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The Book of Longings

From the author of the international bestseller THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES
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( 130,488 ratings, 15,951 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd is a historical fiction novel that imagines the life of Ana, a rebellious and intellectual woman in the first century. The story follows her journey as she struggles for her voice to be heard, all while navigating a life intertwined with the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you love richly imaginative historical fiction that reimagines the life of a strong, intelligent woman set during the time of Jesus. Sue Monk Kidd crafts a compelling narrative filled with vivid detail and emotional depth that explores themes of female empowerment and the search for one's voice.

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The Book of Longings

In the first century AD, a rebellious young woman finds her voice . . . The stunning New York Times bestseller from the author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
THE New York Times BESTSELLER

The stunning bestseller about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from the author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings

'Transporting, life-affirming, gripping. It is simply brilliant' Mel Giedroyc

'Fascinating . . . Clever, rebellious Ana is a memorable character' The Times

'Brilliant . . . Brava!' The Daily Mail

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd is an extraordinary and captivating tale set in the first century in Galilee, a time and place where women’s voices were rarely heard, let alone valued. In this masterful narrative, we meet Ana, a young woman born into an affluent family who yearns for a life bigger than what society dictates. Women's roles are confined to being daughters, then wives, but Ana defies the norms of her time. Educated against her mother’s wishes, she develops a passion for writing, fuelled by the stories and silenced voices of women around her.

Facing an unwanted arranged marriage to an elderly widower, Ana’s spirit is revived upon meeting a young, charismatic carpenter named Jesus. This chance encounter ignites a powerful new hope within her, hinting at a future beyond her wildest dreams. But Ana's journey is far from a simplistic love story. Sue Monk Kidd weaves a profound narrative exploring Ana's path as she seeks her own destiny amidst the joys and tragedies that life brings. Alongside her personal evolution, the friendships she forges with other women become an essential part of her resilience and growth.

The Book of Longings is not just a historical novel, but an exquisite tale of ambition, persistence, and the unshakeable force of women determined to shape their own destinies. It is a passionate call to the silenced voices of past and present, reflecting on the power within every woman to impact the world around her.

'One of my favourites' Alicia Keys

'I kept having to close this novel and breathe deeply, again and again . . . It is a true masterpiece' Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed

'Unleashes the reader's imagination with glorious evocations of extraordinary times and places, allowing our minds to roam . . . Original, challenging, beautiful' Adele Parks, Platinum

'Compelling . . . Ana is a truly wonderful character, strong and inspiring, and her life story so captivating that it swept me along' Good Housekeeping

'This moving novel by bestselling author Sue Monk Kidd persuasively imagines the marriage between a brilliant young woman and Jesus' Daily Mail

'Incredible . . . A story which is full of humanity, love and tenderness - and one which touched me deeply.' Brown Flopsy's Book Bureau

'The way that Hamnet gave a voice to Shakespeare's wife, this does the same for Ana . . . One of the greats for historical fiction' Books by Bindu

'Not a day has passed since I finished reading it that I have not thought about Ana, her story, and the beautiful lyrical words Sue has written' TheFallenLibrarian

'I loved it. I loved the feminist theme, I loved the language and I loved the imagery of putting voice to your longings and then giving birth to them. Just fab' BetweenMyLines

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Sue Monk Kidd's The Book of Longings is praised for its bold and imaginative re-imagining of the New Testament from a female perspective. Reviewers highlight its compelling and inspiring protagonist, Ana, who defies societal norms to make her voice heard. The book is noted for its rich historical detail and vivid descriptions, engaging readers with its powerful portrayal of women's struggles and triumphs.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472232519

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 March 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Tinder Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 192.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 432

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About the Author

Sue Monk Kidd is the author of THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, one of the most beloved novels of the 21st century. It spent 2.5 years on the New York Times bestseller list, and has sold over 8 million copies worldwide. It was long-listed for the Orange Prize (now the Women's Prize for Fiction) and made into a film starring Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson. Sue's subsequent novels, THE MERMAID CHAIR, THE INVENTION OF WINGS and now THE BOOK OF LONGINGS, were all New York Times bestsellers.

Sue is also the author of several non-fiction books including the New York Times bestseller TRAVELLING WITH POMEGRANATES, co-written with her daughter Ann Kidd Taylor. Sue lives in Florida.

www.suemonkkidd.com; Twitter @suemonkkidd

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