The Book of Longings: A Summary

At a Glance:

Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: 1st-century Galilee and Egypt
Perspective: First-person, from the viewpoint of Ana

Sue Monk Kidd's The Book of Longings dares to imagine a hidden chapter in history, asking: What if Jesus had a wife? More than just a love story, it's the story of Ana, a woman yearning to write her own destiny in a world determined to silence her. Set against the backdrop of first-century Galilee, Ana's journey intertwines with that of a young Jesus of Nazareth, challenging societal norms and sparking a profound exploration of love, faith, and the power of a woman's voice. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Kidd breathes life into a world where female voices were often erased, inviting us to ponder the untold stories that shape our understanding of history and spirituality.

Plot Overview

Part 1: Sepphoris and Nazareth

The story begins in Sepphoris, where we meet Ana, a spirited and intellectual young woman whose passion for writing clashes with the expectations of her time. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Jesus, a compassionate stonemason from Nazareth. Their connection is immediate, a meeting of kindred spirits who both feel like outsiders. Facing an unwanted betrothal, Ana finds solace and a shared sense of purpose with Jesus, ultimately leading them to marry and begin a life together in Nazareth.

Part 2: Life and Longings

Life in Nazareth is a stark contrast to Ana's privileged upbringing. She grapples with the daily struggles of a peasant woman, the disapproval of Jesus's family, and the suppression of her creative spirit. Despite these challenges, her marriage to Jesus is a partnership of equals, marked by deep love and mutual respect. As Jesus begins to embrace his spiritual calling, Ana supports him, even as she yearns for the freedom to pursue her own intellectual and artistic ambitions.

Part 3: Exile and Awakening

A dangerous bargain with Herod Antipas forces Ana to flee to Alexandria with her aunt, Yaltha. Separated from Jesus, Ana finds refuge among the Therapeutae, a community of Jewish scholars and philosophers. Here, she finally discovers the space and support to pursue her writing, preserving the stories of women and developing her own spiritual voice. This period of exile becomes a journey of self-discovery, allowing Ana to fully embrace her identity as a writer and a woman.

Part 4: Reunion and Remembrance

Drawn back to Judea by a letter from her brother, Judas, Ana arrives in Bethany just before Passover, witnessing the tragic events leading to Jesus's crucifixion. In the aftermath of his death, Ana makes a conscious choice to return to Egypt, dedicating her life to writing and ensuring that the stories of women, including her own, are not forgotten. The novel concludes with Ana embracing her role as a chronicler of women's lives, leaving a legacy of resilience and female empowerment.

Central Characters

Ana: The novel's protagonist and narrator, Ana is an intelligent, passionate, and fiercely independent woman. Her greatest longing is to be a voice, to write and preserve the stories of women. Her journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she navigates societal constraints and ultimately embraces her identity as a writer.
Jesus: Portrayed as a deeply human figure, Jesus is defined by his compassion, his connection to God, and his vision of love and justice. He is Ana's partner and equal, supporting her "largeness" and encouraging her to pursue her dreams. His journey is one of spiritual awakening, leading him to challenge the established order and ultimately sacrifice himself for his beliefs.
Yaltha: Ana's aunt and mentor, Yaltha is a symbol of female wisdom and resilience. Exiled from her family for her intellectual pursuits, she encourages Ana to embrace her own "largeness" and defy societal expectations. Yaltha provides Ana with a model of a woman who has carved her own path, despite the obstacles in her way.
Judas: A complex and tragic figure, Judas is driven by a desire for political justice and vengeance against Rome. His love for Jesus is complicated by his conflicting beliefs about how to achieve liberation, leading to his fateful betrayal.

Major Themes

Feminism and Women's Voices: The novel explores the struggle for female expression and autonomy in a patriarchal world. Ana's longing to write is not just a personal ambition but a symbol of the universal desire for women to be heard and remembered. Her journey highlights the importance of reclaiming and celebrating women's stories, which have often been erased from history.
The Search for Self and Personal Longing: The Book of Longings suggests that every individual possesses a unique purpose or calling, an inner "largeness" that must be honored. Ana's journey is a quest to fulfill this longing, despite the immense external pressures she faces. The novel celebrates the courage it takes to defy expectations and pursue one's own path, even when it leads to unconventional choices.
Love as an Egalitarian Partnership: The relationship between Ana and Jesus is portrayed as a radical partnership of mutual respect and support. They see and cherish the "largeness" in each other, even when their paths diverge. Their love challenges traditional gender roles and offers a vision of a relationship based on equality, understanding, and shared values.

Literary Significance

The Book of Longings is a significant work of feminist historical fiction that reimagines a foundational story of Western civilization. By placing a woman at the center of the Gospel narrative, Sue Monk Kidd challenges centuries of patriarchal interpretation and invites readers to consider the impact of female erasure. The novel also explores the intersection of the sacred and the secular, humanizing a divine figure and suggesting that spirituality is enriched by human relationships and experiences.

Historical Context

The novel is set against the backdrop of 1st-century Judea and Egypt, a time of political and social upheaval. Roman rule, Jewish culture, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Alexandria all play a role in shaping Ana's journey. The presence of Roman soldiers, the patriarchal nature of Jewish society, and the alternative spiritual communities like the Therapeutae all contribute to the rich tapestry of the novel's historical setting.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, The Book of Longings was met with critical acclaim and became a bestseller. Readers and critics praised the novel for its immersive world-building, its compelling protagonist, and its thoughtful portrayal of Jesus. While the premise of a married Jesus sparked some discussion and controversy, the novel was widely embraced for its feminist themes and its exploration of love, faith, and the power of a woman's voice.

Full Book Summary