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THE New York Times BESTSELLER

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

‘Transporting, life-affirming, gripping. It is simply brilliant’ Mel Giedroyc

‘Fascinating . . . Clever, rebellious Ana is a memorable character’ The Times

‘Brilliant . . . Brava!” The Daily Mail

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.

‘One of my favourites’ Alicia Keys

‘I kept having to close this novel and breathe deeply, again and again . . . It is a true masterpiece’ Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed

‘Unleashes the reader’s imagination with glorious evocations of extraordinary times and places, allowing our minds to roam . . . Original, challenging, beautiful’ Adele Parks, Platinum

‘Compelling . . . Ana is a truly wonderful character, strong and inspiring, and her life story so captivating that it swept me along’ Good Housekeeping

Publisher Review

'The stunning metaphors and realistic characters are so poignant they will bring tears to your eyes' * Library Journal * 'A remarkable novel that heightened my sense of what it meant to be a woman - slave or free . . . a conversation changer' - Oprah Winfrey, O, The Oprah Magazine * Oprah Winfrey, O, The Oprah Magazine * This year's The Help - but even better * Fabulous * 'A resonant, illuminating novel' * Observer * 'Wonderful - well-written, moving and engaging by turns, and always compelling' * Daily Mail * 'The tale of one motherless daughter's discovery of what family really means - and of the strange and wondrous places we love' * Washington Post * 'Moving, original, and accomplished . . . It is wonderfully written, powerful, poignant, and humorous' * Joanna Trollope * 'Exhilarating. . . powerful' * Washington Post * Praise for Sue Monk Kidd's earlier novels 'The message about the importance of kindness and the power of women's voices should resonate strongly with today's readers' * Booklist * Ana's ambition and strong sense of justice make her a sympathetic character for modern readers ... A vibrant portrait of a woman striving to preserve and celebrate women's stories - her own and countless others * Publishers Weekly * 'A testament to the author's talent for creating both compelling characters and intriguing story lines ... The intensity, bravery, and strength of character of Ana ... will inspire readers ... to live authentically and remain true to oneself' * Library Journal * Superlative . . . from a writer at the top of her game . . . A practically perfect historical novel * New York Journal of Books * An inspiring story of a strong woman living in a society bent on her silence * Good Housekeeping (US) *