Mary of Nazareth: A Novel

by Marek Halter, Bernadette Dunne

The ancient world and its politics come to life through the eyes of a young Jewish woman, Mary of Nazareth

Miriam–also known as Mary–was born into a Palestine oppressed by Herod the Great; she is accustomed to living with uncertainty and unrest. But when her beloved father is wrongly imprisoned by the Romans, she takes action. She calls upon a well-known rebel by the name of Barabbas, and together they set out to save her father. A daring escape is accomplished and, against staggering odds, Miriam’s father is saved from crucifixion.

Barabbas, flush with the success of the rescue, is intent on leading a full-scale rebellion against Herod and the Romans. Along with Mary and her father, he speaks before Jewish leaders who have gathered from various communities. Miriam feels great frustration as the men endlessly debate morality, the wisdom of rebellion, and the nature of God’s will. Having almost lost her father, and knowing she will be ostracized, she nevertheless speaks out against the use of violence. And to her surprise, one man, Joseph, listens. He offers to take her to Magdala, where she will be allowed to study in the company of intelligent, well-read women. This rare opportunity sets into motion a series of events that will change Miriam’s life–and the history of the Jewish people–forever.

Based on extensive historical and biblical scholarship, Mary of Nazareth is a revealing, utterly captivating portrait of a woman whose story we only thought we knew.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Religion, Biblical, Biblical Fiction, Historical, Christian Fiction

Audio

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Marek Halter was born in Poland in 1936. During World War II, he and his parents narrowly escaped from the Warsaw ghetto. After a time in Russia and Uzbekistan, they emigrated to France in 1950. There Halter studied pantomime with Marcel Marceau and embarked on a career as a painter that led to several international exhibitions. In 1967, he founded the International Committee for a Negotiated Peace Agreement in the Near East and played a crucial role in the organization of the first official meetings between Palestinians and Israelis.

In the 1970s, Marek Halter turned to writing. He first published The Madman and the Kings, which was awarded the Prix Aujourd’hui in 1976. He is also the author of several internationally acclaimed, bestselling historical novels, including The Messiah, The Mysteries of Jerusalem, The Book of Abraham, which won the Prix du Livre Inter, and Sarah, the first of the Canaan trilogy, and Lilah, the concluding one.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was soooo disappointed in this book. I mean, I understand that in "historical FICTION" the author takes license to tell a story that she/he wants to tell regardless of the facts...However, this particular story, having to do with Mary, the mother of Jesus was so outrageous, that I almost stopped halfway through.

I did like the idea of Mary, the activist as opposed to how she is usually portrayed, not that I really believe that a woman in Isreal in 3BC could have really been an "activist" in the sense that we now think of the word. But,it was an interesting concept.

I liked how the author drew her into the radical world of the overthrow of the Roman government with Barabbas (a la, "Give us Barabbas, crucify Jesus" fame.

I HATED that this Mary asked God to make her the bearer of the savior in order to deliver them from Herod. God choose Mary, not the other way around.

And the insinuation, based on the authors footnotes that Mary "rescued" Jesus from the cross completely invalidates the gospel...the fact that humanity is in need of Salvation and that Jesus' death on the cross was the price he paid that we could be reconciled to God...

If Mary rescued Jesus, than Jesus was born and came to earth in vain and we're all still going to die in our sins.

Anyway, this book was obviously NOT my favorite...although, i have liked other Halters books and can swollow his poetic licenses much easier when he makes Sarah agelessly beautiful as a curse from God for 65 years or makes Zipporah an adopted daughter of Israelites...etc.

[Natasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book until about the halfway point when I got frustrated with how the book was progressing and how far-fetched Miriam’s life was. Yes, it’s fiction, so there is some poetic license here, but I can’t believe she did and said half the stuff she was portrayed to have done.

[Pxl2632 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Gives an account of what Mary's life may have been like prior to the birth of jesus. The jist of the story is that Mary and the rest of her villagers (all of israel really) is under the thumb of Roman rule, specifically under the rule of Herod who is a paranoid, greedy, lunatic. After her father is taken away to be crucified for standing up against Roman mercenaries, she contacts Barabas who is a robin hood like hero of the people to help her rescue him.

Afterwards, Mary and her family must leave to protect the village and avoid re-capture by the romans. Her life is chronicaled for the next several years as she attempts to convince the men to start a rebellion against the Romans, movesa to Magdala to get a formal education (very uncommon among women of this era), finds love, and goes through many traumatic events.

The last few chapters detail the pregnancy of Mary, birth of Jesus, and events detailed in the various gospels including the crucifiction and "ressurection" of Jesus. While interesting and important to the story, these chapters mke up only a small portion of the book.

