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Mary Magdalene
Long maligned as a prostitute or a woman of questionable reputation, Mary Magdalene's murky story seems lost to the sands of time. Now a portrait of this enigmatic woman comes to life in the hands of an imaginative master storyteller. Diana Wallis Taylor's Mary is a woman devastated by circumstances beyond her control and plagued with terrifying dreams--until she has a life-changing confrontation with the Savior.
Lovers of historical and biblical fiction will find this creative telling of Mary's story utterly original and respectful as it opens their eyes to the redeeming work of Christ in the lives of those who follow him.
Lovers of historical and biblical fiction will find this creative telling of Mary's story utterly original and respectful as it opens their eyes to the redeeming work of Christ in the lives of those who follow him.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
264 people are currently reading
1925 people want to read
About the author
Diana Wallis Taylor
22 books224 followersDiana Wallis Taylor is the author of the novels Journey to the Well and Martha and lives in California. Find out more at www.dianawallistaylor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
March 21, 2016
2.5 stars
Mary Magdalene, a rather enigmatic and fascinating Bible character whom we don't know much about, comes alive in this rather interesting take on her story. We know Mary as a woman of ill-repute, a sinner and a prostitute, and we also know that she was possessed by demons. She was marginalized, people didn't want anything to do with her, but after an encounter with Jesus, she becomes a changed woman and decides to follow and serve Him.
In this novel, Diana Wallis Taylor has imagined the cause of Mary's madness, as well as what her family life and social circumstances might have been. Kidnapped at the age of 11, her misadventure leaves a fatal traumatism on her soul, and she will never be the same again. First, the nightmares that wake her up screaming during the night. Then the blinding headaches, seizures, fits of rage, until it becomes evident that poor Mary is possessed by demons. The book spans many years, and we see Mary's evolution from the time she's a young girl to a middle-aged woman, yet the pace of the novel is rather slow. The first half is repetitive; Mary's parents despair of finding a husband who'd want a sick wife, and when they do find one, life is hard and it takes a lot of patience and hard work to control Mary and take care of her.
When she finally meets Jesus, the book takes a new perspective as we no longer read about the villagers of Magdala and the daily struggles with Mary, but instead we follow the Lord briefly through the last two years of His ministry, and we get to see all the events through the Holy Women's perspective which was very interesting. They were mostly in charge of preparing the meals and serving the men, but they kept pace with them and followed Christ wherever He went.
In terms of spiritual content, this novel doesn't teach you anything. It's not eye-opening on any level, there is no great amount of constructive teaching, and even if you don't read the Bible much, you've probably already heard all the parables and main events of Jesus' life that were recounted in this book. I was disappointed that there wasn't more substance in a novel that had such great potential. The writing did not come get me at all. I never felt sad, happy, elated, or joyful for any of the characters. I wanted to "feel" Mary's miraculous healing, her selfless abandon in following the Lord, her love for Him, His love for the people, etc. I wanted to feel strongly while the Passion was being seen through Mary's eyes, but I didn't feel much of anything. The writing was too empty, too simple, and didn't come get all the emotions we should have felt. There was a lot going on in this book in terms of hardships and sadness, and I never once felt sad. The writing only touched the surface of things, and wasn't deep at all.
It was still a good book despite that, and for the most part I enjoyed reading it anyways, but near the end I was obliged to take down a few points because two things bothered me. First, there was absolutely no mention of the 40 days Jesus spends in the desert before entering Jerusalem, and that's a pretty important part because it is His preparation time before His passion. It's Lent, and you don't just skip Lent! And second, the one that bothered me even more, Jesus is said to have brothers and sisters. In the Catholic faith we believe that Jesus was Mary and Joseph's only son, conceived by the Holy Spirit and not the natural way, and that they didn't have any other children together. It was the first time I'd read about Jesus having siblings so it really felt weird for me and that's what bothered me, but that is purely personal and I understand that not everyone will mind. Catholics, be warned though ;)
There is still another book by this author that I've had on my TBR for a long while, Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate, and I still want t give it a try despite the few setbacks I had with Mary Magdalene, but at least I will know to lower my expectations a bit, and read it just for the story and her take on yet another glanced-over character in the Bible.
Mary Magdalene, a rather enigmatic and fascinating Bible character whom we don't know much about, comes alive in this rather interesting take on her story. We know Mary as a woman of ill-repute, a sinner and a prostitute, and we also know that she was possessed by demons. She was marginalized, people didn't want anything to do with her, but after an encounter with Jesus, she becomes a changed woman and decides to follow and serve Him.
In this novel, Diana Wallis Taylor has imagined the cause of Mary's madness, as well as what her family life and social circumstances might have been. Kidnapped at the age of 11, her misadventure leaves a fatal traumatism on her soul, and she will never be the same again. First, the nightmares that wake her up screaming during the night. Then the blinding headaches, seizures, fits of rage, until it becomes evident that poor Mary is possessed by demons. The book spans many years, and we see Mary's evolution from the time she's a young girl to a middle-aged woman, yet the pace of the novel is rather slow. The first half is repetitive; Mary's parents despair of finding a husband who'd want a sick wife, and when they do find one, life is hard and it takes a lot of patience and hard work to control Mary and take care of her.
When she finally meets Jesus, the book takes a new perspective as we no longer read about the villagers of Magdala and the daily struggles with Mary, but instead we follow the Lord briefly through the last two years of His ministry, and we get to see all the events through the Holy Women's perspective which was very interesting. They were mostly in charge of preparing the meals and serving the men, but they kept pace with them and followed Christ wherever He went.
In terms of spiritual content, this novel doesn't teach you anything. It's not eye-opening on any level, there is no great amount of constructive teaching, and even if you don't read the Bible much, you've probably already heard all the parables and main events of Jesus' life that were recounted in this book. I was disappointed that there wasn't more substance in a novel that had such great potential. The writing did not come get me at all. I never felt sad, happy, elated, or joyful for any of the characters. I wanted to "feel" Mary's miraculous healing, her selfless abandon in following the Lord, her love for Him, His love for the people, etc. I wanted to feel strongly while the Passion was being seen through Mary's eyes, but I didn't feel much of anything. The writing was too empty, too simple, and didn't come get all the emotions we should have felt. There was a lot going on in this book in terms of hardships and sadness, and I never once felt sad. The writing only touched the surface of things, and wasn't deep at all.
