Mary Called Magdalene by Margaret George

Margaret George is an American Historian and the author of best-selling historical novels such as Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles,The Autobiography of Henry VIII, and Memoirs of Cleopatra, takes on the overwhelming task of telling the story of one of the most independent women in the Bible. Though very little has been known about Mary of Magdala George has recreated a tale that is undeniably compelling. Mary Called Magdalene is a respectable historical novel that is certainly worth reading. Although George has done an excellent job in detailing the major incidents found in the New Testament she did underplay a lot of important events including the Peter's denial, Judas' betrayal, and the Crucifixion.

The story of Mary of Magdala has fascinated people of all faiths throughout humanity. Was Mary of Magdala a prostitute? A prophet? Was she Jesus' lover, and if so, is there the possibility that there are descendants of Christ walking the earth today? Questions such these have sparked controversy and have been the cause of considerable debate in the religious world.

We are first introduced to Mary as the daughter of a successful fish processor living in the religiously observant town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. As young girl Mary takes her first pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On this trip she finds a female idol made of ivory. Although it is against Jewish teachings to worship such images Mary cannot resist its energy and secretly keeps it. Hiding it from her family she quickly learns that the idol is a demon. It begins speaking to Mary and soon comes to have power over her, haunting her every thought.

She eventually marries and has a daughter. The demons continue to persist and start to multiply. When her family learns that she has become possessed they attempt to help her find a cure by sending her away. When a well-known rabbi is unable to heal her, Mary wanders into the desert. She comes upon a crowd of people where John the Baptist is preaching. Here she meets Jesus who commands that the evil spirits leave her. The demons are expelled; Mary becomes healed and is initiated as a disciple of Jesus. She tries to return to her family in Magdala but finds that she has been cast out because she wants to continue to follow Jesus and spread His message.

The book goes on to cover the major biblical occurrences in Jesus' life as seen through the eyes of Mary. Other events from the New Testament and the miracles performed by Jesus as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are also detailed.

George, M. (2002). Mary Called Magdalene. New York: Viking; 1st Printing Edition (Hardback).