This latest novel about Mary Magdalen is the prequel to
Cunningham’s first book on the subject, THE PASSION OF
MARY MAGDALEN (reviewed at TRRC in April 2006). This
tells the “story before the story” and continues on the
original themes detailing Mary Magdalen as a prostitute,
intimately and intricately linked with Jesus Christ,
also called Esus. While the previous book was focused on
the New Testament of the Bible, this latest story is
more involved with Celtic lore.
In this novel we learn about Maeve, the red-haired
Celtic girl born to witches on a magical Celtic island.
Her destiny is sealed when she meets Esus at Druid
school and they forge a strong intellectual and
emotional bond. Maeve spends much of the book trying to
figure out Esus and the ways he figures in her life.
This book is especially charming and fascinating as
readers get a glimpse of the author’s interpretation of
a teenage Jesus and his growing relationship with Mary
Magdalen (or Maeve). This book details the contrasting
and contradictory qualities that these two characters
bring to their relationship. The book is neatly
organized into five parts, or books. It is filled with
colorful characters that swirl around Esus and Maeve.
MAGDALEN RISING is characterized by intense
descriptions, passionate relationships, and a
fascinating glimpse into one author’s interpretation of
biblical events. Like the previous novel, this book is
not for readers intolerable of poetic license detailing
grittier aspects of the life of Jesus Christ. He is a
real man in this book with passions, human qualities,
and much inner turmoil. His relationship with Maeve is
not for the faint of heart.
Once you get past the irreverence and realistic
perspective of Jesus’ life as a young person, you’re
left with a terrific novel that calls forth many
questions about complex theological issues. At its core
this is a story about two people madly in love with each
other, in turbulent times, moved by forces they can’t
control. This is a beautifully written book that will
especially appeal to those who relish Celtic themes in
their romance novels and can tolerate some religious
speculation.Reviewed by: Jeri Neal
Rating: 4 ½ |
