The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
I was given this book by the Reading Agency; registered Reading Groups can apply for free pre-published copies in exchange for reviews.
The Book of Longings is the story of Ana, the fictional wife of Jesus. I was very interested by the premise. As the author explains, at that time it was the norm for men to be married, and for Jesus to not be married would have been extremely unusual.
Ana and Jesus are very much in love, and she misses him desperately whenever he leaves. Ana is also the sister of Judas, who later becomes a disciple of Jesus.
Ana is different to most women of the time because she can write, and she has an overwhelming desire to tell her story.
What happens to Ana, Jesus and Judas is balanced between biblical and political influences. Most people will be familiar with the story of Jesus, so the outcome of the story will not come as a surprise, but it’s the story of Ana that is unfamiliar and interesting.
I liked learning about how people lived their lives at that time and I like the character of Ana, however I felt the plot slowed a little in the middle – though not enough to stop me reading.
Thicker than Water by JD Kirk
This is the second book in JD Kirk’s series featuring DI Jack Logan. The books are set in Scotland, around Inverness. Logan is nothing like the majestic Scottish landscape – he’s bad tempered and grumpy. He might be considered a bit of a bully and sexist boss, but he’s good natured at heart and his one liners and come backs are laugh-out-loud funny.
In this case, Logan is investigating the death of Mairi who was found in Loch Ness, with horrible extensive injuries. Logan and his team investigate – but are not prepared for who actually killed her. Thoroughly entertaining.
Pixie Chronicles 