THE BOOK OF LONGINGS

“I was sent out from power … Be careful. Do not ignore me. I am she who exists in all fears and in trembling boldness.”

This magnificent novel - a new favorite of 2020 - is about a fictional character named Ana, who is depicted as the wife of Jesus. However the book is not about Jesus per se, but rather about Ana herself, the women in her life, and her own strength, bravery and determination. We first meet Ana as a gifted, rebellious teen, who secretly writes narratives giving voice to oppressed women. Promised in marriage to a much older man by her tyrannical parents, Ana’s life changes when she meets Jesus, and is immediately mesmerized. The book follows their intense and tumultuous relationship, though it is mostly a testament to Ana’s own “longings” and her connection to the women in her life. She aspires to become a person who is educated, strong willed, clever and fulfilled - and one who lifts up the women around her despite tragedy, treachery and subjugation.

The loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had me thinking more about Ana’s character, who embodied female empowerment. In a eulogy for Justice Ginsburg, she was described as a “rare prophet," able to foresee a future and then become a vehicle for it coming to pass. It gave me a renewed appreciation for fictional Ana, who could not ignore the possibilities for women despite the customs of her time, and had a mystical sense that helped her envision how things could be different. Full of drama, suspense and gorgeous prose, this book is infused with historical details that add depth to the beautiful writing and captivating story.

Food inspiration for this post was plentiful! The book was filled with my favorite Middle Eastern flavors, like apricots and honeyed almonds. I settled on these fig tartlets with za’atar, shallots and goat cheese, a nod to Ana’s beloved goat Delilah. In a book with so many strong female characters, her minor role was a favorite!