. “‘Your story caused your aunt’s suffering to lift off the papyrus and enter inside me. "The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . . . Chaya says to her mother when they are reunited: I cannot forget that you left me. How does the novel's theme of finding and expressing one's authentic voice unfold in … In "Sepphoris 16 - 17 CE," 14-year-old Ana begins devoting herself to a life of reading and writing. When have you chosen to more fully reveal yourself to a friend or a relative? What is your largeness? Although we have Jesus as a well-known character in this book our main character is Ana, the imagined wife of Jesus. Whose voice do we need to hear? . ISBN-13: 9780525429760 Summary An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from the celebrated author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings. Takes Ana, Lavi and Yaltha to AlexandriaPamphile: servant in Haran’s homeThaddeus: scribe in Haran’s homeApollonios: Apion’s father and treasure to Haran before his sonSkepsis: woman who led the Therapeutae in Alexandria, Jesus: Ana’s husband and [biblical figure] prophetMary: Jesus’ mother [biblical figure]Salome: Jesus’ sister, who becomes a widowJames: Jesus’ brother [biblical figure]Simon: Jesus’ brother [biblical figure]Judith: James’ wifeLazarus, Martha and Mary: Siblings and Jesus’ friends [biblical figures]John the Immerser: man preaching that the day of judgment is close [biblical figure]. Have you seen this? While a large portion of the book intertwines her life with her husband’s, much of it is also devoted to her passion — writing — and her own set of family and friends, with whom she experiences adventures with and without Jesus. . As you delve into this area, I highly recommend reading the opinion piece Silence and Powerlessness Go Hand in Hand – Women’s Voices Must Be Heard in the Guardian. Bless the words I write. . Kidd deftly spins her well researched tale of a girl who’s father wishes she were a boy, but values Ana’s intelligence enough to provide her with … I highly recommend reading the fairly short discussion as it integrates well especially with the theme of the power of voice and the interconnectedness of violence, loss and humiliation with strength and boldness— all attributes that shine from Ana. office supplies. Sue Monk Kidd has woven into her novel the interpretation that Judas wanted to start a rebellion if peace wouldn’t bring change. Throughout May, we’re reading The Book of Longings together and gathering online to discuss and connect in a virtual book club. The virtual event will take place TODAY, Thursday, October 8 via Zoom from 6:30pm-7:45pm ET. How do we give one another voices when a voice has been silenced? Her writing practice is disrupted, however, when her parents betroth her to Nathaniel ben Hananiah. . New from the celebrated number one New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings. . Who is not at the table? Tabitha is raped and has her tongue cut out for begging for justicePhasaelis: wife of Antipas [historical figure]Ruebel: Yaltha’s husband whom she was accused of killingChaya/Diodora: Yaltha’s daughter whom she is banished from when Chaya is 2 years oldHaran: Yaltha’s brotherApion: Haran’s employee and disposer of Matthias’ property. I particularly loved the end, when the head of the monastery tells Ana to make a copy of the codices she wrote. Praise for The Book of Longings: “I kept having to close this novel and breathe deeply, again and again. So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. To the place I will be born.” page 251. I highly recommend reading the opinion piece Silence and Powerlessness Go Hand in Hand – Women’s Voices Must Be Heard in the Guardian. she gives nuance and depth to the political realities that made Jesus’ teachings so provocative, and to the patriarchal systems that make characters like Ana’s fabulously fearless aunt Yaltha, her guiding star, so heroic . The Book of Longings] is an epic masterpiece that is a triumph of insight and storytelling. Her identity is defined by her boldness, resistance to expectation, and desire to live a free and uninhibited life. Is this interpretation of Judas’ betrayal reasonable to you? The character of Ana struggles with the woman she yearns to be, and the woman her society and her culture say she is to be. Uncommon for most young Jewish girls at the time, Ana's literacy opens a new world for her. Do you chose not to have children? | Historical fiction. My thoughts. May they be visible to eyes not yet born. Let it be said that Kidd, like her main character… the book of longings by Sue Monk Kidd ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2020 In Kidd’s ( The Invention of Wings , 2014, etc.) Have you received this yourself or felt this about others? Christian Science Monitor Sue Monk Kidd brings to life a spirited, and spiritually aware, young woman who must come to terms with her own heartfelt desires and ambitions...Other novelists have imagined the human side of Jesus, and some have envisioned him as married. . How is love given or received in your life? Praise for The Book of Longings: “I kept having to close this novel and breathe deeply, again and again. . How has learning about another person, another culture, another experience through the written word, increased empathy? She yearns for a pursuit worthy of her life, but finds no outlet for her considerable talents. . Terrified of losing her independence and her one source of agency, Ana actively resists the marriage. The Book of Longings is an extraordinary book with the most unique premise. Start reading for The Book Of Longings Book