I am honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The Book of Longings takes the gap in the story of Jesus' life in the Bible and fills it it, giving him a wife named Ana. Kidd's note at the back of the book provides a beautiful context for why she wrote this book and how it fits into what we know about Jesus through the Bible. But, this is not a book about Jesus. It is a book about Ana, and all the other women of Jesus' time, whose voices are not often heard from.

Ana is a strong-willed young woman, who wants to be heard through her writing. In her ideal world, she would be a scribe, but instead it is her fate in life to be married. When she meets Jesus, she finds someone with whom she is able to be an equal partner in life, with each respecting each others' goals and ambitions. I've seen reviews that question whether a character like Ana would have existed in Biblical times, and that questioning is exactly why we need book like this. Strong women are not the invention of the 20th century; they have existed in their own ways throughout history, but are not generally included in the narrative.

While Jesus is a main character in Ana's life, equally important are the female relationships she has: with her friend Tabitha, her aunt Yaltha, and the women of Jesus' family. These women support one another through their hardships and celebrate each others' joys as well. The characters and events in the book feel realistic.

Overall, I loved this book way more than I thought I would. I didn't want to let Ana's story go by the end of the book.

Thank you to Viking for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

4.5 stars rounded up

TW: rape; violence against women; violence in general; miscarriage; loss of children