It was still a good book despite that, and for the most part I enjoyed reading it anyways, but near the end I was obliged to take down a few points because two things bothered me. First, there was absolutely no mention of the 40 days Jesus spends in the desert before entering Jerusalem, and that's a pretty important part because it is His preparation time before His passion. It's Lent, and you don't just skip Lent! And second, the one that bothered me even more, Jesus is said to have brothers and sisters. In the Catholic faith we believe that Jesus was Mary and Joseph's only son, conceived by the Holy Spirit and not the natural way, and that they didn't have any other children together. It was the first time I'd read about Jesus having siblings so it really felt weird for me and that's what bothered me, but that is purely personal and I understand that not everyone will mind. Catholics, be warned though ;)
There is still another book by this author that I've had on my TBR for a long while, Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate, and I still want t give it a try despite the few setbacks I had with Mary Magdalene, but at least I will know to lower my expectations a bit, and read it just for the story and her take on yet another glanced-over character in the Bible.
September 8, 2020
While at this point I am fairly certain that I can tell you that Mesu Andrews is perhaps my favorite Biblical Christian Historical Fiction author, because of her books I have a big desire to jump more into other Biblical retellings. Diana Wallis Taylor is an author that many of my friends recommend for her Biblical retellings, first for The Journey to the Well and then for Martha, and now I’m quite certain that I will be hearing similar things said for Mary Magdalene.
Mary of Magdala is a female character in Biblical history that has probably had as much outside writing and inquisition into her mind and life as Mary, mother of Jesus. This novel is one more such estimated and imagined tale for what her life might have been. Through the words and storytelling of Diana, we get a girl excited about life and loving of her father’s grace and attentions who goes through something horrendous and then endures some harsh years with physiological damage that only Christ himself can repair.
Read through this story and enjoy learning what might have been.
*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
Mary of Magdala is a female character in Biblical history that has probably had as much outside writing and inquisition into her mind and life as Mary, mother of Jesus. This novel is one more such estimated and imagined tale for what her life might have been. Through the words and storytelling of Diana, we get a girl excited about life and loving of her father’s grace and attentions who goes through something horrendous and then endures some harsh years with physiological damage that only Christ himself can repair.
Read through this story and enjoy learning what might have been.
*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
June 20, 2012
Diana Wallis Taylor does an excellent job of nailing down biblical fiction, she is in a class with a few others who do this job very well. I love biblical fiction that causes me to go back to scripture and dig into it more deeply.
This story is about one of the women of the bible that who has had decades of rumors swirling around her. Who is this beautiful, mysterious woman that followed Jesus with complete loyalty and devotion? What is so different about her that has left people across the ages all trying to decide who she was and what her story really is?
Diana Wallis Taylor does not say that she has a difinative answer but rather adds a new depth and warmth to a woman that is most certainly tainted with all sorts of rumors. For the first time readers may see a side of Mary Magdalene that they had never considered before.
This is the story of a beautiful woman, the apple of her father's eye who's world is instantly shattered when she is suddenly struck with seizures and other mental illnesses. In a society riddled with tradition and old wive's tales, with beliefs mixed from truth and folk tales she is just as instantly turned an outcast from the peoples that once loved and embraced her. Suddenly with out support and love, struggling with the unknown we find a woman destitute, broken, hopeless, and longing. This makes for the perfect redemption story.
For are we not all in out own ways outcasts - struggling just to fit in with the "norm". Longing for acceptance and seeking answers for our own inner demons. Are we not all broken and hopeless in some way longing for the healing touch of a savior that will set our world to rights and bring order to the chaos of our hearts and minds.
Women every where will be able to relate to this love story of a God who seeks to save his children for we are all these children. This woman so immersed in the shadows of religious gossip and scandal is suddenly brought into a different light and we find - to our surprise she is much easier to relate to than we first believed.
Excellent job Diana Wallis Taylor you have done it again. IF you are looking for a good addition to you biblical fiction library this is it!
Thanks to Regal for this review copy.
This story is about one of the women of the bible that who has had decades of rumors swirling around her. Who is this beautiful, mysterious woman that followed Jesus with complete loyalty and devotion? What is so different about her that has left people across the ages all trying to decide who she was and what her story really is?
Diana Wallis Taylor does not say that she has a difinative answer but rather adds a new depth and warmth to a woman that is most certainly tainted with all sorts of rumors. For the first time readers may see a side of Mary Magdalene that they had never considered before.
This is the story of a beautiful woman, the apple of her father's eye who's world is instantly shattered when she is suddenly struck with seizures and other mental illnesses. In a society riddled with tradition and old wive's tales, with beliefs mixed from truth and folk tales she is just as instantly turned an outcast from the peoples that once loved and embraced her. Suddenly with out support and love, struggling with the unknown we find a woman destitute, broken, hopeless, and longing. This makes for the perfect redemption story.
For are we not all in out own ways outcasts - struggling just to fit in with the "norm". Longing for acceptance and seeking answers for our own inner demons. Are we not all broken and hopeless in some way longing for the healing touch of a savior that will set our world to rights and bring order to the chaos of our hearts and minds.
Women every where will be able to relate to this love story of a God who seeks to save his children for we are all these children. This woman so immersed in the shadows of religious gossip and scandal is suddenly brought into a different light and we find - to our surprise she is much easier to relate to than we first believed.
Excellent job Diana Wallis Taylor you have done it again. IF you are looking for a good addition to you biblical fiction library this is it!
Thanks to Regal for this review copy.
June 13, 2012
I enjoyed this story. There were parts toward the end that were just like the stories in the gospels, so that came together nicely. Mary's descent into darkness following her childhood trauma was believably written. I cannot imagine how horrible it was for her or her husband to have that experience. I felt her profound relief when she was freed from the demons. Her husband also had reason to celebrate because he missed the intimacy in their marriage. Mary wouldn't let him anywhere near him and that had to hurt. One great theme in this book was that if you love someone you take care of them despite how hard it gets at times. Also, when someone recognizes they have sinned and confesses it, there is relief from guilt that can turn a life around.
I loved Nathan. I was sad when he passed on. I could feel the heavy emotion from Jesus when he said it wasn't time for her to follow him. His compassion was tangible. The author did a great job conveying this. Jesus knew her husband wouldn't be there forever. It struck me that Jesus knew a lot of things that would happen but didn't interfere with them if it wasn't part of the Father's plan. I knew this already, but for some reason that scene really sent the message home. Sometimes God doesn't intervene, but He always knows what we'll do and what will be done to us in our lives. Trusting Him--when you look at it that way-- makes total sense. No one else knows the far-reaching impact of our every decision, but because God does, we can trust Him.
Anyway, Biblical fiction lovers will enjoy this story. I love Biblical fiction and I really did. It wasn't my favorite novel by this author, but there were a lot of things to like about the story and I think there are a good number of themes in this book that will reach hurting lives. This is what Biblical fiction does best. It helps brings the difficult things in life into perspective and makes Scripture come alive when it's well done. This novel does just that.