Club. “The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . Ana is the daughter of Matthias, head scribe to Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee. This Study Guide consists of approximately 42 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - "The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . Good women wanted babies. Ana is a fully developed character who’s much more than just the wife, lover, and partner of Jesus. The novel was published on August 31, 2010 by Tor Books. . Later Mary gives Tabitha a lyre and Ana thinks, “Mary, you have given her a voice.” page 169. . Do you consider commissions secrets? Ana: wife of JesusYaltha: Ana’s aunt (her father’s sister)Judas: Ana’s adopted brother, the son of Ana’s mother’s cousin [biblical figure, though clearly not as Ana’s brother]Hadar: Ana’s motherMatthias: Ana’s father and head scribe to Herod AntipasShipra: servant in Hadar and Matthias’ householdLavi: servant in Hadar and Matthias’ household, who travels with AnaHerod Antipas: son of Herod the Great (who is the Herod in the Christian bible at the time of Jesus’ birth), ruler over the region of Galilee during the novel’s timeframe [historical and biblical figure]Nathaniel ben Hananiah: man to whom Ana is betrothedTabitha: friend of Ana. Discuss the title of the novel. This was my deeper secret, but I’d never spoke it aloud. That knowledge will always remain in a corner of me, but I wish to let myself be loved’” page 313. "We will teach you about our god and you will teach us about yours, and together we'll find the God that exists behind them." All shall be well, no matter what.’” page 276, “‘There’s a place in you that is inviolate. she gives nuance and depth to the political realities that made Jesus’ teachings so provocative, and to the patriarchal systems that make characters like Ana’s fabulously fearless aunt Yaltha, her guiding star, so heroic . Ana, her aunt and cousin, Chaya, and her friend Tabitha, all find revolutionary voice in their own ways. I only question what it is you’re meant to mother.’” page 196. and later Ana adds to her incantation bowl: “Sophia, Breath of God, set my eyes on Egypt. She is seen in her present and she will be seen by those who read or hear her story in the future. The Book of Longings Character Analysis. “The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . How have voice and force worked in concert historically to bring change? How do we bear witness to stories and amplify them so injustices can be known and change can occur? Let it be said that Kidd, like her main character… I have read 3 of Sue Monk Kidd’s books before, 2 of which I loved and 1 was average but I had high hopes for “The Book of Longings” and, although I am not religious, the subject matter was really intriguing to me. I note which are based on biblical figures. When she is a child, she convinces her father to get her a tutor. The Book of Longings Sue Monk Kidd, 2020 Penguin Publishing 432 pp. “I think every pain in this world wants to be witnessed, Tabitha. Where in history have you see one change-maker chose leading change through the power of voice and another through the power of force? . She yearns for a pursuit worthy of her life, but finds no outlet for her considerable talents. Taussig goes on to talk about the gender-bending expressions in the poem and how much we can learn from this voice about divinity and about strength paired with vulnerability. A beautiful, sad, strength-filled story told from the perspective of Ana, the daughter of Herod’s chief scribe. That’s why you shouted about your rape on the street and it’s why I wrote it down.” page 173. . A primary theme within the novel that spoke to me is the power and vulnerability of speaking up and the powerlessness of being silenced. Ana’s character feels very real as her story is interwoven into the life of Jesus. Although we have Jesus as a well-known character in this book our main character is Ana, the imagined wife of Jesus. Where else did you see representations of love? Secrets are woven throughout Ana’s story. “The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . . Ana is full of longings. Ana is the protagonist and first person narrator of the novel. . I have grouped the characters in the novel by those with whom Ana is most closely connected and those with whom Jesus is most closely connected. ‘“ page 389, intriguing discussion of the poem, The Thunder: Perfect Mind, that I found is by Dr. Hal Taussig, the opinion piece Silence and Powerlessness Go Hand in Hand – Women’s Voices Must Be Heard in the Guardian, The Cost of Choosing Not to Have Kids: Moral Outrage in Psychology Today, Silence and Powerlessness Go Hand in Hand – Women’s Voices Must Be Heard, In The Cost of Choosing Not to Have Kids: Moral Outrage. Sue Monk Kidd has delivered an excellent piece of historical fiction in the form of “The Book of Longings.” The main character Ana is a strong young woman living in the time of Jesus. Love in so many forms permeates the novel. Here are a small selection of discussion topics for The Book of Longings that may help your book group launch a discussion relevant to your interests and other books you may have discussed. Ana’s incantation ends with “she was a voice” and her reaction when immersed by John, “‘John is a voice,’ I managed to say. she gives nuance and depth to the political realities that made Jesus’ teachings so provocative, and to the patriarchal systems that make characters like Ana’s fabulously fearless aunt Yaltha, her guiding star, so heroic . Order our The Book of Longings Study Guide, Sepphoris 16 - 17 CE: Chapters XVIII - XXXV, Alexandria: Lake