THE BOOK OF LONGINGS is a novel Sue Monk Kidd was born to write—a powerfully imagined, beautifully composed, fully realized story of a young woman who realizes her passion and potential against great odds. In a voice that is assured and intoxicating, the novel takes up many of the signature themes of Kidd’s fiction: feminism, the bonds between women, the search for self, and the quest for one’s voice and purpose in life. In particular, this novel explores the longings and “largeness” within women, addresses the importance of women’s stories and voices, and encourages readers to grapple with the inherent sexism in society and western religion. How would the world be different if Jesus had had a wife who had been part of the story? Would western culture and Christianity have evolved somewhat differently? Would women and their stories have found more inclusion and equality? THE BOOK OF LONGINGS invites readers to contemplate these questions, and reconsider the story we thought we knew.