The Book of Longings: A Novel

‘“Did this really happen?” Tabitha asked. “No, dear,” Yaltha said. “It’s not meant to be a factual story, but it’s still true.”’ (p57) This novel isn’t a retelling of the Gospels – it’s largely a fascinating, carefully researched parallel story about compelling fictional characters. Despite the author’s premise, Jesus plays a smaller role in the book than you might expect. Other Gospel figures make their appearance -- the author’s treatment of Judas and John the “Immerser” are especially strong -- but they are all secondary characters. The book is a thoughtful “what if” that hints at “why not.” Serious, faithful to its setting, and respectful, it invites readers to use their imagination to ponder profound questions. It’s undoubtedly risky to write a novel that rethinks material readers view as sacred in any sense of the word. When done well, however, the results can be spectacular, and that’s what happens here. Some of the book is what you’d expect – a creative backstory here, a clever new twist there. The big hook (a provocative “shocker” revealed in the first line in the book) isn’t exactly a new idea, and the feminist message, while heartfelt, sometimes feels heavy-handed. But these are quibbles – in my view, this is a powerful book. It’s certainly on a par with “The Red Tent”.

Today on “Y’all Have Got to Read This,” I have a book that will absolutely challenge the way you think about women during the time of Jesus. “The Book of Longings” by Sue Monk Kidd is a deeply serious, mentally demanding work—one that lingers long after you read the last word. Having grown up in a strict, fundamentalist religion, I was taught stories about Jesus from a very young age. In those stories, women played only small, supporting roles with Mary’s virgin birth being the largest exception. I was taught that Jesus never married or fell in love, as if such things were somehow beneath him. But as I grew older and learned more about the Jewish faith, I began to realize that a thirty-year-old man in that culture would have been expected to marry and have children. Even so, whenever I let myself imagine that, those early teachings rose up and shut the thought down. This book blew that wide open. Ana’s long and heartbreaking story, beginning with her wealthy upbringing and her early understanding that all of life is an economy. It follows her to Nazareth, where she lives with and eventually marries Jesus and his family. The story is beautifully written, often poetic, and it awed me with its imaginative, sensory detail. Yet I found myself feeling guilty for even allowing my mind to explore the images it created. Still, like Ana, I wanted to know more. I soaked up every page. By the end, I hurt for Ana the way you hurt for any woman who loses her husband in such a public, horrific way. Her grief over losing a child alone—and her longing to be with Jesus again—stays with me even now. Months later, when I think back on the story, strong emotions and vivid images still rise to the surface. No matter what you believe about Jesus or how you were raised, this is a powerful story about a woman who dared to want more from life than to be a wealthy man’s ornament. I gave it five stars. Any book that pushes your thinking the way this one did deserves the highest praise.

Spoilers It took a lot of "chutzpah" to write a novel about, not only a married Jesus, but a Jesus who had brothers and a sister and who sweated and smiled and presumably farted. As a non-Christian, I found the book incredibly refreshing. After years of being overshadowed by "The Big J," I felt I could make peace with Christianity after reading this book. Though the character of Jesus in this novel didn't perform miracles and magic, he was truly a mensch as Jews understand him. He was a believer. His prayers were sincere. He followed The Torah and he stood up to the Romans, demanding freedom for his people. He found something to love in some of the most unlovable characters and he suffered horribly for his beliefs. This is the story of Jesus as seen through the eyes of Ana, a well-to-do, intelligent Hebrew girl who spotted, and fell in love with a young Jesus at the marketplace. As her parents dragged her through the streets to marry her off to a widowed man old enough to be her father, she spots Jesus, and he haunts her thoughts and dreams. Though she's intelligent and independent, she cannot pursue her attraction. Her life as a Hebrew woman doesn't give her that power. She is destined only for marriage and motherhood. When her aged "fiance" suddenly dies, Ana is greatly relieved. But, her parents soon set her straight. She is damaged goods. By society, she is considered a widow, and is therefore not desirable. Her father attempts to sell his "damaged" daughter to Herod Antipas as a concubine. She escapes, chased by an official who calls her harlot and thief. She finds herself trapped and accused, and is nearly stoned by the crowds. Jesus appears and saves her life, urging he who is without sin to cast the first stone. He offers to marry her, and because she already loves him - and her future prospects are bleak - she marries him. The author's character development is incredible. Of special mention is Ana's aunt, Yaltha, a guiding force. in Ana's life. She follows Ana to live with Jesus's family, including his mother, Mary, and his three siblings. Yaltha is Ana's beloved teacher who helps her through the many trials and tribulations in her life. At first, I found it odd that the character of Jesus is not as well developed. I believe that's on purpose. The author is allowing room for interpretation by readers. As nebulous as Jesus appeared, he was a truly likable individual and witnessing his crucifixion through Ana's eyes brought tears to my eyes. The author handled a delicate subject with the utmost class and tact. This novel could have gone very wrong, but thanks to the skill and delicacy of the author it is a beautifully written, intelligent, and yes, spiritual, story.

Es una maravilla. Está lleno de sabiduría. Hermosas descripciones. Precisión histórica. Maravillosamente imaginado. No pude dejar de leerlo.

You don't have to be religious to read and enjoy this book. When I got to the end and read the author's note, I learned the book was actually made to show a life where "Jesus Christ" had a wife - a female figure that would have normally been silenced at that time. So really interesting to learn more about women at the time, traditions, relationships and a nice twist between what is "known" from Jesus' story and a made up (potential and probable) story that blends so well.

Ho letto questo libro in inglese. Adoro questa autrice, ha un modo di descrizione bellissima e si percepisce tutta la ricerca messa nel racconto. Per chi ama il suo lavoro lo consiglio questo libro.

As a religious studies teacher I was hesitant when this was suggested by my book club. However, it was well written with a good basis of historical research. More importantly though it poignantly told the story of women and was a refreshing interpretation of feminist theology. The book seemed to encapsulate Rosemary Radford Reuthers’ belief that an encounter with God/Goddess (Being) can only be achieved when women have encountered themselves. I did find the pace a little challenging at the beginning, but it soon became an engrossing read that I couldn’t put down. I am (and always have been) an atheist but I did not find anything preachy, which was a relief - an enjoyable and thought provoking read.

Con su narrativa y su investigación minuciosa, Sue Monk Kidd me transportó a esa época, a esa historia. El libro de los anhelos es un libro en donde los personajes son mujeres poderosas, mujeres adelantadas a si tiempo, mujeres sabias. ¡No podía parar de leer!