I loved Nathan. I was sad when he passed on. I could feel the heavy emotion from Jesus when he said it wasn't time for her to follow him. His compassion was tangible. The author did a great job conveying this. Jesus knew her husband wouldn't be there forever. It struck me that Jesus knew a lot of things that would happen but didn't interfere with them if it wasn't part of the Father's plan. I knew this already, but for some reason that scene really sent the message home. Sometimes God doesn't intervene, but He always knows what we'll do and what will be done to us in our lives. Trusting Him--when you look at it that way-- makes total sense. No one else knows the far-reaching impact of our every decision, but because God does, we can trust Him.
Anyway, Biblical fiction lovers will enjoy this story. I love Biblical fiction and I really did. It wasn't my favorite novel by this author, but there were a lot of things to like about the story and I think there are a good number of themes in this book that will reach hurting lives. This is what Biblical fiction does best. It helps brings the difficult things in life into perspective and makes Scripture come alive when it's well done. This novel does just that.
June 24, 2012
When I think of people in the Bible that I would like to read more about Mary Magdalene is one of those people. If I am going to read biblical fiction, it really needs to be interesting if I am going to stay focused on it. If it feels too much like a lesson, it can boring, but I have yet to feel that way with a book by Diana Wallis Taylor. She is very good at keeping the story interesting, and feeling like a story while maintaining biblical accuracy. That is a difficult balance to achieve and Diana does it quite well. Reading Mary’s story this way really brings it to life and I liked the care and time Diana took in doing so.
If you like biblical fiction this book is a must read. I personally was fascinated by Mary’s story and couldn’t help but wonder what it must have been like for Mary to be possessed by demons. Diana sure did give me a pretty good idea what it must have been like. I think out of all the biblical fiction I have read, this one is my favorite so far. I will admit to a few slow spots in the book, but looking back, they didn’t really affect the story. Overall, Mary Magdalene is an excellent biblical novel.
If you like biblical fiction this book is a must read. I personally was fascinated by Mary’s story and couldn’t help but wonder what it must have been like for Mary to be possessed by demons. Diana sure did give me a pretty good idea what it must have been like. I think out of all the biblical fiction I have read, this one is my favorite so far. I will admit to a few slow spots in the book, but looking back, they didn’t really affect the story. Overall, Mary Magdalene is an excellent biblical novel.
August 9, 2014
Although written as a novel, it was an excellent study of Mary Magdalene, the one from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons and recorded in the Bible as the first person to see the risen Jesus. “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.” (Mark 16:9-10).
The fact that women were the first to visit the tomb and the first person to see the risen Jesus is evidence that the Biblical account is not fiction, because if it was fiction the writers would have chosen someone other than women to be witnesses. At that time in Jewish history, a woman’s witness was not worth anything.
As I read the novel, I checked Biblical accounts for accuracy. I learned quite a bit about Mary Magdalene as a result of reading the novel. The only thing that bothered me a little was it appeared that Jesus ascended to Heaven after visiting with the Disciples the one time. Actually He was on earth and seen by some 500 different people over a 40 day period before ascending to Heaven.
The fact that women were the first to visit the tomb and the first person to see the risen Jesus is evidence that the Biblical account is not fiction, because if it was fiction the writers would have chosen someone other than women to be witnesses. At that time in Jewish history, a woman’s witness was not worth anything.
As I read the novel, I checked Biblical accounts for accuracy. I learned quite a bit about Mary Magdalene as a result of reading the novel. The only thing that bothered me a little was it appeared that Jesus ascended to Heaven after visiting with the Disciples the one time. Actually He was on earth and seen by some 500 different people over a 40 day period before ascending to Heaven.
September 16, 2014
What an amazing journey of a real woman with real life problems and real life love, lost and insanity and then her cure…Jesus. The man who was said to make the blind see.. this is an amazing story of the everyday life of a woman.
Mary in this book, gives up nothing at all to follow Jesus. She did not have much but in following him she gained everything and I loved this fact of the book. Subtle, never preachy but the message is clear and the book filled me with hope.
Nathan, Mary's spouse in this novel is an inspirational character by himself. Teenage love, true love and a determination to do what is right. I loved this secondary character as I did the freed slave. So many characters in this book Mary included made this an amazing book. Mary is a very well formed character. Not faultless, human and afflicted but a good person nonetheless.
The author did an amazing job in writing a novel that serves to inspire.
WaAr
Mary in this book, gives up nothing at all to follow Jesus. She did not have much but in following him she gained everything and I loved this fact of the book. Subtle, never preachy but the message is clear and the book filled me with hope.
Nathan, Mary's spouse in this novel is an inspirational character by himself. Teenage love, true love and a determination to do what is right. I loved this secondary character as I did the freed slave. So many characters in this book Mary included made this an amazing book. Mary is a very well formed character. Not faultless, human and afflicted but a good person nonetheless.
The author did an amazing job in writing a novel that serves to inspire.
WaAr
December 18, 2019
Once again, Diana Wallis Taylor brings Christian fiction to a respectable and thoroughly enjoyable level by taking a person with little background from the Scriptures and writing a fictional biography on that person. What do we know about Mary of Magdala, the woman who ultimately Jesus first chose to reveal Himself to upon His Resurrection?
Therein lies the remarkable answer...we don't know much about her, but Taylor creates a wonderfully detailed story steeped in Jewish tradition, the importance of family, and the stability of love, even in the face of extreme hardship.
Mary suffers from PTSD as a result of having been kidnapped as a child, and as the years wear on, her mental state devolves into frank madness. How can she remain married to her true love when she must remain imprisoned in a room in her house? How can her husband, Nathan, find a way to divorce her and start life anew? Desperate for an alternative, Nathan hears about a mysterious Rabbi who wanders the countryside, healing the lame, and casting out demons from the infirm. The chance encounter between Nathan and Jesus ultimately paves the way to Mary's freedom from mental illness, but that is just the beginning.
Mary's devotion to Christ allows her to follow Him for the last two years of His life, leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Taylor is careful not to "tread" on the Scripture by interjecting her own viewpoints that may alter the true sense of the Word, but rather, tells her story of what Mary Magdalene's life might have been, considering what the societal norms were back then.
Therein lies the remarkable answer...we don't know much about her, but Taylor creates a wonderfully detailed story steeped in Jewish tradition, the importance of family, and the stability of love, even in the face of extreme hardship.
Mary suffers from PTSD as a result of having been kidnapped as a child, and as the years wear on, her mental state devolves into frank madness. How can she remain married to her true love when she must remain imprisoned in a room in her house? How can her husband, Nathan, find a way to divorce her and start life anew? Desperate for an alternative, Nathan hears about a mysterious Rabbi who wanders the countryside, healing the lame, and casting out demons from the infirm. The chance encounter between Nathan and Jesus ultimately paves the way to Mary's freedom from mental illness, but that is just the beginning.
