Magdalene Paperback – March 6, 2006

For readers of the biblical and historical fiction genres, this is an outstanding and well-researched tale. I was very impressed by the author's attention to cultural detail and portrayal of the conflicting world views of first century Jews and Romans. She skillfully brought several voices to the story, which offered a chance to view events and belief systems from various perspectives. She also weaves narratives and facts from the gospels and Acts into the story, giving readers a chance to take something new away from well-known Bible stories and teachings. I appreciated that Mary Magdelene is not portrayed as a prostitute, which the oldest traditions about her also do not. The description of her demon possession and exorcism in the early chapters is outstanding from a literary perspective. Unexpected plot twists and a satisfying though realistic resolution make this a fine read for fans of the genre.

I always say, if a book makes you refer other books and leads you to read other books, then it’s worth the investment.Angela Hunt attracts me with giving a relatable touch biblical stories and heroes. And in this book about Mary Magdalene, beyond everything else we read in the Bible and books, I have learned about the destructive powers of unforgiving. I also got the reminder that, knowledge of the scriptures is not enough. We need the greater gift of doing, of abiding and sacrificing our feelings and egos to enable us enjoy the peace and love Jesus brings.Recommended.

I usually 'love' this author's novels, and have read most of them, I think....(Most recently, I've loved reading 'Daughter of Cana' and the 2 others in that series.)The author's character development and research have always drawn me.This one just misses the mark. I agree with another reviewer--it is 'dark'. Mary Magdalene is depicted as a bitter, vengeance-drawn person-- even after she was forgiven, restored, and was her Messiah's close friend.Character development 'lapses' in the middle of this book, covering rather superficially the 3 years of Jesus' ministry, while inadequately describing Mary Magdalene's thoughts and emotions about her travels with her Lord.I 'did' finish it, finding it more 'thorough' at the end....----------------------------------------------------------------Overall, 'not as we'll-written as 'most' of her novels.

I normally love Angela Hunt's books, but this one disturbed me greatly. I know it is biblical fiction, but many of Ms. Hunt's works are based on substantial research and seem true to who the person probably was. Because there is not much known about Mary of Magdala, there are a lot of assumptions here by the author, including that Mary was an angry, bitter, and hateful person longing for revenge. It is a very dark portrait of an important biblical figure that I found to be very disturbing and hard to believe. This one just had too much made up in it for me to enjoy.

Angela Hunt, author and Darla Middlebrook, narrator, have formed an excellent team to provide the audio book, Magdalene. It is a beautiful historical fiction that takes place during and immediately following Jesus’ ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Yeshua the Messiah is, of course, the central focus, and His teachings and ministry are scripturally accurate.While some of the conversations may not be exactly as occurred, they are essentially who Jesus was with Mary Magdalene - Rabboni. Jesus did call out demons from Mary Magdalene – known in this story as Miryam of Magdala. However, we do not know anything about her life outside of following Jesus and being one of the women who cared for the needs of Jesus and later, His disciples. And this is an encouragement to search the scriptures – the gospels and book of Acts, to clarify for yourself exactly the truth the Lord has given us in His love letter, the Bible.The rest of the story is fiction that is rich in history and with beautiful, emotive prose; that it is a work of fiction is made clear from Angela Hunt’s notes. Along with taking place during and after Jesus’ life on earth, it is also the period of the Roman occupation of Israel. Very well researched, one can almost hear the boots of the soldiers, and experience the fear and even anger of some of those under the occupation when soldiers were in town for any reason.In the novel, Miryam was a seller of fine cloth, and experimented with and made unique dyes to use on these cloths; she was a successful businesswoman. Her husband was Yaakov the fisherman. She was a mother to both her infant son and adult son, with a grandbaby on the way. When the unfathomable occurred at the hands of the Roman soldiers, she unknowingly sets events in motion that bring an even greater horror for her to endure, being possessed by several demons.Meeting Jesus, being immensely relieved of the demons by Jesus, and becoming a follower of Yesua, brought about heartache and rejection from Miryam’s friends. She believed in Jesus as Messiah and wanted to be part of His coming kingdom. Like many others of that time, however, she thought Yeshua’s kingdom would be earthly, and the revenge she so desired against the Romans would occur. She supported the work, travelled with and cared for the needs of the Messiah and His disciples. After His crucifixion, resurrection, and return to heaven, she continued to support the disciples’ work. Yet the thirst for revenge was not something she had given to her Lord – and it ate away at her very being.The characters are strong and vibrant men and women who are very well defined. Yeshua’s teaching and actions were in line with the Bible. Miryam and her fellow travelers and friends each have their feelings and convictions. Atticus, the Roman soldier, and his lady friend and son, and the transformation in their lives after their son was healed by Jesus, was nothing short of the Holy Spirit’s work.The plot is a tapestry of spiritual lessons. When we meet Jesus, there may be things from our past that we have to deal with and let go of, one by one. If we don’t turn over those things, they can lead us to make horribly destructive decisions, blocking our view of Jesus as they stand between us. There are interesting twists in the story; some took this reader completely by surprise and some did not. I am in awe of the historical research that Angela Hunt had done before writing, and the way she could weave a tale such that the spiritual lessons live on in the reader’s heart long after listening to the final credits.Angela Hunt’s excellent prose is taken to the next level with Darla Middlebrook’s narration. I was so appreciative of the beautiful sound of a gifted narrator reading Magdalene with emotions appropriate to the culture and time. I like audio books – I had purchased the book on Kindle a couple years ago but not yet read it, and this audio book showed me what I had missed! I highly recommend this to adults of any age who appreciate historical fiction written around the time of the New Testament writings, especially Jesus’ life. Fans of Angela Hunt will not want to miss this!With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Quite a revelation about a character who has been misrepresented in the Christian tradition. I felt this novel brought some clarity and I enjoyed Angela’s interpretation of Mary Magdalen’s possible life.Penny Callaghan

A super portrayal of the people, the period and a new level of persecution not witnessed before. Thank you AH

Great book! I was almost able to walk the streets of Jerusalem in my mind........and smell it. Well written, engaging and interesting. It gets a thumbs up from me

Intersting booking covering the story of on of the Mary's in the bible. Not mmy favourite Angela Hunt book but madde good reading.

My mom is fond of her writing .