The Book of Longings

ΓÇ£An extraordinary novel . . . a triumph of insight and storytelling.ΓÇ¥ ΓÇöAssociated Press ΓÇ£A true masterpiece.ΓÇ¥ ΓÇöGlennon Doyle,author of Untamed An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destinyfrom the celebrated number one New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings In her mesmerizing fourth work of fictionSue Monk Kidd takes an audacious approach to history and brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of a young woman named Ana. Raised in a wealthy family with ties to the ruler of Galileeshe is rebellious and ambitiouswith a brilliant mind and a daring spirit. She engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes narratives about neglected and silenced women. Ana is expected to marry an older widowera prospect that horrifies her. An encounter with eighteen-year-old Jesus changes everything. Their marriage evolves with love and conflicthumor and pathos in Nazarethwhere Ana makes a home with Jesushis brothersand their motherMary. Ana’s pent-up longings intensify amid the turbulent resistance to Rome’s occupation of Israelpartially led by her brotherJudas. She is sustained by her fearless aunt Yalthawho harbors a compelling secret. When Ana commits a brazen act that puts her in perilshe flees to Alexandriawhere startling revelations and greater dangers unfoldand she finds refuge in unexpected surroundings. Ana determines her fate during a stunning convergence of events considered among the most impactful in human history. Grounded in meticulous research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus’s life that focuses on his humanityThe Book of Longings is an inspiringunforgettable account of one woman’s bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside herwhile living in a timeplace and culture devised to silence her. It is a triumph of storytelling both timely and timelessfrom a masterful writer at the height of her powers.