The Book of Longings – Sue Monk Kidd - 3 stars

[Linda C]

I had mixed feelings about this book. Ana is a brilliant 14 year old girl born at the wrong time when none of her mind was appreciated or encouraged. Despite that she endeavors to secretly write the narratives of neglected and marginalized women.

She is forced into a betrothal to an old man but is drawn to another whom she sees at a distance and pursues. He is an 18 year old carpenter and stonemason named Jesus. The author imagines a marriage between these 2 after a couple of years of drama in her life. He seems pretty focused on his duty to his family and prayer.

The story is really Ana's story so we only see Jesus as he relates to her. When he gets closer to the time of his ministry he is away a lot. Little is explained about his choices, his miracles, his birth and relation to God. All is off screen while Ana conveniently gets herself in trouble and has to leave town, then is brought back for his death.

Though the historical time frame is well portrayed I had little sympathy for Ana at times and would really have liked more time given to Jesus' developing.