Mary, Called Magdalene

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Author: Margaret George
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Category: Book

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Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

104 reviews
Sales Rank: 77263

Media: Paperback
Pages: 656
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Dimensions (in): 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.4

ISBN: 0142002798
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780142002797
ASIN: 0142002798

Publication Date: May 27, 2003
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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com Review
Of all the women in the Bible, perhaps no one's presence has been as constantly reinterpreted as that of Mary Magdalene. Was she a prostitute? A prophet? In Margaret George's epic historical novel, Mary, Called Magdalene (Geroge's previous subjects include Henry VIII, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Cleopatra), Mary comes alive as one of Jesus' first believers, a woman of infallible visions and a faith that earns her the title "Apostle to the Apostles." With numerous biblical and scholarly texts serving as the core of this intriguing woman's story, George recreates the world of Galilean fishermen and the oppressions of the Jewish people under Roman rule. Cast out from her family after Jesus expels the demons that have ravaged her mind, Mary follows the man from Nazareth until they receive attention from the skeptical hordes and the Roman magistrates controlling Jerusalem.

Mary, from beginning to end of this giant undertaking, is a woman who struggles to reconcile her absence from her young daughter's life with the chance to be part of something important. Through the lens of her ever-inquisitive mind, the story covers the formation of Jesus' ragtag band of disciples and the crucifixion, and ends with Mary's mission as the head of the Christian church in Ephesus, where she died at the age of 90. What makes this a compelling read is that Mary's story connects humanity with faith in a way that's possible to understand, whatever our contemporary beliefs. --Emily Russin

Product Description
Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute, a female divinity figure, a church leader, or all of those? Biblical references to her are tantalizingly brief, but we do know that she was the first person to whom the risen Christ appeared-and the one commissioned to tell others the good news, earning her the ancient honorific, "Apostle to the Apostles." Today, Mary continues to spark controversy, curiosity, and veneration. In a vivid re-creation of Mary Magdalene's life story, Margaret George convincingly captures this renowned woman's voice as she moves from girlhood to womanhood, becomes part of the circle of disciples, and comes to grips with the divine. Grounded in biblical scholarship and secular research, this fascinating historical novel is also, ultimately, "the diary of a soul."

Customer Reviews:

Showing reviews 1-5 of 104

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Finally Mary Magdalene recognized May 5, 2010
Ms. Pocketbook (Tempe, AZ USA)
Having read Margaret George's Cleopatra, I was pleased to see that this book wasn't going to send me to the optometrist for stronger glasses. Cleo was tiny print and a whole lot of it. Mary, Called Magdalene was compelling & as a Catholic, I found it rewarding that the woman that I always felt got a bum rap from my church was fleshed out in such a glorious fashion. She was there when all the male disciples weren't. She played a very important role in Jesus' ministry. Combining fact & fiction, George makes Mary Magdalene come to life.

5 out of 5 stars

Captivating. What a wonderful book! April 29, 2010
Cynthia Danute Cekauskas, LCSW (Savannah, Georgia)
I was lent a copy of this book by a fellow parishioner and a member of my chapel's Military Catholic Council of Women. She had listened to my enthusiastic praise of Jim Bishop's book The Day Christ Died. This book had been given to me years ago by my father as a Confirmation present but just last year I had started an annual practice of reading it every Lenten season. It is a historical novel just as much as Mary, Called Magdalene (Paperback) which I am now reviewing.

Reading this book has been a real joy right from the start. It is so uplifting to learn about the life of the first woman apostle and disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary called the Magdalene is depicted in this book as a married woman with a child who tragically had become possessed of seven demons from which Jesus rescues her. She was a woman with a bright mind who even then wanted to learn in a male dominated culture which often did not permit it. Jesus not only served to liberate her from physical demons but to help her develop the best that was in her all in the service of God. The final chapters of the book, in the style of the early gospels, are letters written by Mary Magdalene to the daughter she was forced to leave while still a young woman. The letters speak of the activities of the early church, how the faith spread throughout the known world, how its followers were persecuted for their beliefs and how in the long run the church was to endure despite all the obstacles it had to face. The book ends sadly with Mary being martyred before having the chance to once again reunite physically with her daughter.

Although this is a fictional account of the life of Mary Magdalene, what is factual and true cannot be denied: Mary Magdalene was mentioned in the four canonical gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke and John--in connection with five events: (1) being delivered from seven demons by Jesus; (2) following Jesus, along with other women he had cured, and supporting him materially in his ministry; (3) being present at the crucifixtion; (4) coming early to the tomb on Easter morning to anoint him; and (5) encountering the risen Christ.

This is a beautiful book--one I would especially recommend to women who believe in Jesus Christ and his message to free us!

