Review: "Mary Magdalene" by Diana Taylor

Reviewed by *Katie McCurdy for Legacy of a Writer

3/5 Stars

THE BOOK: 

A beautiful girl blossoming into womanhood, Mary has high hopes for a life filled with learning, family, and young love. In one dreadful night, all of that changes. The nightmares come first, then the waking visions of unspeakable terror, until Mary hardly remembers her dreams for the future.

Can the Most High deliver her from this torment? How long must she wait for healing?

This vivid portrait of the enigmatic Mary of Magdala comes to life in the hands of an imaginative master storyteller. Diana Wallis Taylor introduces you to a Mary who is both utterly original and respectful of the biblical account, opening your eyes to a redemption that knows no bounds.

MY REVIEW:

I am surprised (and sad) to have to say that I didn’t like Mary Magdalene as much as I had hoped—especially since I really enjoyed Diana Taylor's two previous biblical novels. There was just something about this book that didn’t really click for me, making getting through this book difficult in some parts.

There were, however, things I did enjoy about this book. Such as the way Mary becomes possessed with demons. I wasn’t expecting something like that at all, and while to some it might seem very far-fetched…it still was very plausible. And Taylor worked it all together so seamlessly, it was very believable!

Another aspect of Mary Magdalene that I liked was the different viewpoint we are given of the last half of Jesus’ ministry here on earth—when Mary joins Jesus’ following. I haven’t read anything like that before, and it was neat to see first-hand what the disciples—and the women—did in the hours after Jesus’ crucifixion.

So, while I didn’t become enthralled with the story of Mary Magdalene, there were still some parts I enjoyed. And from all the reviews this book is getting, I know I am in the minority here, so don’t take my word alone that you won’t enjoy Mary Magdalene for yourself. It might just be the biblical fiction of the year you have been waiting for!

* I reviewed this book for Revell. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.