"'I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus.'
Raised in a wealthy family in Sepphoris with ties to the ruler of Galilee, Ana is rebellious and ambitious, a relentless seeker with a brilliant, curious mind and a daring spirit. She yearns for a pursuit worthy of her life, but finds no outlet for her considerable talents. Defying the expectations placed on women, she engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes secret narratives about neglected and silenced women. When she meets the eighteen-year-old Jesus, each is drawn to and enriched by the other’s spiritual and philosophical ideas. He becomes a floodgate for her intellect, but also the awakener of her heart.

Their marriage unfolds with love and conflict, humor and pathos in Nazareth, where Ana makes a home with Jesus, his brothers, James and Simon, and their mother, Mary. Here, Ana’s pent-up longings intensify amid the turbulent resistance to the Roman occupation of Israel, partially led by her charismatic adopted brother, Judas. She is sustained by her indomitable aunt Yaltha, who is searching for her long-lost daughter, as well as by other women, including her friend Tabitha, who is sold into slavery after she was raped, and Phasaelis, the shrewd wife of Herod Antipas. Ana’s impetuous streak occasionally invites danger. When one such foray forces her to flee Nazareth for her safety shortly before Jesus’s public ministry begins, she makes her way with Yaltha to Alexandria, where she eventually finds refuge and purpose in unexpected surroundings.

Grounded in meticulous historical research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus’s life that focuses on his humanity, The Book of Longings is an inspiring account of one woman’s bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place, and culture devised to silence her."

This is my pick for the best book of 2021 roundabout. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Those among you who are familiar with the story of Jesus will recognise elements from it, but this story definitely stands alone, as it is all about Ana. Also bear in mind that this book is intended as a work of fiction.

Shipping order:
1. Estelle1806
2. Mcsar
3. Mathgirl40
4. Valpete
5. Dark-Draco
6. Ythan
7. Cross-Patch
8. Poodlesister
9. Earthcaroleanne
10. Greenbadger
11. Grovalskii
12. Paulanni

On its way to estelle1806. Book and label travelling separately.

Received the book about a week ago, and started reading it straightaway.
Received the label today, thank you, Fifna!

I was interested and curious at first by the topic and the era it was based in, but I did not love it in the end. It felt a bit too much like a chronology of events and I felt Jesus was added to the story unnaturally. I was more attracted to story of the aunt Yaltha then to the main character Ana, for which I could not warm up. Overall interesting but not enthralling.
Thanks for sharing, Fifna!

On its way across the Atlantic as part of the 2021 Roundabout.

Please let us know when you release it again...

This book is with me now. Thanks estelle1806 for the stamps and stickers that accompanied it!

The story on its own is an excellent piece of historical fiction, showing the challenges women faced in that time period. I found the novel well paced with some really riveting moments. However, the context of Jesus's life and death adds much additional interest. I particularly liked reading the author's note at the end of the book, as it gave insight into the book.

By the way, I agree with estelle1806 that Yaltha's story was particularly interesting!

Thank you, Fifna, for contributing this book to the roundabout!

This book is on its way to mcsar now.

The book arrived. I like Sue Monk Kidd and can't wait to start this.

The book is beautifully written and the historical world is brought to life. I enjoyed the book very much and thought it a great choice for the roundabout. I am also not a fan of Ana, and I like the other characters much more than Ana.

On its way to valpete. Enjoy!

Received. Looking forward to reading it.

I was skeptical at first when I learned this was a fictional account of Ana, the wife of Jesus. However, I did enjoy reading it, filling in the gaps of my Catholic upbringing of the story of Jesus. An excellent pick for the Roundabout.

Off to the next reader.

Received- Thank you

I have to admit to struggling with this to start with. I suppose its that sense that no matter how horrible Ana's lot is in life, nothing fundamental will change - it'll take a few more millennia for women's lib to get a say. However, as the story progressed, I did get drawn in, especially when Jesus comes onto the scene. The author does a good job of creating a normal, everyday life for him that is completely feasible while not actually disregarding or disputing the stories in the bible. But this is actually Ana's story and, although his wife, she barely gets drawn in to the legendary stories. Except at the end - although you obviously know that it is coming, the scene around the crucifixion is harrowing and tearful. Told from her point of view, it brings a realness to it all that I suppose I'd never really thought about before.

Off to its next reader

Here with me.

Thanks very much.

I enjoyed reading Ana's story, if found it quick and easy to read.

I don't come from a religious background and I often wondered how this story would be perceived by those who are religious.

This was my first time reading this author and I'd like to read more of her in future.

On its way to Cross-patch.

Thank you, it has arrived in sunny Leicestershire.