The Book of Longings introduces a vibrant cast of characters navigating the tumultuous world of first-century Galilee and Alexandria. At the center is Ana, a woman of fierce intellect and deep spiritual longing, whose life intertwines with that of Jesus in unexpected ways. Their story, and those of the people around them, explores themes of love, ambition, and the search for meaning in a world shaped by political and religious upheaval.
Main Characters
Ana
"All my life, longings lived inside me, rising up like nocturnes to wail and sing through the night. That my husband bent his heart to mine on our thin straw mat and listened was the kindness I most loved in him. What he heard was my life begging to be born."
Ana is the heart of the novel, a woman whose intellectual curiosity and spiritual depth set her apart in a world that seeks to silence her. From her privileged yet stifled upbringing in Sepphoris, she yearns for knowledge and expression, defying the patriarchal norms that confine women to domestic roles. Her marriage to Jesus becomes a sanctuary where her ambitions are nurtured, but his growing ministry and eventual crucifixion propel her on a journey of self-discovery. Ultimately, Ana flees to Alexandria, where she finds refuge and purpose among the Therapeutae, dedicating herself to preserving the stories of women and finding her own voice in history.
Jesus
"I’m all of those," he said. "But I belong to none of them."
Jesus is reimagined as a fully human figure, a man who grapples with his divine calling while experiencing the joys and sorrows of earthly life. He is Ana's "Beloved," a partner who cherishes her intellect and supports her aspirations, creating a marriage built on equality and mutual respect. His compassion for the marginalized and his message of love and inner spirituality put him at odds with the religious and political authorities of his time. As his ministry grows, Jesus faces increasing opposition, ultimately leading to his crucifixion, a fate that deeply impacts Ana and shapes the course of her life.
Supporting Characters
Yaltha
"A man’s holy of holies contains God’s laws, but inside a woman’s there are only longings."
Yaltha, Ana's aunt, is a fiercely independent and educated woman who serves as Ana's mentor and confidante. Having suffered under patriarchal oppression, she is determined to empower Ana, providing her with the knowledge and encouragement she needs to defy societal expectations. Yaltha becomes a steadfast ally, following Ana on her journey and eventually finding her own fulfillment among the Therapeutae in Egypt.
Judas
"Until the Messiah comes, the sword is all we’ve got."
Judas, Ana's adopted brother, is a passionate Zealot whose revolutionary fervor puts him in tragic opposition to Jesus's message of non-violence. Driven by his hatred for Rome and his desire for a political messiah, Judas becomes disillusioned with Jesus's teachings, leading to his betrayal and a devastating rift with both Ana and Jesus. His actions ultimately contribute to Jesus's crucifixion and his own demise.
Herod Antipas
As the Tetrarch of Galilee, Herod Antipas is a cruel and ambitious ruler who represents the oppressive political power that threatens Ana and her family. His lust for Ana and his ruthless pursuit of power create constant danger, forcing Ana to flee Galilee and contributing to the overall sense of political unrest in the region.
Matthias
Matthias, Ana's father, is a high-ranking scribe in Herod Antipas's court, torn between his love for his daughter and his desire for status and influence. He uses Ana as a pawn in his political schemes, arranging her betrothal to advance his own position, which ultimately drives her away from her home.
Hadar
Hadar, Ana's mother, embodies the conventional expectations of women in her society, attempting to enforce these rules upon her daughter. Resentful of Ana's intellectual pursuits, Hadar represents the societal forces that Ana must overcome in her quest for self-expression.
Tabitha
Tabitha, Ana's friend from Sepphoris, suffers a horrific act of violence that silences her, highlighting the brutal reality of violence against women. Despite her trauma, Tabitha finds a new voice through music, eventually reuniting with Ana and finding healing and artistic expression among the Therapeutae.
Minor Characters
- Lavi: A loyal servant who becomes a devoted friend to Ana and Yaltha, eventually finding his own freedom in Alexandria.
- Phasaelis: Herod Antipas's first wife, a Nabataean princess who forms a secret friendship with Ana, who warns her of Antipas's plot to divorce her.
- Diodora/Chaya: Yaltha's long-lost daughter, who was sold into servitude and raised as an attendant in the temple of Isis, eventually reuniting with her mother.
- Skepsis: The wise and compassionate leader of the Therapeutae, who offers Ana and Yaltha sanctuary and recognizes Ana's spiritual and intellectual gifts.
- Haran: Yaltha's cruel older brother, who is responsible for separating her from her daughter and serves as a final antagonist.
- Mary (Jesus's mother): A kind and accepting mother-in-law to Ana, who suffers quietly through the controversy surrounding her son.
- John the Immerser: The fiery prophet whose preaching inspires Jesus to begin his own ministry and whose execution foreshadows Jesus's fate.
Character Relationships & Dynamics
The relationships between the characters in The Book of Longings are complex and deeply intertwined, shaping their individual journeys and the overall narrative.
- Ana and Jesus share a profound and egalitarian partnership, supporting each other's ambitions and challenging the traditional roles of men and women in their society.
- Ana and Yaltha form a powerful bond of mentorship and friendship, with Yaltha guiding Ana towards self-discovery and empowering her to defy societal expectations.
- Jesus and Judas represent a tragic conflict of ideologies, with Judas's desire for a violent revolution clashing with Jesus's message of love and forgiveness.
- Ana faces opposition from her parents, Matthias and Hadar, who represent the societal pressures that seek to confine her to a traditional role.
- The women in the novel, including Ana, Yaltha, Tabitha, Phasaelis, and Diodora, form bonds of solidarity and support, creating a network that helps them survive and resist the oppressive patriarchal world they inhabit.