Mary's devotion to Christ allows her to follow Him for the last two years of His life, leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Taylor is careful not to "tread" on the Scripture by interjecting her own viewpoints that may alter the true sense of the Word, but rather, tells her story of what Mary Magdalene's life might have been, considering what the societal norms were back then.
June 19, 2012
Diana Wallis Taylor in her new book, “Mary Magdalene” published by Revell takes us back to Biblical times to give us a look into the life of a very misunderstood character.
From the Back Cover: One woman desperate for hope. One Savior with the power to heal.
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.
There is a group that think Mary is a prostitute though the Bible doesn’t say so. There are others that think that Mary married Jesus even though the Bible is clear that is an error. No, Mary of Magdala, Magdalene is not her last name, is a Biblical person who is misunderstood and yet plays an important part in our Lord’s life. It is Mary who is there at the tomb and has the angel talk to her and actually witnesses Jesus before the others; an important person. Ms. Taylor, in this book, “Mary Magdalene”, gives us Mary as a real person with real desires and plans. Once again Ms. Taylor researched what life was like in Jesus’ time and came up with a full picture of what her life might have been like. Of course, this is a work of fiction but based on Biblical events and is a sweet tale of trials, triumphs, and love. And, of course, there is also Jesus appearing in the story. Want to read a good book with events from the Bible woven into it then I recommend this book highly.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours a day non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
From the Back Cover: One woman desperate for hope. One Savior with the power to heal.
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.
There is a group that think Mary is a prostitute though the Bible doesn’t say so. There are others that think that Mary married Jesus even though the Bible is clear that is an error. No, Mary of Magdala, Magdalene is not her last name, is a Biblical person who is misunderstood and yet plays an important part in our Lord’s life. It is Mary who is there at the tomb and has the angel talk to her and actually witnesses Jesus before the others; an important person. Ms. Taylor, in this book, “Mary Magdalene”, gives us Mary as a real person with real desires and plans. Once again Ms. Taylor researched what life was like in Jesus’ time and came up with a full picture of what her life might have been like. Of course, this is a work of fiction but based on Biblical events and is a sweet tale of trials, triumphs, and love. And, of course, there is also Jesus appearing in the story. Want to read a good book with events from the Bible woven into it then I recommend this book highly.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours a day non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
June 25, 2012
Mary Magdalene by Diana Wallis Taylor
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!
After reading “Journey to the Well” I am hooked on Diana Taylor’s books! I look forward to new ones coming out, and I was excited to be able to read and review “Mary Magdalene.” And again, I was not disappointed! If you like Biblical Fiction, this book is a must for you!
Since Mary Magdalene is somewhat a mystery because there is not much written about her in the Bible, I really wanted to read this book to find out what Diana Taylor’s version of Mary was. The book starts out with a young Mary, a daddy’s girl and love immensely by her mom. I enjoyed getting to know this young Mary, and following her life to adulthood. The accounts of Mary being demon possessed was heartbreaking, and her family staying close to her, supporting her was so heartwarming. Coming from this life, and the miracle of her healing, I can clearly see why Mary Magdalene was so devoted to Jesus. She loved Him deeply because He changed her life forever.
I cringe when I think about some of the things people have to say about Mary and her devotion to the Lord. And I appreciate Diana Taylor for how she shows us the real deal of why Mary loved Jesus so much. It was very well known that no one anywhere had been able to help Mary. And then her husband Nathan, a man wisely chosen by Jared for his daughter, hears about the healer Jesus. It was Jesus who healed Mary and gave her a new life. Shouldn’t that make Mary, and anyone else that Jesus has healed in a situation such as this, devoted to Him for life?
Wow, I feel like I keep jumping all over the place in this story. Even though we don’t know what Mary’s life was like, I thoroughly enjoyed this fictional novel of how Diana Wallis Taylor thought it could have been. It is fun just being able to wonder and read about how it could have been. And I feel the Biblical accounts were accurate, so that’s all that really matters to me, the rest is fiction, and that’s where the fun is.
*****Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*****
I received this book from the publisher Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55
June 29, 2012
Story Description:
Baker Publishing Group|June 1, 2012|KOBO e-Reader Edition
Long maligned as a prostitute or a woman of questionable reputation, Mary Magdalene’s murky story seems lost to the sands of time. Now a portrait of this enigmatic woman comes to life in the hands of an imaginative master storyteller. Diana Wallis Taylor’s Mary is a woman devastated by circumstances beyond her control and plagued with terrifying dreams – until she has a life-changing confrontation with the Savior. Lovers of historical and biblical fiction will find this creative telling of Mary’s story utterly original and respectful as it opens their eyes to the redeeming work of Christ in the lives of those who follow him.
My Review:
The story of Mary Magdalene was so well-written that I read it quickly and in one sitting. At a young age, Mary is kidnapped from her bed in the middle of the night and when she is finally found is prone to fits and wild rages. No one knows what to do with her. Her father, Jared, has already taken her to see several Rabbi’s in the hope that they’d be able to cast-out the demons who were haunting his daughter, however that was not to be.
Then one day while building boats at his shipyard, Nathan, Mary’s husband who married her when she was just a young woman heard about a teacher who seemed to have some mysterious way of healing people. Immediately Nathan thought of his beloved Mary and knew he must seek out this teacher immediately!
For those of you who do not know this story, I won’t ruin it by giving it any more detail than what is already here contained within the story description above. You’ll just have to read the book to find out, but let me tell you, I was very, very good!! Diana Taylor Wallis always pens unique novels and I’ve not missed one yet and don’t plan on missing any of her future novels either.
Baker Publishing Group|June 1, 2012|KOBO e-Reader Edition
Long maligned as a prostitute or a woman of questionable reputation, Mary Magdalene’s murky story seems lost to the sands of time. Now a portrait of this enigmatic woman comes to life in the hands of an imaginative master storyteller. Diana Wallis Taylor’s Mary is a woman devastated by circumstances beyond her control and plagued with terrifying dreams – until she has a life-changing confrontation with the Savior. Lovers of historical and biblical fiction will find this creative telling of Mary’s story utterly original and respectful as it opens their eyes to the redeeming work of Christ in the lives of those who follow him.
My Review:
The story of Mary Magdalene was so well-written that I read it quickly and in one sitting. At a young age, Mary is kidnapped from her bed in the middle of the night and when she is finally found is prone to fits and wild rages. No one knows what to do with her. Her father, Jared, has already taken her to see several Rabbi’s in the hope that they’d be able to cast-out the demons who were haunting his daughter, however that was not to be.
