cicatrizing's review
5.0
This book and all its explorations into ancient mythology, beliefs, ways of life, philosophy, and all else sucked me in so intensely. I found it incredibly refreshing and enlightening to read an alternative perspective of a story that has been told the same way with the same interpretations my whole life. Reading as someone currently deconstructing from a more rigid view of Christianity and the Bible, I greatly appreciated the mind opening experience of this book and the inclusion of historical, political, and religious context. This is one I’ll be thinking about for years to come.
archertrip's review
5.0
This may have been one of my favorite reads ever. While not my usual genre, this book had me intrigued each time I opened it, and I learned so much. I will be intrigued still and keep thinking about it for most of my life! This was such a new and unseen perspective of the story of Jesus and the Bible, as well as an amazing perspective of being a woman. As a ex-Christian, ex-Pastor's kid, and queer reader, this will be my new Bible! I loved this!
olga_naden's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
'Men will forever make gods of others rather than see the God in themselves'.
This unique reinterpretation of the timeless tale highlights Mary Magdalene's character as an educated woman who played the crucial role of the 'apostle to the apostles,' moving away from the traditional portrayals of her as a prostitute or demon-possessed.
The book visualizes the sequence of events culminating in the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Rethinking well-known moments like Lazarus's healing, the Cana wedding, and Judas's betrayal, Longfellow offers a feminist viewpoint on Yeshu and his apostles.
Even though the story and characters are created with much artistic licence and would shock an orthodox christian, the book is deeply grounded in theology and philosophy, leaning towards the gnostic interpretation of Yeshua's teachings.
As Magdalene priestess, I have loved this book, even though I disagreed with author's interpretation of many of the characters (Mary Magdalene as John the Less, Salome as Simon Magus). The gnostic philosophy and the teachings of Jesus are presented in a poetically beautiful way and the whole book radiates love and peace.
If you love feminist retellings, such as 'Red Tent', or if you are looking for more humanistic dimension of christianity, you will love this.
This unique reinterpretation of the timeless tale highlights Mary Magdalene's character as an educated woman who played the crucial role of the 'apostle to the apostles,' moving away from the traditional portrayals of her as a prostitute or demon-possessed.
The book visualizes the sequence of events culminating in the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Rethinking well-known moments like Lazarus's healing, the Cana wedding, and Judas's betrayal, Longfellow offers a feminist viewpoint on Yeshu and his apostles.
Even though the story and characters are created with much artistic licence and would shock an orthodox christian, the book is deeply grounded in theology and philosophy, leaning towards the gnostic interpretation of Yeshua's teachings.
As Magdalene priestess, I have loved this book, even though I disagreed with author's interpretation of many of the characters (Mary Magdalene as John the Less, Salome as Simon Magus). The gnostic philosophy and the teachings of Jesus are presented in a poetically beautiful way and the whole book radiates love and peace.
If you love feminist retellings, such as 'Red Tent', or if you are looking for more humanistic dimension of christianity, you will love this.
caitrinhughes's review
2.25
Ok, look. I get it. I get why this book is good, it is actually interesting, it is actually up my alley, BUT I felt like it didn't actually start getting compelling until the last 70-50 pages.
It's just so bogged down in philosophy ideas for the first 2/3rds that it's not a fun read. (and as a religion major who took lots of philosophy classes this is normally not a deal breaker for me!) It felt very dull and like I didn't actually get to know these historical figures as characters/people or anything actually deep about them or their desires other than to spread gnosis/ philosophical ideas. Which like, obviously can be someone's main motivation and desire but if the goal was to make these characters fully human or with human wants and desires I think that was a failure.
I also think that having read the Red Tent and Book of Longings really spoiled me because there is a way to do this in an interesting and appealing way! The Secret Magdalene just felt so bogged down in the scholarship Longfellow forgot to make it actually compelling to read.
It's just so bogged down in philosophy ideas for the first 2/3rds that it's not a fun read. (and as a religion major who took lots of philosophy classes this is normally not a deal breaker for me!) It felt very dull and like I didn't actually get to know these historical figures as characters/people or anything actually deep about them or their desires other than to spread gnosis/ philosophical ideas. Which like, obviously can be someone's main motivation and desire but if the goal was to make these characters fully human or with human wants and desires I think that was a failure.
I also think that having read the Red Tent and Book of Longings really spoiled me because there is a way to do this in an interesting and appealing way! The Secret Magdalene just felt so bogged down in the scholarship Longfellow forgot to make it actually compelling to read.
hekate24's review
5.0
This is honestly one of the most satisfying 'historical fiction novels set in biblical times' type novels I've ever read. The characters are vibrantly, compellingly human. Longfellow gets into some of the apocryphal claims (that Mary and Jesus were especially beloved of one abother) but this is also a very human telling of the story. The author takes great pains to illuminate the historical context these characters lived in and, as such, they really come alive. Early on in her life, Mary Magdalene ends up caught up in some very revolutionary political sects, culminating in Jesus's philosophies and how they compel AND alienate most of the people they meet. By emphasizing the incendiary nature of what the characters are doing, Longfellow sketches these people in as complex people who clearly care about the world around them, and have no idea what's going to happen next. This has the result of making this novel into one hell of a page turner... even if you know how the story will end!
anneke_b's review
2.0
I tried to love it, but it was so slow, and I often felt I was lost. So many names. So much talking about "deep thoughts". I thought I could handle it all, and I was really looking forward to reading this, but unfortunately, it wasn't for me :(
nikki16956's review
5.0
This is my new favorite book. I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved it with all of my heart. It is a historical fiction novel on the life of Mary Magdalene (Mariamne).
It feels like I got to witness Mariamne grow up, and she became like a friend to me. The author did such an amazing job at character development, each personality was so unique and you could truly tell how much thought she put into each character. Besides Mariamne and Yeshu’a, I really loved Seth. But out of every character my heart broke the most for Jude. If any author can make me get attached to that many characters in one story, they deserve an award.
The writing was absolutely phenomenal, and even when it got slow in parts (in my opinion, it didn’t very often) it was completely worth reading just for the writing. This is truly a work of art.
Anyone who likes historical fiction or ancient cultures or is interested in the *actual* story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, this is a must read. It gives so much humanity and compassion to these historical figures who have been worshipped and placed upon a pedestal and idolized for centuries now, even though that’s not really what they would have wanted. This was so well researched, as you can tell by the bibliography in the back. I am so glad I found this book.
It feels like I got to witness Mariamne grow up, and she became like a friend to me. The author did such an amazing job at character development, each personality was so unique and you could truly tell how much thought she put into each character. Besides Mariamne and Yeshu’a, I really loved Seth. But out of every character my heart broke the most for Jude. If any author can make me get attached to that many characters in one story, they deserve an award.
The writing was absolutely phenomenal, and even when it got slow in parts (in my opinion, it didn’t very often) it was completely worth reading just for the writing. This is truly a work of art.
Anyone who likes historical fiction or ancient cultures or is interested in the *actual* story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, this is a must read. It gives so much humanity and compassion to these historical figures who have been worshipped and placed upon a pedestal and idolized for centuries now, even though that’s not really what they would have wanted. This was so well researched, as you can tell by the bibliography in the back. I am so glad I found this book.
thedarkground's review
4.0
Didn't understand most of it but it was very well written so didn't until the ending when I thought: "okay that was great but what does it MEAN".
Great read, highly recommend
Great read, highly recommend
maya_irl's review
5.0
"Set a seal upon your heart, beloved; set a seal upon your arm, for love is as strong as death."