ana as Judas's sister would have been more palatable, in my opinion.
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Reading Progress
December 5, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
December 5, 2019
– Shelved
December 6, 2019
– Shelved as:
biblical-fiction
January 25, 2021
–
Started Reading
January 25, 2021
– Shelved as:
audiobook
January 25, 2021
–
14.0%
January 28, 2021
–
50.0%
January 31, 2021
–
50.0%
January 31, 2021
– Shelved as:
historical-fiction
January 31, 2021
–
Finished Reading
February 24, 2021
– Shelved as:
2021-reads
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Berengaria
(new)
Jan 31, 2021 10:48PM
Have you tried Marianne Fredriksson's "According to Mary"? That's a really well done Jesus love story (Mary Magdalene though). This one sounds like it wasn't thought through enough. (Nice review!)
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Berengaria wrote: "Have you tried Marianne Fredriksson's "According to Mary"? That's a really well done Jesus love story (Mary Magdalene though). This one sounds like it wasn't thought through enough. (Nice review!)"Thank you for your comments, Berengaria! Actually, based on Kidd's extensive "Author's Note", I truly believe she thought this story out quite thoroughly and over a long period of time. The problem is me - I didn't like the main character that much (she seemed too self-centered), and I felt uncomfortable with the relationship between Ana and Jesus. I guess I'm not into "love" stories about Jesus! I did read Mary, Called Magdalene by Margaret George last year. It was also well-researched. The story depicts Mary Magdalene as a follower of Jesus; nothing more. This is the type of biblical fiction I enjoy.
The premise of this book is intriguing, but I also wonder if I would have a hard time wrapping my head around it. I always love your attention to details, Debbie.
Nancy wrote: "The premise of this book is intriguing, but I also wonder if I would have a hard time wrapping my head around it. I always love your attention to details, Debbie."Nancy, thank you so much for your kind comments! I should know better than to read books based on these ideas as I tend to groan (inwardly and outwardly) when I read/hear something that bugs me big time!
Superb review, Debbie.The only book by Kidd that I have read is her debut novel, "The Secret Life of Bees," which I read years ago and enjoyed. But, for reasons you mentioned, I think I will pass on this one
Howard wrote: "Superb review, Debbie.The only book by Kidd that I have read is her debut novel, "The Secret Life of Bees," which I read years ago and enjoyed. But, for reasons you mentioned, I think I will pass..."
Thank you, Howard! I, too, have read Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, as well as The Mermaid Chair. I liked her debut novel the best. As for The Book of Longings, it received a lot of very positive reviews, but I just felt uncomfortable throughout the book. I must read book summaries more carefully from now on!
Debbie wrote: "Howard wrote: "Superb review, Debbie.The only book by Kidd that I have read is her debut novel, "The Secret Life of Bees," which I read years ago and enjoyed. But, for reasons you mentioned, I th..."
Yes, I checked and saw that it has a high readership here on GR, but I still pass.
Excellent review Debbie. I have it and will read it with your thoughts in mind for sure.
John wrote: "Excellent review Debbie. I have it and will read it with your thoughts in mind for sure."Thank you, John! I must point out that Kidd hesitated for several years to write such a story, and now that she has chosen to, she did so quite reverentially. Many readers, like myself, read this with trepidation, but unlike myself, really enjoyed the story overall. I'm glad you're choosing to read it. I look forward to your review!
Your review is fantastic, Debbie. I've read the premise for this before, and it's one I don't think I'd enjoy, but it certainly is interesting!
Kat wrote: "Your review is fantastic, Debbie. I've read the premise for this before, and it's one I don't think I'd enjoy, but it certainly is interesting!"Thank you, Kat! When I read the summary about Ana being the wife of Jesus, that should have been a BIG clue for me to steer clear of this one.
Great review, Debbie! What I like in your reviews is that you take the time to explain all the points you like and not, and why. I have this book on my list, because it has very high reviews, and will read it, having in mind your review. I don't like when historical books or films are not true to past events, I am not sure if this is the case with this one. I understand the author have to fantasize a little bit but the core of the past event has to remain.
Isabel wrote: "Great review, Debbie! What I like in your reviews is that you take the time to explain all the points you like and not, and why. I have this book on my list, because it has very high reviews, and w..."Thank you, Isabel! I hope you do get a chance to read this book, as it has received many positive reviews. Kidd does mention in her "Author's Note" that she has taken liberties of changing some events and timelines mentioned in the Bible. I look forward to your review!
I love the deep thought and perspective you put into your reviews, Debbie! Like you I am doubtful of the premise of this story. Fabulous review!
Terrie wrote: "I love the deep thought and perspective you put into your reviews, Debbie! Like you I am doubtful of the premise of this story. Fabulous review!"Thank you so much, Terrie, for your kind words! I think having the fictional character of Ana written as a sister to Judas (as told in this story) would have been acceptable to me. Wife of Jesus? Not so much.
Well-presented Debbie. I loved this story, but I know this is one of those stories that might be controversial to some. And I know that we may feel differently about some stories even if we like the same style of writing :)
Annette wrote: "Well-presented Debbie. I loved this story, but I know this is one of those stories that might be controversial to some. And I know that we may feel differently about some stories even if we like th..."Thanks, Annette! I knew the premise of this story going in, and I enjoyed all the rave reviews. I guess parts of it didn't jive with me. All in all, Annette, I do trust your ratings/reviews, so if you ever come across a 4 or 5 star read, please feel free to recommend it to me. I may or may not choose to read it, but I do enjoy those historical stories that are seldom written about.
OK, Debbie. Will keep you in mind :)
Sorry this didn’t turn out to be better for you, Debbie. I appreciate your honest review. Debating this one!
Mischenko wrote: "Sorry this didn’t turn out to be better for you, Debbie. I appreciate your honest review. Debating this one!"Thanks, Mischenko! You win some, you lose some! Ratings are all over the place with this one! I wish I paid closer attention to the synopsis.
I am so glad i read your review, Debbie. It makes me want to read it. I come looking for titles and am glad when you have read it yourself. I love how you point out your thoughts to pros and cons. Helps this community out, a lot!
Karina wrote: "I am so glad i read your review, Debbie. It makes me want to read it. I come looking for titles and am glad when you have read it yourself. I love how you point out your thoughts to pros and cons. ..."Glad it was helpful, Karina! Hope you enjoy it more than I did.
Fast forward a year- I’m reading it and I’m having the same problems with imagining Jesus being married. I feel weird about it like “I better like this B- Ana if she’s going to be married to this fine man!” Idk… 🤷🏻♀️💨 I know it won’t be a favorite!
Karina wrote: "Fast forward a year- I’m reading it and I’m having the same problems with imagining Jesus being married. I feel weird about it like “I better like this B- Ana if she’s going to be married to this f..."Haha! I hear you, Karina! Keep me posted!