Then one day while building boats at his shipyard, Nathan, Mary’s husband who married her when she was just a young woman heard about a teacher who seemed to have some mysterious way of healing people. Immediately Nathan thought of his beloved Mary and knew he must seek out this teacher immediately!
For those of you who do not know this story, I won’t ruin it by giving it any more detail than what is already here contained within the story description above. You’ll just have to read the book to find out, but let me tell you, I was very, very good!! Diana Taylor Wallis always pens unique novels and I’ve not missed one yet and don’t plan on missing any of her future novels either.
June 20, 2012
This book hit home for me on many levels. I have no idea how Diana was able to write seizures so incredibly perfectly, but she was. Mary is a young girl when she is kidnapped and held for ransom, she watches as her father is stabbed, and this begins her nightmares and seizures. For years she is plagued with headaches that turn into horrible seizures. She can't be left alone, do anything alone, she gets violent. Her father seeks a betrothal for her from a distant cousin and the moment he sees Mary's physical aliment he wants nothing to do with her.
Her father, Jared and her mother, Rachel had taken her to the priest to have the demons removed and that hasn't worked. Mary prays to HaShem begging for the seizures to leave her.
Jared, allowed Nathan, Mary's childhood friend, and his apprentice to teach Mary the Torah. What he didn't realize was that there was an attraction between them and Nathan loved Mary, Nathan cared about her before she got sick and after.
When Nathan hears of Jesus and he seeks him out because he is told that He can heal the sick and remove demons, I felt like I was on the road with him, and right there with the feeding of the 5,000.
The scene of Mary reaching Jesus is breath taking! His gentle voice, Mary being free for the first time in years. I had tears streaming down my face.
I know first hand how horrible seizures are and while I don't convulse like what was portrayed in this book they mess with your whole body. Diana has written an absolutely beautiful book about loving someone who is not perfect physically. My heart was touched and overwhelmed. I can't recommend this book highly enough! Don't miss it!
Her father, Jared and her mother, Rachel had taken her to the priest to have the demons removed and that hasn't worked. Mary prays to HaShem begging for the seizures to leave her.
Jared, allowed Nathan, Mary's childhood friend, and his apprentice to teach Mary the Torah. What he didn't realize was that there was an attraction between them and Nathan loved Mary, Nathan cared about her before she got sick and after.
When Nathan hears of Jesus and he seeks him out because he is told that He can heal the sick and remove demons, I felt like I was on the road with him, and right there with the feeding of the 5,000.
The scene of Mary reaching Jesus is breath taking! His gentle voice, Mary being free for the first time in years. I had tears streaming down my face.
I know first hand how horrible seizures are and while I don't convulse like what was portrayed in this book they mess with your whole body. Diana has written an absolutely beautiful book about loving someone who is not perfect physically. My heart was touched and overwhelmed. I can't recommend this book highly enough! Don't miss it!
August 17, 2012
Mary Magdalene is a moving read, a powerful portrayal of one of the most famous women of the New Testament. I found myself immediately drawn into this artfully crafted novel, and I must say that the first half of the story in particular was impossible to put down, from Mary's childhood experience that resulted in her being inhabited by demons, to her miraculous delivery by Jesus. The settings and descriptions the author uses are vivid and absolutely brought each scene to life. It is clear that Taylor has carefully researched the person of Mary Magdalene and the culture of the day, and while obviously some poetic license had to be used to create a work of fiction from Mary's life as detailed in the Bible, Taylor does so in a manner that is faithful to scripture while providing for an entertaining read. While waiting for Mary to be delivered, I literally was gripping the book due to the suspense of whether all would fall into place for her to be freed (and this despite knowing the Biblical outcome of the story!). I did find that the latter part of the book slowed down in pace for me, and while it was still enjoyable, it didn't hold the same gripping power over me. However, all told I find this to be a worthy re-telling of Mary's story, and one that deserves a permanent place on my shelf.
I give this book a solid recommendation and award it 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I give this book a solid recommendation and award it 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
June 22, 2012
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
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 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!
June 17, 2012
What is the price of one's freedom in comparison to a lifetime of sorrow?
As a young girl Mary's father Jared commissions her friend to begin teaching her the Torah, a privilege not usually afforded to women. On one fateful night her life rests in the hands of greedy and ruthless individuals. An illness as a result envelopes her, leaving in it's wake a horrible name. Who will deliver her from the pain and suffering that imprisons her?
A most enjoyable, and impossible to put down biblical novel that promises excitement, grace and accuracy from a most gifted author. Historical figures come to life in a familiar story but with a new storyline and a fresh voice. Well formed bright and vivacious characters seem like old friends rather than just personalities in a novel. Dialogue, description and scenery blended together expertly leaving no holes, dead ends or dull parts. Like her previous novels Journey to the Well and Martha, Mary Magdalene will capture your heart, hold your attention and leave you hungering for more! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Taylor. I was challenged in my faith, highly entertained and found the overall message to be very inspiring! I will recommend this well written novel to others. Thank you to Revell Publishing for my complimentary copy to review for this blog tour.
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
As a young girl Mary's father Jared commissions her friend to begin teaching her the Torah, a privilege not usually afforded to women. On one fateful night her life rests in the hands of greedy and ruthless individuals. An illness as a result envelopes her, leaving in it's wake a horrible name. Who will deliver her from the pain and suffering that imprisons her?
A most enjoyable, and impossible to put down biblical novel that promises excitement, grace and accuracy from a most gifted author. Historical figures come to life in a familiar story but with a new storyline and a fresh voice. Well formed bright and vivacious characters seem like old friends rather than just personalities in a novel. Dialogue, description and scenery blended together expertly leaving no holes, dead ends or dull parts. Like her previous novels Journey to the Well and Martha, Mary Magdalene will capture your heart, hold your attention and leave you hungering for more! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Taylor. I was challenged in my faith, highly entertained and found the overall message to be very inspiring! I will recommend this well written novel to others. Thank you to Revell Publishing for my complimentary copy to review for this blog tour.
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
August 15, 2012
Mary Magdalene is the newest offering from author Diana Wallis Taylor and it is a treat for Historical Fiction fans.
Wallis Taylor has used her imagination and given us a portrait of Mary Magdalene that seems very plausible. I was thrilled that she had not gone with the old lie that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. Clearly, she stuck to scripture and it shows.
Her portrayal of Mary who becomes possessed with demons is quite realistic and not at all overdone. I was very impressed with how she worked this part of the story out.
Wallis Taylor's story finds Mary Magdalene dealing with a traumatic event as a youngster. This event plays into her future problems. Fortunately she has someone who doesn't give up on her as her behaviour becomes stranger and more violent. Her long-time friend Nathan also her husband proves what true love really is as he struggles to find an answer to Mary's problems.
