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Title: Mary, Called Magdalene by Margaret George ISBN: 0-14-200279-8 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: 27 May, 2003 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $16.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.14 (57 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: An unusual heroine in Mary Magdalene
Comment: I first saw "Mary, Called Magdalene" on the shelves of a local bookstore and was immediately intrigued. I was not familiar with Margaret George's previous biographies, but I was immediately impressed with her ease of storytelling and the depth of her research. Although not groundbreaking, "Mary, Called Magdalene" is an enjoyable read.
George sticks to safe ground, not really radically reinventing much of the familiar story of Jesus and his disciples, but some episodes raise red flags: Mary travels with and sleeps next to men (including Jesus), something that no respectable Jewish woman of her time would have done. Also, during her possession, Mary conceives by a pagan goddess after turning her back on God, then wavering between the pull of the pagan goddess and God, yet later she becomes a pillar of the Church? The characters and dialogue are memorable and generally well developed, and George manages to make familiar material (the Gospels and the story of Mary Magdalene) fresh and raise some interesting questions.
Rating: 2
Summary: A slow and painful funeral dirge!!!!
Comment: UGH!!! As a student of Orthodox as well as Gnostic Christian Theology and Spirituality, I found Margaret George's portrait of the Apostle Mary Magdalene painful and offensive. To give credit where credit is due, I found the historical/cultural as well as geographic portrayals of first century Palestine to be exceptional and well researched. The plot, the characters and the story was hugely lacking in depth, spirit and believability, right down to the historically incorrect and unsubstantiated ending!!!!!
Her portrayal of Mary Magdalene is in conflict with current research. Current research supports the idea that Mary was a close intiate of Jesus' and received teachings and understandings only revealed to her. The seven "demons" from which she is said to have cured is now believed to be either a) release from severe mental illness or b) an initiatory path including seven stages of purification. Margaret George's portral of Mary as being literally cured of seven demons (ie demonic possession) is not only in conflict with current research, but insults modern day psychology. One final note in regards to the possessions: I was highly offended by her use of "Asherah" as the initial demon who attacks Mary. Asherah was the image of the feminine divine who was worshipped alongside and as the consort of "Yahweh" before the patriarchal structure emerging is Judaism systematically removed her. Margaret George's use of her as a demon serves to only further the pain and abuse of the sacred feminine at the hands of patriarchal institutions.
I found her overall characterization of Mary Magdalene to be devoid of spirit and lacking in truth. She was THE person to whom Christ revealed his resurrected self and THE person he commissioned to reveal the truth to the world. SHE is the original apostle!!!! As such, she had to have been a woman of great intellect, wisdom, courage and spirit, not the pitiful, insecure, tortured woman presented by George.
And finally, the most offensive aspect of this book is George's portrayal of Jesus. She portrays him as distant, aloof, lacking in intimacy and spirit. This characterization of Jesus seems to indicate her relationship (or lack thereof) with the Christ within herself. I would invite the author to reflect on this characterization and ask how this reflects her own relationship with the Divine presence in the world and within herself.
And a final note to the publisher: Don't you think it cheap to steal the cover art from Susan Haskin's ground-breaking book on the same subject? Shame on you!!!!!
Rating: 5
Summary: Another excellent read!
Comment: I read an article in Time Magazine recently on suppositions that the Catholic Church had suppressed other "gospels" written by Jesus' disciples. One of them claimed to be "Gospel of Mary" ~~ and since I have read "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown, I then became more intrigued with the one follower of Jesus, Mary. This book satisfies my curiousity without imposing on my religious beliefs. There isn't much known about Mary, faithful follower of Jesus and George did a wonderful job drawing my imagination to life in the early years of Jesus' ministry.
The beginning of the book starts with Mary at the age of 7 and finding an idol. Over the years, she becomes possessed by demons and when it seemed to be the bleakest, Jesus drove the demons out from her. Then Mary became one of his closest followers. This novel is of her journey and doubts, joys and trimuphs as a woman in extraordinary times. She is an ordinary woman caught up in the world's greatest mystery unrivaled by all time ~~ and blessed as well.
It is written beautifully and with intricate details I like to see in my historical fiction novels. It draws more of an interest in life then and makes me realize how much have changed since then as well as what has not been changed. It is a thought-provoking novel as well. It's a great addition for anyone interested in reading about strong women of different times.
1-27-04
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Title: The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George ISBN: 0312187459 Publisher: Griffin Trade Paperback Pub. Date: 15 May, 1998 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: Mary Queen Of Scotland & The Isles : A Novel by Margaret George ISBN: 0312155859 Publisher: St. Martin's Press Pub. Date: 15 April, 1997 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: The Autobiography of Henry VIII : With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers by Margaret George ISBN: 0312194390 Publisher: Griffin Trade Paperback Pub. Date: 15 September, 1998 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: The Gospel of Mary Magdalene by Jean-Yves Leloup, Joseph Rowe, Jacob Needleman ISBN: 0892819111 Publisher: Inner Traditions Intl Ltd Pub. Date: 30 March, 2002 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: The Woman With the Alabaster Jar: Mary Magdalen and the Holy Grail by Margaret Starbird, Terrance A. Sweeney ISBN: 1879181037 Publisher: Bear & Co Pub. Date: June, 1993 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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