The very last chapter is an epilogue detailing the author's research into the story and culminating with a copy of the lost Gospel of Mary of Nazareth which was quite interesting.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book which should say somethng considering that I am an avowed atheist.

[Josephine (Jo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of those "what if", "could have been" historical fiction books which I enjoy. I was a little dubious about it because it was about Mary the mother of Jesus. I was concerned that the author may try to cast her in some sort of role that took away from the lovely image I have of her. This was not the case. The story showed Mary as a daughter who would do anything to save her father Joachim from the wrath of the Romans. Mary and all the other characters are given the traditional Jewish form of the names that we have become familiar with and in this story Mary is called Miriam. Barabbas features quite a lot in the story and is cast as more of a Robin Hood type of bandit than the Barabbas we are familiar with in the Bible. He is one of the am ha'aretz, this is a derogatory name given to the lowest of the low, sons of slaves, vagrants, morons or bumpkins. However in the story they are fighting for the freedom of the people against the might of Rome and it is to Barabbas that Miriam appeals for help to save her father.
Mary's journey up to the time that she is expecting the birth of her baby is an interesting read. Miriam spends time at the home of Rachel in Magdala where she becomes close friends with Miriamne (Mary Magdala) daughter of Rachel. Rachel is wealthy a holds classes in her home to educate women.
Miriam becomes very fond of one of the other young outlaw boys Obadiah. When he is injured Miriam makes a long journey to take him to Joseph the healer in Beth Zabdai (Joseph of Arimathea).
Miriam is portrayed as a strong, loyal, and brave young woman, these are the qualities that I have always believed her to possess in order to take on the great task that she did.
Because the author is Jewish it was difficult to imagine how he would end the novel, he had to be true to his own belief. However, because the story is a 'what if' historical story we can add what ending we want to according to our own belief.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Marek Halter. I was looking forward to reading this one.

It's a good story about a woman living in Biblical times. It has strong characters and a good plot.

However, I found myself having a hard time believing this was Mary of Nazareth's story. I was expecting a story either filling in the blanks on the story in the Bible or an alternative explanation for how she became pregnant. Halter's version takes so many liberties with the original story that I found it hard to believe this was the same Mary.

His Mary is an unconventional woman who speaks directly to male superiors, is educated, and freely moves about wherever she wants to go.

I think I would have enjoyed this more if it were a story about any woman from the Biblical era. I found Halter's version of Mary's story as a little too far fetched.

[Crista Giono · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella Maria, creo que cualquier historia de Maria que se escriba con amor ser[a buena. Nadie la podr[a abarcar jamas. en lo perosnal me gusto la historia, el libro. no pienso que Maria haya sido exactactamente asi, ni que los hechos hayan sido examectamente asi pero presenta el caracter y la realidad de un pueblo que esperaba un mesias urgentemente.

[Katherine 黄爱芬 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel ini menceritakan kehidupan Mary (kelak ibu Yesus) dari masa remajanya hingga kematian dan kebangkitan Yesus. Versi novel ini jelas berbeda dgn yg di Alkitab walaupun garis besarnya diambil dari Alkitab.

Mary di novel ini adalah gadis yg pantang menyerah, gigih dan bersemangat, cerdas dan loyalitas sangat tinggi terhadap keluarga dan teman2nya, dan sangat ringan tangan membantu penderitaan sesamanya. Saya suka karakter Mary yg menolak dianggap sbg yg tidak berarti hanya krn dia seorang wanita. Bagi Mary, wanita sama dgn pria, mereka juga bisa berjuang bersama utk membebaskan dari penjajahan.

Situasi dan kondisi yg dijabarkan novel ini juga menarik seperti persahabatan Mary dgn Barabbas, persahabatan Joachim (ayah Mary) dgn Yusuf si tukang kayu, persahabatan Mary dgn Maria Magdala (kelak lebih dikenal sbg Maria Magdalena), persahabatan Maria dgn Joseph D'Arimatea dll lumayan menghipnotis saya dan terasa natural dan masuk logika krn nama2 mereka nanti ada di seputar kehidupan Yesus hingga kematianNya.

Memang novel ini hanya fiksi, silakan boleh percaya atau tidak. Tetapi bagi saya, ambil hikmahnya saja.

