Mary, Called Magdalene

Reader reviewed by Mairi

Born in a family of observant Jews, Mary of Magdala, like many children her age, has an adventurous spirit. She journeys with her family to Jerusalem. On the way back she and her girl cousins, who have never even been allowed to speak with a stranger, decide to go exploring.

During their exploration they meet Jesus of Nazareth in an encounter that is almost comical. "No one wins a scripture contest with Jesus," his mother comments at one point, which I found very amusing. Its ability to look at biblical happenings in a different light is, I think, the strength of this book, not its basis in truth.

This book is not difficult to read in and of itself, but it is remarkably long (the hardcover is over six hundred pages) so it is probably a better coice for a high school student.