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The Book of Longings

By: Sue Monk Kidd
Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò, Sue Monk Kidd
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Publisher's Summary

The New York Times Best seller

From the author of the multi-million-copy-selling The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings

An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from the celebrated number one New York Times best-selling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings.

'I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus.'

In her mesmerising fourth work of fiction, Sue Monk Kidd brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of a young woman called Ana.

Ana is a rebellious young woman, a gifted writer with a curious, brilliant mind, who writes secret narratives about the neglected and silenced women around her. Raised in a wealthy family in Galilee, she is sheltered from the brutality of Rome's occupation of Israel. Ana is expected to marry an elderly widower to further her father's ambitions, a prospect that horrifies her. A chance encounter with the 18-year-old Jesus changes everything: his ideas and his passion are intoxicating.

Taking Ana on a journey she could never have imagined, The Book of Longings is a glorious evocation of a time and a place where astounding events unfolded, and of one woman's fate when she fights to make her voice heard.

©2020 Sue Monk Kidd (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"Superlative.... From a writer at the top of her game.... A practically perfect historical novel." (New York Journal of Books

"A bold, imaginative reworking." (Sunday Times

"Brilliant.... Brava!" (The Daily Mail

What listeners say about The Book of Longings

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Loved this!

This is a most interesting and thought provoking novel, based on aspects of Jesus’ life and imagining him to have married. It follows Anna, his wife, from childhood to old age, and gives a remarkable insight into various strata of society in the years before Christ’s crucifixion. Beautifully narrated. A compelling listen, and I highly recommend it. Make sure you listen to the author notes at the end for context.

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Beautiful!

A historical story that we’ve all heard but reimagined and brought to life through the beautiful fictional character Ana. I’m not a religious person but I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book and would recommend to anyone who likes a lead female character with a heartfelt story that will probably make you cry.

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Breath taking

The story is amazing and captivating. The story of Ana is one I will never forget, the line between fiction and non-fiction is blurred beautifully.
The narration superb.

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a must read

A story that will stay with you forever. My all time favourite book, a must read.

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Loved it.

Beautifully written and articulated. I didn't want to stop listening! Enthralling description and idea.

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wow what a wonderful adventure..

I haven't read fiction in years & hadn't intention to restart yet hearing of this book through a Brene Brown podcast I immediately obtained it yet not drawn to indulge in just the pleasureof reading, forsaking education, I left it on the shelf (so to speak) yet it is now with heartfelt adoration I write this review wishing I'd allowed myself sooner to partake in it's beauty.. in fact I can't wait to read it again!

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A captivating story, narrated beautifully

Enjoyed this thoroughly. couldn't put it down. Beautifully written and we'll researched SMK has taken me on a journey through ancient lands and within myself. I loved the narration- I'd seek out this narrator again!

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amazing book.

absolutely loved this book and by whom it is told by.
thank you for such a beautiful story.

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Fantastic, intricately woven story

Sue Monk Kidd has done it again. This narrative speaks for the unheard voices of women from the time of Jesus.It is told in first person by his wife, it's not only an enticing story, but an enlightening journey of the times. Kidd explores and unearths the life of women in that era with exquisite and heart felt story telling that has been thoroughly researched, so you feel you are truly in those times with the characters. She cleverly peppers the birth of Christianity throughout the story with poignancy.
Highly recommend the story and the narrator!

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The female perspective

This was a lovely narrated novel. A satisfying perspective from the female side about a history we know very little about.
Interesting historical and enjoyable.

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