Scan barcode
aldole's review
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
karter's review
3.5
An interesting take and fictionalization of Jesus's life through the eyes of a woman.
jrmarr's review
4.0
This beautiful book is a tribute to all the forgotten women of history. It is a tale of their strength, their sacrifice, and their resilience in the face of family, social and religious pressure. I was so taken by the story of Ana, and was completely drawn into her story.
faithemt's review
1.0
couldn't finish it. was annoying me...although i know it is fiction and the imagination of the author, I didn't like the portrayal of Jesus in this way or the way she wrote in the parables. let's just leave the story of Jesus to the Bible!
ajordan10's review
5.0
"I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus of Nazareth. I am a voice."
This is a beautiful, thoughtful, and enlightening read. At first glance, it seems like a simple historical fiction story - it is much more.
This novel sheds light on the history of the invisibility and silencing of women. If Ana was real, she would be the most silenced woman in history. Ana refused to be silenced, but she was also eager to learn. She made her beliefs known and adopted practices from Judaism without compromising her individuality.
The author, Sue Monk Kidd, did a beautiful job describing biblical stories and reconfiguring them to fit the timeline and people she introduced us to. I feel she did a wonderful job at focusing on Ana's story while also putting a spotlight on Jesus' journey when becoming and acting as the Messiah.
I am in no way shape or form a saint or devout Christian. But after reading this book...I feel eager to broaden my understanding of biblical books and grow in my faith.
This is a beautiful, thoughtful, and enlightening read. At first glance, it seems like a simple historical fiction story - it is much more.
This novel sheds light on the history of the invisibility and silencing of women. If Ana was real, she would be the most silenced woman in history. Ana refused to be silenced, but she was also eager to learn. She made her beliefs known and adopted practices from Judaism without compromising her individuality.
The author, Sue Monk Kidd, did a beautiful job describing biblical stories and reconfiguring them to fit the timeline and people she introduced us to. I feel she did a wonderful job at focusing on Ana's story while also putting a spotlight on Jesus' journey when becoming and acting as the Messiah.
I am in no way shape or form a saint or devout Christian. But after reading this book...I feel eager to broaden my understanding of biblical books and grow in my faith.
maziodynes's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I absolutely loved this book!!
You can argue that Ana's viewpoints are a little too "modern feminist," but i really enjoyed seeing those viewpoints in a historically rooted setting and story. How would a woman with a modern drive to succeed and be heard fare in this time period? I enjoyed this story's take on an answer to that question. Her story was beautifully written and moving, the way she uplifted and supported the women around her was a joy to read.
And through it all, she still has this immense love for her husband, despite her hunger for more out of life. I found the tension between those two desires very compelling. "Longings" is right, that is truly the core of this book
You can argue that Ana's viewpoints are a little too "modern feminist," but i really enjoyed seeing those viewpoints in a historically rooted setting and story. How would a woman with a modern drive to succeed and be heard fare in this time period? I enjoyed this story's take on an answer to that question. Her story was beautifully written and moving, the way she uplifted and supported the women around her was a joy to read.
And through it all, she still has this immense love for her husband, despite her hunger for more out of life. I found the tension between those two desires very compelling. "Longings" is right, that is truly the core of this book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Pregnancy, Rape, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent
michellemybelle19's review
4.0
I was unsure how I would like this book, because I feel like it’s a lofty task to portray Jesus as the husband in a fictional novel. But like the author says in the author note, it really is Ana’s story. Jesus is not the main character. Ana is a modern woman for her time, and I enjoyed reading about her. I also don’t typically read fiction set in this time period so it was a nice change of scenery.