5 out of 5 stars

Another great novel by George.... March 10, 2010
C. Lea (Oklahoma)
I have read all of Margaret George's novels and found this one, like all her novels, well researched, imaginative, and intriguing. I found all of the characters to be well developed and engaging. I felt like I knew them, like I was sharing their lives. And, as usual with George, I found the richness of detail added to the sense of being transported in time. The story of the Magdalene George provides is one of a complex woman fraught with her own demons and stuggling with her choices. At a time when I am rethinking my own religous beliefs I found the story quite powerful - enough so that I am rethinking my negativity toward identifying as a Christian.

4 out of 5 stars

A fresh new look at an old story. January 2, 2010
Connie (albany, ga United States)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Mary, Called Magdalene
Author: Margaret George
ISBN 0 14 20.0279 8

Above is the famous painting entitled, St. Mary Magdalene Approaching the Sepulcher by Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo (c.1480-1548) which I've seen on a couple books regarding the subject: most notably this one and a 2nd non-fictional titled "Mary Magdalen Myth and Metaphor" by Susan Haskins. The latter I had lying around in a stack of books that I would pick up now and again; interesting, but being the non-fiction that it is, can get a little stale. On the other hand, the book I'm reviewing here, the author takes mass quantities of research and history and turn them into readable fiction history. Fiction perhaps, but they offer new insights into aspects you may have not considered. Okay, maybe I didn't.

The painting on the cover of the book (above) depicts the moment in which, according to the gospel of John, Mary, weeping into her cloak, hears the risen Christ call her. The moment she lifts and turns her face is the moment that Mr. Savoldo tried to capture. It's not my favorite Magdalene painting but it definitely captures a pivotal moment in time for women--never mind Christians. Culminating all three books that I've mentioned, plus a host of other types of research, M.George found one of the most slandered, yet mysterious personalities, that Jesus would have been hanging out with. It all points to one thing: a lowly woman was allowed the honor of first seeing the risen King. In whatever manner or physiological way you choose to imagine that day; one thing remains clear: something happened so completely out of our own human understanding that found the basis of a religious movement.

I prefer to think of the Magdalene as Donatello did (c.1457) in his wooden sculpture of the subject here
Magdalene Sculpture 1 and here
Magdalene Sculpture 2

So how does one create a story about a woman who is only mentioned a few times in the 4 canonical gospels of the Bible? The author started with those and then probably moved to the Gnostic gospels since we wouldn't be concerned with heretical canons (specially selected texts albeit refute other gospels due to their Da Vinci Code nature). Then we'd find ancient records, documents, letters and use the lives of other women living during the same period to carve out our story. From there we'd spice it up a little, encourage the reader to become involved, and bring the character back to the one single point: the woman who not only became the first apostle of Christ but aided in ushering in the beginning of Christianity. Now I dunno about you--but I'd say the Magdalene played a pretty significant part- but all she's really known for is 7 devils, playing the painted up harlot or being "unclean".

You have to love mainstream media and biblical interpretation. In addition to an exposure to many different types of so-called Christian relations my particular diet consisted of Barbara Hershey's painted eyes, Robert Powell's hollow cheeks, Max Von Sidow's glowing Jesus eyes, Yvonne Elliman singing an awesome tune questioning love, and those crazy 70's porn star looking Adam/Eve graphics in Uncle Arthur's Bible Book. Don't pretend you didn't know what I meant.

Enter a couple thousand years, crazy ideas, and innocent mix ups concerning the women of the bible. Suddenly this incredible personality is a penitent whore, prostitute, lover of the Christ and demonic possessed pitiful excuse for a soul. If you would decide to read this book you have to toss out every idea you've been coerced into believing. Quit ruminating on the penitent woman--the "I'm sorry." generation. A penitent nation is not in need of a lamb.

I'd suggest (if you were to read this book) first reading the 4 gospels that it all began with (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and then jump into M. George's novel with both feet. Don't confuse Mary's. Think about the single fact that Mary, called Magdalene, was the only woman Jesus referred to without a man's name somehow attached. Mary, mother of Jesus. Mary, mother of James. Joanna, wife of Herod's clerk. Susanna, wife of... yada yada. You get the idea. Then came Mary, called Magdalene. You go girl. You da bomb.

The story begins with the child Mary. She grows up in an upper middle class strict Jewish family and you are taken to a time when many Jews, including her family, were making arrangements to travel to Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks. Mary is from the fishing village of Magdala and her father runs a fish shipping company. Herod even requests the Magdala Fish for his banquets. Little colorful details are arranged in a way that are not offensive, incredibly believable, and detailed enough for a story of fiction.

