Tinder Press The Book of Longings: From the author of the international bestseller THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

This is a tricky one to review. I’m in two minds about it, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Monk Kidd has taken an extraordinary gamble. By choosing to rewrite the so-called ‘greatest story ever told’, she stands to alienate a sizeable chunk of her readership. It’s a strange thing to do, and possibly a tad self-indulgent, if I’m honest.Even if you’re not particularly religious and happy to go with Monk Kidd’s premise about Jesus having a wife named Ana, you’ll almost certainly know enough about the Bible to understand where the narrative will end up. As soon as you learn the name of Ana’s brother, you know what role he’ll ultimately play. And, of course, you know that Ana will be widowed. So, in terms of plot, and building to a denouement, there are really no surprises.That said, I do feel that the biblical setting is primarily there for context. The real focus of the story is Ana and her determination to have a voice in a society where women are no more than chattels. There is no denying that Monk Kidd is a supremely gifted storyteller, and I found myself quickly sucked into the narrative. I warmed easily to Ana, to her spiritedness, intelligence and compassion, and I cheered her efforts to escape the cage that confined her, to give a voice to women who had suffered and had none. I also enjoyed what little there was of the romance between Ana and Jesus, especially the teasing humor they shared.For me, though — and I’d be surprised if this wasn’t Monk Kidd’s Intention — the main takeaway from this novel is the power of sisterhood; the ability of women to draw strength from each other and rise above subjugation, abuse and discrimination. It was true 2000 years ago, and it is still true today.However, I still found it a difficult book to read and really enjoy. It was tedious in places, leapt over large swathes of time, and was definitely too long. I’ll be surprised if it’s received with the same plaudits as ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and (my favourite) ‘The Invention of Wings’.Thanks for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful. You can find more candid book reviews on my Amazon profile page.

Really enjoyed this book. I have loved all the books I have read by Sue Monk Kidd. This is Jesus's wife's story seen through her eyes. Jesus is a side character. Really good perspective of life as a woman in Roman times in Galilee and Egypt. Really recommend it. A well woven story...kept me enthralled and staying up too late reading it.

Definitely not her best book. I usually really like Sue Shand Kidd. I'imagine she did her research she on the conditions of women in Judea at the time and the living conditions of poor people in Judea of the time and has made the marriage of Jesus not only expected, but normal. Subsequent interpretations in and of the gospels has turned Jesus into a miraculous Son of God and Saviour. She writes without prejudice about this later aspect of Jesus. And of course we know the ending will not turn out well.Please Sue, rectify one thing. Mary did not pick eucalyptus leaves- until the 18th century they grew only in the southern hemisphere -in Australia to be precise. They do grow in many countries and climates now, but not in 1st century AD Judea.

I chose this spontaneously for my book club pick. Enjoyed the story very much, and it was an interesting take on a segment of the biblical timeline of Jesus. Lovely feedback from my book club members also.

Wasn’t at all convinced that this was a book that I would enjoy, but found it compelling and hard to put down. I found her attention to the historical context of women’s lives during this time frame particularly fascinating, along with some of the political history.Strongly recommend this book!