Song of the Magdalene

This book is so beautiful that I ordered it library bound for my private collection. Biblical fiction that is not sappy or agenda driven can be very difficult to find. Donna Jo Napoli does an outstanding job of it. Her speculation of Mary Magdalene's childhood is entirely believable. Miriam (Mary Magdalene) lives with her widowed father, his handmaid Hannah, and her son Abraham. Abraham is disabled, and as a result, an outcast of society. Miriam, with secret health issues of her own, sees beauty and wisdom in Abraham that few others can see. Donna Jo Napoli has a colorful, elegant writing style that touches the five senses. The reader is placed deeply in the town Magdalene during the time of Christ. The novel is respectful and tender, show more without being overtly religious. A lovely book. show less

A truly beautiful book, Song of the Magdalene approaches issues that are (sadly) timeless. This is a very different point of access for one of the Christian Bible's most widely interpreted characters, Mary Magdalene. The prose is beautiful - lyrical - and utterly absorbing. Highly recommend for teens and adults - this would make a terrific group study book for youth groups - lots to discuss/debate/digest.

This book offers an interesting perspective. Napoli does an excellent job showing the reader both how different life for women was at the time of Mary Magdelene and how truly radical John the Baptist and Christ were. I think as long as you remember to appreciate that the book is a work of fiction (and Napoli does not try to portray it as anything other than that), it does a beautiful job of fleshing out an oft-misunderstood biblical character.

Miriam has a relationship with a disabled man. She is mistaken for a prostitute and raped.

Historical fiction about Mary Magdalen -- one of my favorite historical figures...

Tells the story of Miriam, a young girl being raised by her widowed father in ancient Israel, who grows up to be Mary Magdalene.
Lexile: 680 [view chart]