During the trip Mary's family meets many other Jewish families traveling on foot. Most notably one such family of Joseph, Mary, James and Jesus. This was the only time I had a problem with the book. I almost put it down and forgot about it. The dialogue that passes between pre-teens just doesn't fly- I don't care what year it is. I've never heard any kids 8-9 say some of the things that passed between them. Sure, I can see Jesus waxing exceedingly philosophical but not the others. Doesn't matter -- it did not lend itself as a pivotal point in the book and I felt could be tossed out as insignificant.

However, after this little faux paux I was hooked. Hooked because this woman and her fictionalized account were told in a way that I could picture every piece of ancient life in a way never before described.

It is at this point in the story that you are introduced to the strict observance of Jewish law that Mary and her family are constricted by. How manacled they are by the simplest of tasks: the laws which included the most notable one that will affect her for the rest of her life--idolatry. The relish her father, Nathan, takes in instilling in his family, that even the slightest offenses will cause not only embarrassment in his community but the necessary penance that must be observed.

While traveling the distance to Jerusalem and bedding down in the tents one night, Mary finds an object that captivates her. Oh, sure, we don't know what that's like: as a child a doll or a toy, as an adult a piece of jewelry or sculpture (ahem). Mary cleans the tiny obviously female sculpture and is quickly enamored by it's beauty. So much so that she hides it from her father who would certainly bash it to pieces and then sacrifice more animals than a floor length mink coat to make up for it. Upon arrival at Jerusalem you are given a spectacular description of the Feast and the temple. The political mood and how much friction between the Romans, Jews and Gentiles were building up to a tumultuous crescendo upon a rock are easily described.

Ultimately, Mary learns to read (like eating an apple) and is able to see the world in a whole different perspective. It is at this young age that Mary begins having emotional issues that could be described as one of the first demons to start that fateful journey. Not that possessions weren't prolific--not that they aren't now that we know and understand of--just that to understand the "seven devils" theory I believe you have to try to understand where all that started. M. George decides to bring it on by voices Mary might hear or self-mutilation. I concur with that premise and any pre-teen girl could very well point out a few friends if not themselves who deal with the same demons.

In spite of the emotional problems she suffers, Mary and her parent's brow-raising skepticism of her future, a suitable husband, Joel, comes along and quickly Mary is content in married life. Throughout the subsequent chapters the reader is reminded of Mary's weakness for the precious object she found those early years near Jerusalem. M. George doesn't try to sway the reader into believing any of the relationships Mary had with any demons were all of her own raving imaginations or definitely evil spirits in the 1st person. That's why I liked the whole idea--because she was only giving you the rough outline--if you as a strict traditionalist believed that those demons were certainly definable, literal beings--then so be it. If you as a skeptic believed those demons were only figments of a distressed imagination--then you're right as well. We all know how they arrived wasn't really the important detail of Mary's relationship to Jesus. What she does offer you is that just like in our times it takes a door to open our minds to the freedom of allowing unchecked evil to take hold. Doesn't matter what religion you are or if you have any at all. The best thing is we cannot deny it.

Ultimately, Mary bargains with herg oddess (idol) so that she may be able to bear a long sought after child. Oh, she keeps her home in accordance with strict Jewish law but sometimes she sneaks out the beautiful idol and seeks guidance. That dependence upon an idol--something we need to touch gives us strength--we can't fool ourselves here, we've all seen it. The child, a daughter, is born and motherhood begins. As with most women who have children there comes along with it a certain depression, mood or opening of the world not there before. Unfortunately this opens Mary to a whole array of emotions never experienced and pushes the lid wide open. Unable to contain the madness she finally tells her husband of the idol and starts the wheels moving. They visit a local priest, think things are okay for a while but they go right back where they were--much like any addiction can have a grasp on you. You might even go so far as to say her parental legacy exhausted a certain evil affliction which, after having a child, seemed more important and worrisome.

After traveling to see a high priest known far and wide for exercising demons he tells Mary that she must take a customary vow and act to cleanse her spirit. After 40 days of this torture method of cleansing she still finds her soul locked up tight with evil spirits as bedfellows. This is how you can understand why a woman "of her own substance" would leave everything and everyone to find a person who might unlock the chains to this invisible prison she lives. More frightening than any Halloween tale I've ever heard is the ordeal of Mary in the caves that the high priest directed her out of exasperation. While trying to feign off 3 or 4 personified demons she only invites others to join them. Maddening!! Guess you had to be there--it was the perfect description of literally living on the edge of insanity.

Enter the fateful meeting with Jesus. In between that we are introduced to all the characters in the 4 gospels each with their own unique story and personality. When Jesus calls out Mary's inhabitants--nay afflictions--by name, most certainly she was locked into a promise without ever speaking it. Romantic love? Perhaps. Why wouldn't any woman who'd been undone even after seeking the highest authority of assistance have romantic love for a man who'd not only pulled her out of death but several others too. Ah yes, unrequited as it was or wasn't. The author defines the latter.

