Book Synopsis:
An inspiring story set in the first century AD about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings
Ana is born in Galilee at a time when women are seen as possessions, only leaving their fathers’ homes to marry.
Ana longs to control her destiny. Taught to read despite her mother’s misgivings, she wants to be a writer and to find her own voice. A voice that will speak for the silenced women around her.
Betrothed to an elderly widower, Ana almost despairs. But an encounter with a charismatic young carpenter in Nazareth awakens new longings in her, and a different future opens up.
Yet this is not a simple love story. Ana’s journey will bring both joy and tragedy, but it will also be enriched by the female friendships she makes along the way.
The Book of Longings is an exquisite tale of dreams and desire, and of the power of women to change the world.
The Book Of Longing is available in all formats now. You can purchase your copy using the link below of through your local indie book store!
My Review:
The Book Of Longing is a beautifully written book from a very gifted writer. I was intrigued by this book from the start as I thought it was a very interesting concept and I was interested to see how it would unfold. I’m not religious so knew nothing of the story of Anna before reading which, from the sound of other reviews, was to my advantage as I didn’t know what was going to happen next.
The story follows Anna, a very strong independent women in a time when women were meant to be submissive and quiet. She is determined to help give women the voice they need and improve things from the women around her. Regular readers of my blog know that I’m a huge fan of strong female characters and therefore quickly warmed to Anna. I loved following here throughout the book and often found myself cheering for her as I read. Her relationship with Jesus was lovely to read about and I enjoyed following their blossoming relationship. It was refreshing to read about a supportive husband and I loved the imagined conversations between them especially the gentle way they had of teasing each other. Part of me wished there was more of this in the book but I think it would have made it a completely different story.
The biblical setting in this book has obviously been well researched and imagined so that I felt like I was really there following Anna. I liked the biblical and historical references that the author includes into the story which makes it seem very realistic. The book has a great pace to it and I found myself quickly absorbed into the story. I especially liked how the female relationships were described and the bond that existed between the women. It was lovely to see how the supported each other through difficult situations.
Overall I really enjoyed this book which I though was an absorbing and intriguing read. I think this would make a great book club read as I feel there would be lots to discuss. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Headline for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
About The Author:
Sue Monk Kidd’s first novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, spent 2.5 years on the New York Times bestseller list, and has sold over 8 million copies worldwide. THE MERMAID CHAIR, THE INVENTION OF WINGS and THE BOOK OF LONGINGS were all New York Times bestsellers. THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES was long-listed for the Orange Prize (now the Women’s Prize for Fiction), and was turned into an award-winning film.
Sue is also the author of several acclaimed non-fiction books including the New York Times bestseller TRAVELLING WITH POMEGRANATES, co-written with her daughter Ann Kidd Taylor. Sue lives in Florida with her husband Sandy.
http://www.suemonkkidd.com
Twitter @suemonkkidd
Over The Rainbow Blog 
Thanks for the blog tour support x
LikeLike
I really enjoyed this book when I read it Joanna. I agree, it would make a wonderful Book Club read and discussion.
LikeLike