Of course in the end Jesus heals her and she travels with Him, but it is the story leading up to that miraculous healing that will keep you riveted and the ending Wallis Taylor provides almost had me believing that is what Mary did when the Lord ascended to heaven.
A wonderful read that will keep you entertained and teach you something in the end as well.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications,Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Wallis Taylor has used her imagination and given us a portrait of Mary Magdalene that seems very plausible. I was thrilled that she had not gone with the old lie that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. Clearly, she stuck to scripture and it shows.
Her portrayal of Mary who becomes possessed with demons is quite realistic and not at all overdone. I was very impressed with how she worked this part of the story out.
Wallis Taylor's story finds Mary Magdalene dealing with a traumatic event as a youngster. This event plays into her future problems. Fortunately she has someone who doesn't give up on her as her behaviour becomes stranger and more violent. Her long-time friend Nathan also her husband proves what true love really is as he struggles to find an answer to Mary's problems.
Of course in the end Jesus heals her and she travels with Him, but it is the story leading up to that miraculous healing that will keep you riveted and the ending Wallis Taylor provides almost had me believing that is what Mary did when the Lord ascended to heaven.
A wonderful read that will keep you entertained and teach you something in the end as well.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications,Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
June 23, 2012
Mary of Magdala, the only daughter of a successful boatbuilder in Galilee, begins to experience horrible nightmares, suffer seizures, and hear voices after being subjected to a traumatic experience. Everyone in her village thinks she is crazy, or worse, demon-possessed. There seems to be no hope until a new teacher, a perhaps the Messiah, comes to town, and then everything about Mary's life is changed.
Mary Magdalene is one of the most misunderstood and misaligned characters in Biblical history. She has been portrayed as a prostitute, and even worse, as either the wife or lover of Jesus. Ms. Taylor has managed to tell the true story, while in a fictionalized form. The novel was very enjoyable and there was nothing objectionable or contrary to Scripture. This was definitely worth 5 stars.
*Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Mary Magdalene is one of the most misunderstood and misaligned characters in Biblical history. She has been portrayed as a prostitute, and even worse, as either the wife or lover of Jesus. Ms. Taylor has managed to tell the true story, while in a fictionalized form. The novel was very enjoyable and there was nothing objectionable or contrary to Scripture. This was definitely worth 5 stars.
*Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
February 20, 2024
“Yes, she had many stories to tell, wonderful stories of a Messiah, a Savior who had died on a Roman cross, that they might have life.”
This was a beautiful book & the last supper part had me tearing up! I read my first Diana Wallis Taylor book last year and I can’t believe it took me so long to get around to picking up one of her books again. Now I can’t wait to purchase more & read them. I love the biblical accuracy in her stories and how they always make me want to pick up the Bible. Her books remind me of a Tessa afshar book, the way it takes you through years of a journey & all the changes the main characters in the book go through to get where they end up.
I think I loved this even more than Martha, which is the first book I read by her, & that says a lot because I enjoyed that one very much. It makes me feel very excited to read through her backlist. 😊❤️
This was a beautiful book & the last supper part had me tearing up! I read my first Diana Wallis Taylor book last year and I can’t believe it took me so long to get around to picking up one of her books again. Now I can’t wait to purchase more & read them. I love the biblical accuracy in her stories and how they always make me want to pick up the Bible. Her books remind me of a Tessa afshar book, the way it takes you through years of a journey & all the changes the main characters in the book go through to get where they end up.
I think I loved this even more than Martha, which is the first book I read by her, & that says a lot because I enjoyed that one very much. It makes me feel very excited to read through her backlist. 😊❤️
August 13, 2016
A good story, but poorly written with choppy sentences, too much 'tell' and not enough 'show', and to much repeating of words/phrases.
February 5, 2022
Mary Magdalene, by Diana Wallis Taylor, is a fictional retelling of the Biblical person. This story is so nicely written it is hard to remember it is fictional. I just loved this story, it is filled with so much emotion and gives a look into how people lived during Jesus’ time. I especially enjoyed the retelling of Jesus teaching, healing, death and resurrection. I enjoyed the parts of the roles of the women who followed him and the traditions of the times.
I obtained a copy of this book and was not asked to give a review.
I obtained a copy of this book and was not asked to give a review.
January 18, 2023
I would have loved this book when I was 14. I do love Bible fiction so I still enjoyed.
June 23, 2012
Mary Magdalene is a wonderfully crafted novel. The author creates a vivid story and a character that so little is known about. Before reading this story, I knew that Mary was a woman Jesus had cleansed of seven demons and was the first to see Him after his resurrection, but I had never really tried to understand what that must have meant. I never considered the ramifications of having seven demons inside of a person, how she must have been marked as a crazy woman and how people must have avoided her. This book made a real impact on me in that regard. Mary has never been so clear a person to me.
I have to say though, that there were a couple of mistakes. Without going into too much detail, on page 123 when someone places an order for a boat (which will be delivered in 60 days time) it says that a certain event happened 3 years ago and then on page 127 it says this same event happened five years ago. However, on page 138 it says that the boat needs to be delivered. I found it very annoying, I kept flipping back to see if I misread it, but I didn't and so I wasn't sure how long it really had been since the event happened.
One of the other mistakes is on pages 272-276. It makes it sound as though after the appearance to Mary Magdalene Jesus only appears to His disciples one time (several days after His resurrection), where He spends the evening with them and then at dawn ascends into Heaven where the angels then say "Why do you stand still gazing up at the clouds? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven.". When in fact He appeared many times to them over the course of forty days! Here are the places I have found in Scripture which speak about his multiple appearances to His disciples after His resurrection...
To read the full review click HERE
I have to say though, that there were a couple of mistakes. Without going into too much detail, on page 123 when someone places an order for a boat (which will be delivered in 60 days time) it says that a certain event happened 3 years ago and then on page 127 it says this same event happened five years ago. However, on page 138 it says that the boat needs to be delivered. I found it very annoying, I kept flipping back to see if I misread it, but I didn't and so I wasn't sure how long it really had been since the event happened.
One of the other mistakes is on pages 272-276. It makes it sound as though after the appearance to Mary Magdalene Jesus only appears to His disciples one time (several days after His resurrection), where He spends the evening with them and then at dawn ascends into Heaven where the angels then say "Why do you stand still gazing up at the clouds? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven.". When in fact He appeared many times to them over the course of forty days! Here are the places I have found in Scripture which speak about his multiple appearances to His disciples after His resurrection...
To read the full review click HERE
October 12, 2012
Mary of Magdala suffered a trauma in her youth that led to having seizures and hearing voices. Although the Jewish priests prayed over her, she was not healed. The incidents grew in frequency and intensity until people around her began to whisper “Mad Mary” when they saw her. Eventually she lost her grip on sanity and needed to be kept in a locked room, both for her safety and that of the public.