[Erisca Febriani · Rating 3 out of 5]

One word for this novel; AWESOME.
Because writing historical fiction about biblical figures must be sooo enormously daunting task. And an author who lets his imagination run wild runs the risk of being offensive, while an author who errs on the side of caution runs the risk of boring the reader by rehashing Sunday School stories.
In this novel, Halter chooses a middle ground, creating a pure but not flawless Miriam who’s even allowed a chaste love with one of Barabbas’s followers.
And i really love the interactions. Mary interactions with her family, friend, and fellow villages are so homey and natural. I'm really enjoying to read the book. Especially in the scenes when Miriam breaks the news of her pregnancy to her friends and family, who at first are skeptical of her story, to say the least. Familiar Gospel figures like Mariamne, the future Mary Magdalene (here the lively young daughter of a learned widow with whom Miriam stays for a while), also make an appearance.
Halter also creatd a memorable and appealing herone, damn, i really love Barabas. He's so brave.

Setting his story in the context of Jewish resistance to the Romans, and reminding me of modern-day parallels to the Jewish resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto.

3 stars for this awesome book!

[Valerie Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. It gave a very different life to Mary than the one we grew up with. I’m not saying I believe it, but it’s fiction after all. It also tells of the the gospel of Mary. Now, that I’ve heard of! It’s never really been found, but the book implies that has been. One statement in the book says that Jesus did not die on the cross, but in Auschweitz! It’s a an interesting read.

[Shelley Alongi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mary I am Mariam sets out on a mission to rescue her father who is in prison and is on a cross and they get him as he is weak and struggling or near death I had the Swoon theory was going to be included in this story. The part I did not recognize was when Mariam interferes with the divine timeline and makes Yeshua perform his first miracle early there by interfering with the crucifixion and making everything out of sorts. The picture of Mary as anything but a docile Jewish girl under the thumb of the Roman was a new twist for me and certainly the inclusion ofBarabas and his cohorts as part of the story from the beginning was a new twist for me. Really, I am beyond being offended by what people come up with in terms of fiction because it is fiction. This certainly was a very intriguing bringing together of theories over the centuries and even to include the death of Jesus at Auschwitz which is a distinctWieselian postulation was fascinating. The ending chapter titled of the Gospel of Mary it’s not the Gospel of Mary because it makes too much sense in terms of the writing style. So somebody took a play on the title the Gospel of Mary and turned it into their own version. I think it might help to know some history and to have some understanding of biblical perspective and theories surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ to get the story in this book. You can read it and be offended from a Christian perspective or you can just take everything with a grain of salt and say oh that’s a new twist on things. But then I’ve always been fascinated with how people portray the event of Christ in fiction and once in a while I still find it very intriguing twist. Sometimes they are what I would consider a little overkill this book at least at a first reading is a collage of philosophy, history, and possible rearrangements of what we like Colfax extending them to our only modern age. You might like it. I don’t know that I would read it again but they may just be intrigued enough to pick it up again maybe in a few years. I’m glad I found this book anyway. The writing style is not so bad either

[Marvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A translation of a novel by a Polish Jew who has written best-selling novels about several women from the Hebrew Bible. An epigraph from David Ben-Gurion says, "Jesus is the most radiant figure in History. But although everyone now knows that he was a Jew, no one knows that his mother Mary was also a Jew." She's certainly a Jew here, but one who rebels against the Jewish strictures on women. This story imagines her life mostly BEFORE Jesus, except for an odd, disingenuous, perhaps dishonest, epilogue. I'm inclined to say that it's an anachronistic, unbelievable portrayal of Mary, but perhaps that would be my Christian blinders speaking, not allowing her to be an activist Jew, rather than a passive receptacle for the Son of God. More intriguing to me were the ways the author fleshed out other people who play small but important roles in the Gospel narratives, especially Barabbas, Joseph of Arimathea, & Mary Magdalene (the latter of whom is portrayed VERY differently here than she usually is in fictionalized accounts). I don't know what to think of this novel: It's occasionally melodramatic, sometimes overly didactic, and, in its feminist perspective, probably anachronistic, but it's also unfailingly interesting.

[Jennifer Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating read! I always wondered what more is there to the story of Mary who was the mother of Jesus. I mean, if I was God, I would pick the best woman or young girl out there to bear my son. She would also have the character and the strength to guide him and face what God must have known was ahead of both mother and the child.

The Bible fails miserably at painting the portrait of this important woman. Maybe the most important woman in history! She is stubborn, feisty, rebellious, and faithful. She knew, from her girlhood, what she must do, even against the directions of her "betters." I love the portrait of Mary Marek paints in his book and especially appreciate the inclusion of the Gospel of Mary. It's a gospel I have always wanted to read.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It's not for the religious, but a good study of an important historical figure. I'm not sure it's for everyone who is really into religion. Some Christians might find certain aspects of this book highly offensive (I'm a Christian and I found those passages highly enlightening).

And I would definitely read it again.