Mareotis, Egypt 28 - 30 CE, Jerusalem: Bethany 30 CE - Lake Mareotis, Egypt 30 - 60 CE, The Dance of the Dissident Daughter: A Woman's Journey from Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine, teaching or studying The Book of Longings. The Book of Longings renders Jesus in a way that foregrounds his humanity, from his struggle with the stigma conferred upon him by the circumstances of his birth to his smile, which is “a broad, crooked arrangement on his face” (page 86). How are women treated who chose not to have children? The novel is a tribute to all women; there is humor and pain and alongside Ana's voice, the voice of so many more women who have been silenced over the centuries. I’m trying to imagine it.’” page 219, “How would the Western world be different if Jesus had married and his wife had been included in his story?” page 411. I think anyone interested in history or women's voices would find this novel enjoyable regardless of whether you practice any faith or not. May they be beautiful in your sight. Ana is the protagonist and first person narrator of the novel. . It speaks almost entirely in the first person ‘I’ voice. The humor popped up effortlessly and enjoyably and wrapped into lessons such as, "Anger is effortless... Kindness is hard. Ana is a character defined by her longings and aspirations. Ana is a spirited and very intelligent young women, a girl really when we first meet her, and she wants so much more than the life she seems fated to live, married by arrangement to an older man she has no interest in. she gives nuance and depth to the political realities that made Jesus teachings so provocative, and to the patriarchal systems that make characters like Ana s fabulously fearless aunt Yaltha, her guiding star, so heroic . Description: New York : Viking, [2020] Identifiers: LCCN 2019049624 (print) | LCCN 2019049625 (ebook) | ISBN 9780525429760 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781984881380 (international edition) | ISBN 9780698408197 (ebook) Subjects: GSAFD: Biographical fiction. The Book of Longings (Book) : Kidd, Sue Monk : "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. And still today women face stigma for making this choice. Ana also finds him to be “a peacemaker and provocateur in equal measures” (page 143), a man who both enlivens and emboldens her—even as his audacity also … “The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2020 by O, the Oprah Magazine , Good Morning America/ABC-TV, Good Housekeeping , Bustle , TIME , Marie Claire and The Millions. The novel is told in the past tense. What have we missed by not including all voices? I have read 3 of Sue Monk Kidd’s books before, 2 of which I loved and 1 was average but I had high hopes for “The Book of Longings” and, although I am not religious, the subject matter was really intriguing to me. For instance Ana writing the story of Tabitha’s rape and the maiming of her tongue, writing the stories of the death of Susanna, the exile of Yaltha, the enslavement of Diadora, all give voice and share power in their telling. What do you think? She is sustained by her fearless aunt Yaltha, who harbors a compelling secret. everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Book of Longings. The conversation will be moderated by Sophia Institute founder and Director, Carolyn Rivers. At the beginning of the story, Ana is betrothed to an older widower that she does not love. Early on in the novel Yaltha says to Ana, “‘Your moment will come because you’ll make it come.’” page 115. When have stories helped you to see a situation more clearly? Do you know women who have made this choice? The most complete and intriguing discussion of the poem, The Thunder: Perfect Mind, that I found is by Dr. Hal Taussig. Then he went away and hanged himself. We had our togetherness— why should we not have our separateness” page 153. The Way of Kings is an epic fantasy novel written by American author Brandon Sanderson and the first book in The Stormlight Archive series. Bless my reed pens and my inks. Praise for The Book of Longings: “I kept having to close this novel and breathe deeply, again and again. It is a very conscientious choice for her as it is for many women today. . I have read 3 of Sue Monk Kidd’s books before, 2 of which I loved and 1 was average but I had high hopes for “The Book of Longings” and, although I am not religious, the subject matter was really intriguing to me. When has getting to know someone more fully improved your relationship with them? The Book of Longings is a beautifully written book with the fictional character of Ana firmly at its heart. Ana goes on to write Tabitha’s story as one of her scrolls. The Way of Kings consists of one prelude, one prologue, 75 chapters, an epilogue and 9 interludes. Find books related to a theme or a time period and then check out the book guides to remind you who the characters are, provide links to internet resources and suggest questions to connect your reading to life. And later Yaltha refers to “largeness” the way we might use the term inner-drive: “‘But we all have some largess in us, don’t we, Ana?’” page 353, “‘My own largness has been to bless yours.’” page 354, “‘Ana, I don’t doubt you should give yourself to motherhood. “The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . When have they been hurtful? . It was followed by Words of Radiance in 2014, Oathbringer in 2017 and Rhythm of War in 2020. The main character Ana is a strong young woman living in the time of Jesus. Good women had babies. I note which are based on biblical figures. What is your moment? Yet I haven't felt this much emotion in closing a book in such a long time! I felt her suffering as my own and she was made new to me.