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jessica's Reviews > The Book of Longings
The Book of Longings
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im not a historian, nor am i a theologian; but neither are necessary to feel so deeply astonished by this story.
before reading, the book synopsis had intrigued me. i found the concept to be fascinating and promising. but it was when i opened to the first page, read the first paragraph, that i knew this story would own my heart. the writing is just so breathtaking beautiful, i had goosebumps. the language is so poetic and radiates love.
and i think thats why this story worked so much for me - because at its heart, its a story of a woman who loves a man and how their intertwining lives bring forth change.
this story does narrate part of jesus’ human life and historical journey (as opposed to a theological one), but it isnt really about jesus. its about ana. a strong, independent, and compelling woman who wants to support the person she loves. i admire her as a character and the strong role womanhood plays in this story. so often woman get overlooked throughout history and lose their voices, so i appreciate how this story gives ana and other women a way to keep theirs.
i know this book wont be for everyone, but i found it to be personally moving in a way i never could have expected.
↠ 5 stars
before reading, the book synopsis had intrigued me. i found the concept to be fascinating and promising. but it was when i opened to the first page, read the first paragraph, that i knew this story would own my heart. the writing is just so breathtaking beautiful, i had goosebumps. the language is so poetic and radiates love.
and i think thats why this story worked so much for me - because at its heart, its a story of a woman who loves a man and how their intertwining lives bring forth change.
this story does narrate part of jesus’ human life and historical journey (as opposed to a theological one), but it isnt really about jesus. its about ana. a strong, independent, and compelling woman who wants to support the person she loves. i admire her as a character and the strong role womanhood plays in this story. so often woman get overlooked throughout history and lose their voices, so i appreciate how this story gives ana and other women a way to keep theirs.
i know this book wont be for everyone, but i found it to be personally moving in a way i never could have expected.
↠ 5 stars
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Reading Progress
April 20, 2020
– Shelved
April 20, 2020
– Shelved as:
to-read
Started Reading
May 15, 2020
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Finished Reading
May 16, 2020
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Comments Showing 1-50 of 62 (62 new)
message 1:
by
soleil
(new)
May 19, 2020 08:00AM
I got my mom this book for mother’s day! Hoping she likes it as well. Great review!
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what a great present! im sure she will love it! <3
Such a great review Jessica ! I have really loved the Sue Monk Kidd's books I've read in the past so I am very much looking forward to reading this one.
Great review! Great book!
charlie - thank you!! i hope you enjoy this one! this is my first book by her and i was blown about by the writing quality. i hope to read more of her books in the future!kathleen - thank you so much! glad to hear you enjoyed this one, too! :)
Im so happy you liked this! Im starting this one soon hopefully 🤩
Sue Monk Kidd is one of those authors that I will try most anything they write. The Secret Life of Bees was one of my all time favorite novels. Later her direction veered to the religious side and my interest waned on account of that. So, I am betwixt and between on this one. Your review leads me to believe I might like it, mainly because one of my main parameters in judging books is the author’s use of language. Thanks.
ana - awww. thank you! i hope you enjoy it as much as i did!sherril - yeah, i totally get that. for what its worth, im not a fan of religious books either and fortunately this didnt feel religious to me. it definitely feels more historical fiction and the writing is superb.
I loved this one too! Kidd does a great job with a tough subject. She’s got such great talent.
Based on your review it is now on my Want to Read shelf. Sounds interesting.
lori - awww. yay! i agree and im so happy to hear you loved this one too! <3sue - yes! so glad this book caught your eye!
Great review Jessica! I just started reading it.
Hi Jessica, I have a question, do you think non-christian can understand this book or is it rely on former knowledge? I really like the concept and your review but I'm afraid I won't understand it
a non-christian can definitely understand it! the only thing you need to know is jesus was a man from nazareth who spent time teaching others about god and was later crucified. the story doesnt go beyond that. those familiar with the bible will recognise familiar stories, but the main focus of the book is really his wife, ana.
Does it glorify Christian theology or attempt to sway the reader towards it?
Loved this review!! I’m devouring this book. Breathtakingly beautiful best sums it up!
Just about to read it- thanks for your review- somewhat heartened that I might enjoy- being an atheist
I agree! It was beautiful and I’m not kidding, I did cry while reading this
Just finished reading this wonderful book. So well written. The characters are strong. I couldn’t put it down. I love reading about strong minded women.
I wholeheartedly agree! This was a beautifully captivating book.
I just finished. Beautifully written story.
Wonderful review for a wonderful book. The interweaving of Ana’s story with the story of Jesus is beautiful.
I just finished it last night. Jessica I couldn’t review it any better!
Brilliant review Jessica!! Thank you
Awesome love story and so beautifully written!
Great review. I read this book in Audio form. I loved it and the reader was extraordinary!
Great review! This is my favorite book of the year.
I actually felt as if I was walking along side Ana. This author never disappoints me.
I listened to it on Audible and the narrator performed it so beautifully- to really allow the exquisite writing to come through.
I just finished it. I agree with this review. A wonderful blend of fiction with theology.
I loved this book.
I agree with all this review and loved the book - while it is fictional, I find it quite plausible and more in line with the time Jesus lived.
I totally agree with this review. I am listening to the audio & not doing much of anything else because I really am enjoying it.
These are the words I couldn’t find! Everything you said.
Couldn’t say it better. This book spoke to me.
sounds a bit like my book Rebel Daughter. I'm definitely going to have to check this out. I love Sue Monk Kidd. And she's from my hometown in SC!
oh, your book sounds so good! congrats on the release! i will definitely have to pick it up soon - thanks for letting me know! :)
This book must be allowed to stand on its own merit, read as a story about a strong woman who makes her life extraordinary. The perspective of the narrator provides a unique angle from which to contemplate familiar stories. Always one to consider the “what-if,” I respect the “what-ifs” proposed by the author and this work.
Half way through and not terribly impressed. I guess it's the writing style. I loved her Secret Life of Bees, but this feels contrived, like she's trying too hard to imitate the style of biblical writings...?
I could not have said this any better. I was so taken with this story, this woman, this man. A strong leader, a strong woman are awesome characters in any century!
I LOVED this book - I have loved all of this author’s books, but this may be my favorite. Her prose is gorgeous. I didn’t want the book to end. What a provocative script. I loved the sentiments about every person having their own “Largeness” and how Ana recognized that she had a voice in spite of being a woman during that time. I’m still reeling from all of the insights and vibrating with the spirit of this writing.
Ditto. Thanks for putting into words my feelings about this book
Absolutely agree 100! I’m still mesmerized
I love the author’s writing style with skillful use of language and imagery in a backdrop of thousand years ago. How true all these women’s stories from the antiquity still strike a cord to me as a 21st century reader. What a timeless piece of literature.
Do you need to know the Bible to read this book? I am not Christian but I bought this book on a whim without considering how my lack of bible knowledge might affect me. Thoughts?
nope! not all all! the focus is not on biblical events (they are more of a side thing), but rather on ana, a woman who just wants to support her husband. you will be totally fine. :)