[Janine Treannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I was very impressed at how well the author brought out and wrote about the life of Mary of Nazareth or as many know her The Virgin Mary.

The book is mainly about the life of Mary as she is growing up in her home town of Nazareth. Starting from when she was a little girl to the age of maybe 18-20 when she was about to give birth to Jesus.

The author makes you feel how much strength, respect, love and passion this young girl to women has. The trials she must go through in living her life in Nazareth, Galilee and other surrounding areas.

Mary goes from being a simple young girl to becoming a very clever and educated young women who has seen how not only her own community, but the whole world is in need of one special person who can lead them away from the terrors of King Herod and his family and bring them into a world were they can be free to live at peace and not be afraid to live their lives.

[Mallory Vaigneur · Rating 1 out of 5]

As not only a person of faith, but also as a religious studies student I was deeply disappointed in the liberties taken by Halter in this novel. I enjoyed previous books by this author, but this one truly veered too far from the beaten path. Perhaps for a book less focused on the historical depiction of rebellions and the rule of Herod, the amount of elaboration and changes made to historically known things (such as the unclear relationship of the Essenes to women) could have worked. However, the concept of historical fiction lost its grip when Halter places the book in the modern day and introduced the Gospel of Mary
It was too easy to get lost in the war talk, the introduction of characters who seem to have come out of nowhere, and the constant plot changes. I found myself skipping whole chapters, having to go back and read
Overall, I’d say skip this one and spare yourself the confusion/boredom

[Mazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Existe-t-il une personne au monde qui ignorerait le nom de Marie, mère de Jésus, celle qui engendra le plus grand bouleversement spirituel depuis la naissance du monothéisme.

Pourtant, ce que nous disent les Evangiles se résume à quelques versets elliptiques et mystérieux.

Durant les années nécessaires à la rédaction de ce roman, dressant le portrait de "ma Marie", je me suis efforcé d'imaginer qui avait pu être cette Miryem de Nazareth, née en Galilée dans le chaotique royaume d'Israël en butte à l'occupation romaine.

Né en Pologne, où le culte de Marie domine l'Eglise catholique, j'ai été depuis mon enfance fasciné par le destin de cette jeune juive à l'origine du christianisme.

Un jour il fallait bien que je parte à sa recherche. Aujourd'hui, j'aimerais partager cette histoire passionnante avec vous. " Marek Halter.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who was Mary of Nazareth before she became the Mother of Yeshua? This novel, whose main character is based on Jesus' mother, attempts to shed a ray of light to the unrevealed life that Mary had. It would've been more effective, in my opinion if it were the sort of novel that filled in the blanks - Girl With a Pearl Earring comes to mind, and not a novel that created an alternate reality distorting what are widely-accepted facts and beliefs. The problem with a subject so popular and well-loved as Mary is that it attracts readers who have already formed opinions that cannot be shaken to the core. Even if this book is classified as fiction, I bet the author would want the story to stir the readers imagination somewhat, to make them think, to make them wonder. I read the last page with one eyebrow raised wondering why this book is a bestseller.

[Fabien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une agréable biographie évidemment complètement romancée de la vie de Marie selon le point de vue de Marek Halter, mais surtout une très brillante ouverture d'une page d'histoire sur ce coin du globe.

Il me sera compliqué d’émettre la moindre remarque sur la trame de fond qu'est la vie de Marie, car ma lecture des textes bibliques est parcellaire et ancienne. Qui plus est, il ne semble exister aucuns textes relatant cette vie, si ce n'est apocryphes. J'ai donc pris le parti de lire ce roman comme... et bien un roman justement, et je ressors enchanté.

L'immersion dans ce monde dur est complète, les personnages sont entiers et pour aucuns loin d'être des personnages sans défauts, l'intrigue est haletante et addictogène.

En bref quelques pages de vrai plaisir au côté de Marie, sans aucun prosélytisme et c'est ça qui fort.

[Charlène · Rating 5 out of 5]

" En conclusion, Marie restera longtemps dans mon esprit parce qu’il m’aura fascinée en mettant en avant cette femme que j’admire et porte dans mon cœur d’une façon particulière. Elle n’est pas lisse, peut-être pas parfaite mais elle ne s’écarte pas trop de l’image de celle que nous connaissons tous (ou presque), tout en devenant plus humaine, plus… caractérielle, peut-être. On découvre son histoire avec un énorme intérêt, comprenant que certains personnages mentionnés dans les Evangiles sont plus proches de Jésus et de Marie qu’on ne le croyait, bref… c’est un jour nouveau de bien des façons !
En conclusion, ce sera un 18/20 pour moi ! Et… je suis épatée. Réellement épatée."

