"The Book of Longings" is a historical novel by Sue Monk Kidd that imagines the life of Jesus through the eyes of a fictional character named Ana. Set in the first century, the story explores themes of love, faith, and the struggle for personal freedom as Ana seeks to carve out her own identity in a patriarchal society. Ana, a strong-willed woman, dreams of becoming a writer and challenges societal norms. The narrative intertwines her journey with significant historical and cultural elements of the time, providing a rich backdrop that highlights the complexities of faith and the human experience.