THE BOOK OF LONGINGS

Jesus--a married Middle Eastern teenager? Well, he's only a secondary character in this imagined historical audiobook, which centers on the constricted life of his young wife, Ana. Mozhan Marnò evokes life in the ancient Holy Lands in a raspy voice that evokes stories from the Old Testament and the Torah. She inhabits the inner life of this poised, mature young woman from days gone by, giving her a measured, believable persona. In somber tones, Marnò evokes the conflicted position of women in a largely conservative society--we are front and center with Ana's ruminations, doubts, and passions. Listeners who are looking for a unique take on oft-told stories will enjoy this listening experience. M.R. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]