A dire circumstance, to be sure. Her husband had lost the wife he loved, but never stopped praying and searching for her healing. A well-respected boat builder in Magdala, he was commissioned to build a fishing boat for a man named Zebedee of Capernaum. From Zebedee and his sons James and John, Mary’s husband first heard of the itinerant preacher named Jesus, but there was no safe way to take his demented wife so far for the touch of the Healer. Would Jesus ever come to Magdala?
In this retelling of the biblical story of Mary Magdalene, we become immersed in first century Palestine and life along the Sea of Galilee. We see the culture of the wealthy of that time, as well as the needy. We see the temple in Jerusalem through the eyes of a woman and experience the Sermon on the Mount. But most of all, we get a feel for the way the news of Jesus spread across the countryside and listen in to the discussion of whether or not this man truly was the Messiah.
If you enjoy biblical fiction, Mary Magdalene is a must read. And if it’s a genre new to you, I think you’ll find that Diana Wallis Taylor has a knack for drawing the reader into the time period and allowing us to experience the wonders of Scriptures in a new way. I wasn’t sure what to expect in this book, and I really enjoyed it.
A dire circumstance, to be sure. Her husband had lost the wife he loved, but never stopped praying and searching for her healing. A well-respected boat builder in Magdala, he was commissioned to build a fishing boat for a man named Zebedee of Capernaum. From Zebedee and his sons James and John, Mary’s husband first heard of the itinerant preacher named Jesus, but there was no safe way to take his demented wife so far for the touch of the Healer. Would Jesus ever come to Magdala?
In this retelling of the biblical story of Mary Magdalene, we become immersed in first century Palestine and life along the Sea of Galilee. We see the culture of the wealthy of that time, as well as the needy. We see the temple in Jerusalem through the eyes of a woman and experience the Sermon on the Mount. But most of all, we get a feel for the way the news of Jesus spread across the countryside and listen in to the discussion of whether or not this man truly was the Messiah.
If you enjoy biblical fiction, Mary Magdalene is a must read. And if it’s a genre new to you, I think you’ll find that Diana Wallis Taylor has a knack for drawing the reader into the time period and allowing us to experience the wonders of Scriptures in a new way. I wasn’t sure what to expect in this book, and I really enjoyed it.
June 22, 2012
A stunning book that brings the life of Jesus alive through the eyes of one of His most faithful followers.
Mary is kidnapped as a young child, and sees her beloved father almost die before her eyes. Nightmares haught her of that day, and voices tell her that she is not good enough to live, that she holds others back. All she wants, is to be free. What kind of life can she have? What about love, or most importantly of all who will refresh her tired soul?
Ms. Taylor tells the story of Mary Magdalene in a fresh, riveting, way that touches the heart. In this book I got to see Mary Magdalene in a different way and get to see a glimpse of what her life might have been like. I think that Ms. Taylor did a fantastic job of bringing her to life, and I thought she handled the portraying of Jesus perfectly, sticking very, very close to the Scriptures.
I really liked how this tale imagined what Mary life might have been like before she met Jesus. And I thought that Nathan was a wonderful man, and I loved that even though he was a good man, he was still human.
Overall, this book is probably the best Biblical fiction I have ever read! I was intrigued from the very first page, and found it to be a very fast read. I loved how much the Bible was quoted exactly and how well researched this book was! This is one of those books that I approached not erally knowing what to expect or how much I would like it, and then I gave it a shot and I was a goner. I loved this book!
“Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
I received this book from the publusher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
Mary is kidnapped as a young child, and sees her beloved father almost die before her eyes. Nightmares haught her of that day, and voices tell her that she is not good enough to live, that she holds others back. All she wants, is to be free. What kind of life can she have? What about love, or most importantly of all who will refresh her tired soul?
Ms. Taylor tells the story of Mary Magdalene in a fresh, riveting, way that touches the heart. In this book I got to see Mary Magdalene in a different way and get to see a glimpse of what her life might have been like. I think that Ms. Taylor did a fantastic job of bringing her to life, and I thought she handled the portraying of Jesus perfectly, sticking very, very close to the Scriptures.
I really liked how this tale imagined what Mary life might have been like before she met Jesus. And I thought that Nathan was a wonderful man, and I loved that even though he was a good man, he was still human.
Overall, this book is probably the best Biblical fiction I have ever read! I was intrigued from the very first page, and found it to be a very fast read. I loved how much the Bible was quoted exactly and how well researched this book was! This is one of those books that I approached not erally knowing what to expect or how much I would like it, and then I gave it a shot and I was a goner. I loved this book!
“Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
I received this book from the publusher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
June 18, 2012
Mary is the daughter of a ship builer. Mary has just celebrated a save return of her father from one of his trips. Everyone has settled down for the evening, when Mary is kidnapped. She is rescued but ever since her safe return, she has not been the same. She keeps having nightmares. As the years pass, the nightmares get worse and Mary even experiences seizures. Her family fears for her. It gets to bad that Mary's husband has to lock her in her room. Things change when a rabbi named Jesus travels to Mary's town. Jesus heals Mary and from that point on, she promises to follow Jesus.
This is the second book I have read by this author and the second story about women from the Bible. Diana really protrays the women from the Bible as the strong women they truely are. I am embarrassed to admit that I kind of remember Mary but am vague on the details surrounding Mary.
Mary was amazing. The stuff she had to endure with the nightmares and being spawned by her family and friends due to the nightmares. Having earned the title Mad Mary. I can not imagine. What a great story though to learn that it was all not for nothing. She was the first to see Jesus when he was resurrected. That is amazing. It just goes to show you that things in our lives may seem difficult and we can not see an end or figure out a reason why but God has a reason and plan and if we listen and wait we will see the answer. I am glad that Diana chose to feature the story of Mary. I can not wait to see which woman she will pick next from the Bible.
This is the second book I have read by this author and the second story about women from the Bible. Diana really protrays the women from the Bible as the strong women they truely are. I am embarrassed to admit that I kind of remember Mary but am vague on the details surrounding Mary.
Mary was amazing. The stuff she had to endure with the nightmares and being spawned by her family and friends due to the nightmares. Having earned the title Mad Mary. I can not imagine. What a great story though to learn that it was all not for nothing. She was the first to see Jesus when he was resurrected. That is amazing. It just goes to show you that things in our lives may seem difficult and we can not see an end or figure out a reason why but God has a reason and plan and if we listen and wait we will see the answer. I am glad that Diana chose to feature the story of Mary. I can not wait to see which woman she will pick next from the Bible.
November 27, 2012
Ever wonder what Mary Magdalene's life might have been like & what she experienced as a child, and as a young woman?