“ page 154. The record that Ana is leaving will allow individuals to be seen and to be heard as long as those stories are told and are read. Has this sentiment changed over the past 2,000 years? Once the land of bondage, let it become the land of freedom. Atlanta Journal-Constitution The latest from Sue Monk Kidd introduces us to Ana, a courageous, intelligent woman who marries Jesus long before his public ministry begins. • Published by Viking, Coming April 21, 2020 An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from 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 fiction, Sue Monk Kidd takes an audacious approach to history and brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of a young woman named Ana. At the beginning of the story, Ana is betrothed… . We at The Sophia Institute are pleased you will be joining us for Longings, Largeness, and Thunder in The Book of Longings with Sue Monk Kidd. . How and how long does it take for cultural norms to change? He says, “The voice is strong and calls attention to itself. They are our to relinquish when we choose.” page 186. . It is widely believed that during the “lost years” of Jesus he worked as carpenter in Sepphoris rather than Nazareth and Ana meets Jesus during this time. Early on, when Ana sees Tabitha at her home and realizes that Tabitha’s father has had his daughter’s tongue cut out for bringing shame on their house by shouting out in public about being raped, she screams, “‘Is it a sin to stand on the street and cry out one’s anguish and beg for justice?’” page 71. “The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . She is passionate about the power of writing, of narratives, of having a voice, as well as lifting up the voices of other women. Classification: LCC PS3611.I44 B66 2020 (print) | LCC PS3611.I44 (ebook) | … She demonstrates an exceptional aptitude for writing, and Matthias, for a time, indulges her with reed pens, papyri, and other 16 C.E. From a historical perspective it provides some very authentic depictions of ‘the turbulent resistance to Rome’s occupation of Israel, partially led … Sue Monk Kidd’s latest novel, The Book of Longings, is one to savor, inviting the reader into a biblical world where women have a voice and a brain. It was pressed upon every girl precisely what good women did and did not do. While this novel contains the historical rather than theological Jesus as a character, it is really the story of his fictional wife, Ana. She’s a brave, strong, smart, and driven woman in her own right. Title: The book of longings / Sue Monk Kidd. How have you held secrets in your physical body Have your practice yoga or trauma-informed yoga and felt release in your physical presence from what you hold in yourself? The very beginning demands, almost pleads to be heard.”. Mary shares the story thinking that understanding Judith might make Ana’s relationship with Judith easier. I have grouped the characters in the novel by those with whom Ana is most closely connected and those with whom Jesus is most closely connected. Behold: Into this controversial arena now steps Sue Monk Kidd with “The Book of Longings,” a novel about Jesus’s wife.Such a story from Kidd … We lugged those dictates around like temple stones.” page 158. What do you think? What would an intriguing novel be without secrets? The love between a mother and a child, such as seen between Ana and her stillborn daughter and between Yaltha and Chaya. . You may find The Cost of Choosing Not to Have Kids: Moral Outrage in Psychology Today a good read for background and to help you see another perspective or feel seen. A strong theme that resonated with me is the power and vulnerability of speaking up and the powerlessness of being silenced, particularly for women’s voices in the novel. I only mean you will be well in spite of it. Indeed, The Book of Longings overflows with female characters who find ways to hold power even at a time, and in a culture, when women had little access to such things; and even as they face one personal tragedy after another. she gives nuance and depth to the political realities that made Jesus' teachings so provocative, and to the patriarchal systems that make characters like Ana's fabulously fearless aunt Yaltha, her guiding star, so heroic . There are many interpretations of Judas’ actions in betraying Jesus. . “The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . ‘What it must be to say such a thing of oneself! She was to hide them in the caves to be found in the future, when people will long since have forgotten the many roles women lived during their time. Ana is raised in a wealthy family with ties to the ruler of Galilee. Try to exert yourself." When has one leader taken on both personas? Ana’s Circle. . For a woman to say that she doesn’t want children is still met with shock. . Ana chooses not to have children. Mary tells Ana that Judith had been intended to be betrothed to Jesus, however Jesus declined to be married. Life will be life. Let it be said that Kidd, like her main character… When were you aware of your moment? When has it hindered your relationship? . Violating cultural norms, popular stereotypes, and internalized views about the life paths that people should follow comes with a cost.”. . The Book of Longings (Book) : Kidd, Sue Monk : "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. The Book of Longings demonstrates a welcomed maturity and mastery of historical fiction, even as [Kidd] takes on a retelling of the greatest story ever told . 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