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A review by bookish_olga
The Secret Magdalene by Ki Longfellow
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.