Diana Wallis Taylor dives into Mary's life with her newest Biblical novel - Mary Magdalene, a Novel.
Starting with Mary's life as a tween, Taylor moves explores a variety of reasons how she became known as "Mad Mary" in her village and how her faith in Jesus radically changed her life.
She also gives us a picture of why Mary was troubled by her "demons" - (spoiler alert) a childhood kidnapping and how her family helped her find healing with Jesus.
This is the second novel of this nature that Taylor has unpacked the life of a strong Biblical woman in a way that makes us re-examine their lives.
This story will definitely make you think more about Mary. It might even cause you to think about what you might do if you found yourself in a similar situation.
On the scale of one to five, this book is a solid three. If you like strong Biblical fiction, you'll enjoy this novel.
Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.
Diana Wallis Taylor dives into Mary's life with her newest Biblical novel - Mary Magdalene, a Novel.
Starting with Mary's life as a tween, Taylor moves explores a variety of reasons how she became known as "Mad Mary" in her village and how her faith in Jesus radically changed her life.
She also gives us a picture of why Mary was troubled by her "demons" - (spoiler alert) a childhood kidnapping and how her family helped her find healing with Jesus.
This is the second novel of this nature that Taylor has unpacked the life of a strong Biblical woman in a way that makes us re-examine their lives.
This story will definitely make you think more about Mary. It might even cause you to think about what you might do if you found yourself in a similar situation.
On the scale of one to five, this book is a solid three. If you like strong Biblical fiction, you'll enjoy this novel.
Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.
June 17, 2012
Mary was just a child when one night changed her life forever. As she grows into a beautiful woman, she is tormented by forces of evil. Her family has sought every treatment they could think of, yet there was no change. When a new Teacher comes to Magdala, her family takes a chance that this Jesus can help her. Once she's healed, Mary realizes that Jesus has changed her life completely and she joins His followers.
Mary Magdalene is one of the most complex and mysterious characters of the Bible. I've always been intrigued by Biblical fiction and was thrilled to be able to read this book. I'd never read any by Diana Wallis Taylor before this book either. The author does an excellent job of telling Mary's story while remaining true to Scripture. Seeing the freedom that comes to Mary when she has an encounter with Jesus is beautifully told. I hope that this book will draw people closer to the Savior.
I received this book for free from Revell Books in exchange for my review. All thoughts an opinions are my own.
This book is available in June 2012 at your local booksellers from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Rating - 4 stars
Mary Magdalene is one of the most complex and mysterious characters of the Bible. I've always been intrigued by Biblical fiction and was thrilled to be able to read this book. I'd never read any by Diana Wallis Taylor before this book either. The author does an excellent job of telling Mary's story while remaining true to Scripture. Seeing the freedom that comes to Mary when she has an encounter with Jesus is beautifully told. I hope that this book will draw people closer to the Savior.
I received this book for free from Revell Books in exchange for my review. All thoughts an opinions are my own.
This book is available in June 2012 at your local booksellers from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Rating - 4 stars
August 19, 2014
I love Diana Wallis Taylor’s sweet, simple way of telling a story.
In this book, she presents Mary Magdalene as a normal, happy young girl who is forever changed by a traumatic event. Though Mary survives the incident, she begins to let fear rule her mind. In spite of the efforts of her family, she cannot live a normal life. Her mental deterioration continues until she becomes a woman possessed. Though I knew from the Bible account that Jesus would free Mary, I hurt with her as she fought those battles in her mind and eagerly turned pages to get to that miraculous encounter.
Diana Wallis Taylor made Mary and her world real for me. As I read about Mary’s struggle through so many wasted years, I couldn’t help but contemplate the debilitating affect fear can have on any of us—if we let it. And I was moved to thank God for the peace and freedom that come from His healing touch on our lives. This is a story you won’t want to miss. ***Thanks to Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for providing my review copy.
Diana Wallis Taylor made Mary and her world real for me. As I read about Mary’s struggle through so many wasted years, I couldn’t help but contemplate the debilitating affect fear can have on any of us—if we let it. And I was moved to thank God for the peace and freedom that come from His healing touch on our lives. This is a story you won’t want to miss. ***Thanks to Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for providing my review copy.
August 15, 2012
I greatly enjoyed this excellent piece of Biblical fiction. Obviously, a lot of the story of Mary Magdalene had to be fictionalized because the Bible doesn’t tell us that much. But the book was very well-written, and seemed accurate to the time period. It was very interesting to learn about how a person who was basically crazy would have been treated at that time! The way Jesus was described seemed a bit…average (?) to me. Wavy, shoulder-length hair, etc. Maybe that just bugged me – it’s not necessarily a bad thing, it just annoyed me a bit. Other than that, I thought it was a pretty great book! Definitely kept me reading the whole way through! I have Martha on my to-read pile, and can’t wait to start it. Recommended for anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction.
**I reviewed this book for Revell publishers. A good review was not required, and I was not reimbursed for this review other than a free copy of the book. This is my honest opinion of the book.**
**I reviewed this book for Revell publishers. A good review was not required, and I was not reimbursed for this review other than a free copy of the book. This is my honest opinion of the book.**
June 15, 2012
With colorful descriptions, the biblical world of Mary Magdalene comes to life.
Like many of our biblical heroes and heroines, little is known about Mary Magdalene and much of what has been perpetuated through the ages is speculation or inference, not fact. Diana Wallis Taylor has crafted a wonderful story about Mary, her life and how she came to travel with the Savior. Her life, as portrayed here, while it can't answer questions about Mary, is believable.
In the book of Luke, we read that Jesus cast out "seven devils" from Mary and Diana gives a fantastic portrayal of Mary before that event took place. As word of Jesus and his ministry spreads, Mary's husband brings her to him, believing that he will heal her. A wonderful cast of supporting characters brings Mary's experience to life and it is both heartbreaking and tender to read.
I particularly enjoyed Mary's interactions with the apostles and the portrayal of the last days of Jesus' ministry.
Like many of our biblical heroes and heroines, little is known about Mary Magdalene and much of what has been perpetuated through the ages is speculation or inference, not fact. Diana Wallis Taylor has crafted a wonderful story about Mary, her life and how she came to travel with the Savior. Her life, as portrayed here, while it can't answer questions about Mary, is believable.
In the book of Luke, we read that Jesus cast out "seven devils" from Mary and Diana gives a fantastic portrayal of Mary before that event took place. As word of Jesus and his ministry spreads, Mary's husband brings her to him, believing that he will heal her. A wonderful cast of supporting characters brings Mary's experience to life and it is both heartbreaking and tender to read.
I particularly enjoyed Mary's interactions with the apostles and the portrayal of the last days of Jesus' ministry.
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