Jesus travels with Mary back to Magdala and once her family sees the brood she's been traveling with... Well, you get the idea--we've all been lulled into that idea about a woman who traveled alone with a bunch of men. Mary is cast off. Cut off from her daughter and branded a whore. A brand that she would wear for hundreds of years no matter how she got it. She had to get it somewhere right? Or did our esteemed fathers cast aspersions on something they just couldn't fathom?

This is where the relationship with Jesus and his followers is built up. Mary becomes Jesus's most avid follower and even supports him financially. I liked the way M. George whipped up the Judas character into the story line. He was certainly a likable fellow and his bitter, doubting cynical stance, seemed right on the money. Mary disapprovingly finds Thomas scribbling down quotes that aren't exactly word for word--it's those small bits of story that keep the characters true to form. When Jesus tossed out things like loving the enemies and cutting of offending hands his own disciples were standing off to the side dumbfounded--I could imagine that some of the things he said threw many off track.

The author engages you in the fellowship of the group. A band of followers leaving everything behind for the sake of one man. That, in and of itself, is miraculous. No WIC or welfare to rely upon--nothing but one another and the enigmatic leader who changes all. Which brings us to the most fateful event. The crucial turning point for Mary and millions others who would read her account via the New Testament.

Mark 15:40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

Here, only one disciple comes to the tomb to complete the burial preparations that could not be completed during the darkening of the Sabbath but is most assuredly the beloved disciple. Mary couldn't have just loved Jesus as the Son of God she came to find, but how could she not love him as a
man being an imperfect woman in wait for a savior? So whom does the history of God bring to the tomb? A woman. A woman who doubly loves our Christ. Not a man who may have taken the "gardener" for a mimic and in a frenzy of bitterness attacked him. It was the calm and serenity of a woman who could withstand such a miracle. For all heart stricken disciples, save one, are hiding in the house waiting until the craziness of Jesus' death to die down. Was it any safer for a follower of Jesus of Nazareth to be out hanging around his tomb just because it was a woman? Jesus was dead--Mary Magdalene didn't know any more about that than the male disciples. Some say the book of John's author could have been Mary herself. If the book of John was authored in 70 AD and it is historically annotated that John and Mary traveled together there could have been both viewpoints. Could not the beloved disciple have been her?

John 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11 but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

Women weren't exactly exalted in those days. In fact, reading through a few select passages of proverbs keeps reminding us that a jabbering woman is a pain in the side. Slanderous adulterers, provocateurs, apple eatin' trouble makin' women! What's the point of having a woman go to meet the risen King?

After much thought on the matter of Mary M. going to the tomb it is realized that in those particular times there were religious orders and deities filled with ideologies that only men could join. You couldn't be a woman; most certainly not a child- and most importantly you couldn't be cripple, lame, blind, etc. Enter a God who accepts all--for isn't that what people were waiting for? Mithraism flourished in the Roman army ranks around 300CE. The beginnings of fraternal orders and Masonic worship still persist today (such as groups which only accept men as leaders). There is no complete acceptance and love-- and certainly no understanding of how we take a lowly woman with a scandalous background and have her go running to tell the good news.

The culmination of the story finalizes Mary's life with the historical one in which she was sainted as well as a human touch--which adds the bitter sting of irony. After reading the book I found myself diving into historical accounts of gospel authors and ancient history web sites. Margaret George brought to life a woman who though painted with several hues of scandal was as colorful and richly detailed as any woman who would have made the life choices that she did.

"It is, however, here, in the gospel of John, that Mary Magdalen appears as one of the several women of faith, and unequivocally as the first witness of the Empty Tomb and of the Risen Christ, the cornerstone of Christian belief; the first recipient of an apostolic commission, she becomes not only the herald of the 'New Life', but also the first apostle." (Haskins, Page 10, 1993)

Mary's life was a dramatic saga rich with complex relationships, the reality of female life in ancient times, and a true Love who rescues her from death. I highly recommend it and am willing to share my softbound copy!

5 out of 5 stars

Steeped in history and sparkling with imagination August 3, 2009
Sarah Bruce Kelly
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Over the centuries, the elusive and mysterious Mary Magdalene has taken on the reputation of being a prostitute, even though nowhere in the Scriptures does it indicate that she was. All we know is that Jesus "cast seven demons from her," but it's anyone's guess what the nature of those "seven demons" were.

Ms. George spins a rich and fascinating story about the life of Mary Magdalene, sparkling with imagination yet believable because of the obvious depth of research that went into writing this book. The love between Mary and Jesus is beautifully, warmly, and respectfully depicted without resorting to sensationalism or inappropriate presumptions. Overall, this is an enthralling story, rich with historical and scriptural detail.

Sarah Bruce Kelly
Author of THE RED PRIEST'S ANNINA

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