Regina's Reviews > The Book of Longings

Is this latest novel by the author of THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES and THE INVENTION OF WINGS blasphemous, since it’s a story about the wife of Jesus? I think that’s a question readers will have to answer for themselves, but anyone with trepidation may be better informed for their decision by reading the Author’s Note at the end of the book.

THE BOOK OF LONGINGS is *historical fiction,” and nobody’s saying it’s a recently unearthed memoir. If you can accept the concept that Jesus may have had a wife that history has erased (Ana), then what you’ll find is a well written, thought provoking piece of literature. I loved Ana’s strength of character and desire (or shall I say longing?) to give voice to silenced women.

I don’t read many books in this genre, but it was reminiscent of THE RED TENT to me. Fans of that novel (and of Sue Monk Kidd) should flip to the back, read the Author’s Note, then dive in.