Emma Keeling – Content Editor
I acquired The Book of Longings from my Book of the Month subscription box, choosing it because it was definitely something out of my comfort zone and the opposite of my favorite genre, horror. However, I’m so glad I took a chance with this book, because it made me realize I had another favorite genre – historical fiction. I grew up Catholic and became non-religious in my late teens, so choosing a Catholic based religious novel was certainly a change of pace for me. Regardless of my religious standing, The Book of Longings is now on my top five list.
The Book of Longings is the fictional story of Ana, a young feminist woman in the first-century Jewish world of Galilee who becomes the wife of Jesus of Nazareth. Unlike most of her female peers, Ana loves to learn and write rather than seek a wealthy husband and bore their children. She writes of the oppressed and silenced women of her time but must keep it secret from everyone around her. When she meets Jesus, everything changes for her. They marry and are full of love and laughter while living with Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his brothers. However, amidst Rome’s occupation of Israel and the resistance against it, Jesus and Ana find themselves in troubling and different circumstances. After many years of troubles, tribulations, and separation, Ana and Jesus’ worlds collide among the events some consider the most impactful in human history.
I read this book in the midst of quarantining in the summer or 2020, so I was able to read it quickly and unbothered. Basically, I’m saying I read it in one sitting. My reservations about reading this novel quickly dwindled after reading the first few pages of this rebellious and exciting feminist novel. I felt connected to Ana right from the start because of her personability and seemingly modern take on feminism. The issues that young women went through at this time was something I had thought of, but never fully understood until reading Ana’s story. The writing had me feeling for Ana and the women, laughing with her and Jesus, and crying when their love came to a dramatic close.
Sue Monk Kidd explains her urge to write this novel and why it took her so long – five years – to write and publish it. She understands how much of an effect Jesus and his story has had on millions of people for hundreds of years. She also took this time to research the facts to ensure that she was giving her readers the most factual accounts she could while creating this fictional character. The language throughout is easy to understand and modern, while still making the reader feel like they’re in Ana and Jesus’ world.
I would highly recommend this historical fiction novel to anyone looking for a passionate, inspiring read. It’s overall informative, heartwarming, and audacious.
Emma Keeling is a third-year student at BGSU studying Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Her favorite genres of books include mystery and horror and her favorite author is Stephen King. She can usually be found curled up on the couch studying, reading, or watching movies. To easily contact Emma, email her at emmamk@bgsu.edu.
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