Chronique entière ici :
http://leden-des-reves.blogspot.fr/20...

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This insightful book about Miriam (Mary) of Nazareth told the story of Mary, the mother of Yeshua (Jesus), as a young girl --- the Mary you only thought you knew. Other characters who figured prominently in the story were Barabbas the outlaw; Joachim, Mary's father; Joseph of Arimathea, an Essene healer; and Miriamne (Mary Magdalene). It was well-written and well-researched, and an enjoyable read. The only problematic elements of the story came near the end of the book. I'd like to hear from others who have read this book, and their "take" on the ending of the story. Aside from that, Marek Halter has written a powerful story that "fills in the blanks" of Mary's youth.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, the best book I've read this season! Miriam, who later is known as Mary of Nazareth, as a young girl saves a young thief Barabus from the Roman mercenaries. Later, she goes to him and asks for his help in saving her father from the cross. Their young paths intertwine, and they both hate the cruelty of the rule from Herod and from Rome. Each has a different way of fighting the injustice, one through battle and one through becoming the mother of the Messiah.

This book, based on intensive ancient history and Biblical studies, solidified what we know and why we have a Messiah today.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting input on who may be the woman who bore Jesus. As with all historical fiction novels, it's fiction in the authors eyes. I liked Mary or Mariam as she is called. She's a powerful woman. I enjoyed how the character's all fit in togeather but at times it was missing something near the end and the end of Jesus' life went by very fast.
Now the end of the book has me confused and questioning still.. it's not an idea i havent heard before and i know where the author was going but still...

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I forgot to put this book in when I started it. I really enjoyed it. The lives of these people, who we have heard about since we were children, fascinates me. I know it's only a novel, but it brings them to life for me. Ever since I read The Other Boleyn Girl, I've been very curious about other figures in our past. Mary's story may not be real in this book, but she is real to me. I hope that, if you have any curiosity about biblical figures, you read this book, and others by Marek Halter. Fascinating!

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an exciting book for the first few chapters but it soon went downhill for me. I was surprised that the mother of Jesus could be depicted as annoying and condescending. I feel as though the author wanted to portray Mary as having wisdom and strength that astonished those around her, but instead she came off as very haughty and holier-than-thou. I am disappointed that I tarnished my idea of Mary by reading this book.

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's definitely an interesting read!!! There were a few points where I wished I could get the author down here so we'll have a discussion of why he made a choice to do something in the novel. I know it's meant to be a fiction... but sometimes it just seemed... but aside from that, it was a good read. The attention to details was very good. I'm just.. trying to remember that as a novel it's good, but as an actual portrayal of Mary.. that's a whole another story!

[Bonnie Tesch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Sarah by the same author and wished I hadn't--the OSC was much better. I'm glad I hasn't realized it was the same author until after I finished the book, because I really loved this one. I'd recommend it to my MoFem friends, because it really makes Mari a feminist icon as opposed to just as maternal one. I kind of wish I hadn't read the epilogue, though. It could have been done in better ways--in particular, more doctrinally consistent ones.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

See full review here: http://ilayreading.com/2016/02/12/mar...

If you haven’t read a Marek Halter book, and you’re a fan of historical fiction–you’re missing out. Really, regardless of your religion, you should pick one up. They are fascinating from a historical perspective, being able to see these holy figures for the actual humans they once were. There’s even a bit of a surprise at the end of Mary, but I won’t give away too much! You’ll just have to go find out yourself.

[Myriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Il faisait nuit. Les portes et les volets du village étaient clos, les bruits du jour absorbés par l'obscurité. Sur son tabouret rembourré d'un peu de laine, Joachim le charpentier, le poing serré sur des ronces enveloppées dans un chiffon, polissait des pièces de bois aux nervures délicates qu'il déposait avec précaution, une fois achevées, dans un panier. "
J'ai adoré ce roman. Marek Halter a le don de rendre l histoire et la religion attrayantes.

[Debbie Piert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw it and had to grab it. I really had no idea who Mary was until I read this book. The author leads you to understand that she was a remarkable person that led a very interesting life.
The way in which he has had the lives of each of these women unfold has been captivating. Who will be the next woman that we learn about?

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really gave an interesting portrait of both Mary (as in Jesus's mother) and the Israel at the time of Christ's life. I'm not sure how much of it is even remotely based on historical fact, but it was certainly fun to read.



On the other hand, I do think it was one of the weaker links of the series...

[Sue z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realize this is fiction, however I am unable to accept this version of Mary. I believe the real Mary of Nazareth was a spiritual, humble woman and would not have behaved so boldly. I did not care for the ending.