Winner of the 2020 Indie Reader Award Silvermedal in the 2017 Global Ebook Awards Silver medal in the 2017 Feathered Quill Book Awards Siliver medal in the 2017 Independent Press Awards Silver Medal in the 2017 New Apple Book Awards
Jesus returns to earth and meets activist Magdalene who is fighting for a better world. He find an extremist ecological group, which is plotting to destroy a maize plantation it believes to be genetically modified. Then, he observes the rise up against a tourist development that is to be built in a forest reserve. Finally, he witnesses an armed conflict between blacks and gypsies. However, although he limits himself to accompanying Magdalene attempting only to pacify those on bad terms, even then Jesus is unable to escape the fury of mankind. And only a conman will recognize him.
Using humor, Jesus and Magdalene broaches recent phenomena of social and political conflict.
João Cerqueira was born and lives in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. He holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Porto.
He is the author of nine books and is published in eight countries: Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, England, United States, Brazil, Argentina. He won the 2020 Indie Reader Awards, the 2014 Global ebook Awards and the 2013 USA Best Book Awards.
The short storie A house in Europe won the 2015 Speakando European Literary Contest, received the bronze medal in the Ebook Me Up Short Story Competition 2015 and an honorable mention in the Glimmer Train July 2015 Very Short Fiction Award. The short storie The dictator and poetry was published in the 2016 Bombay Review Anthology.
His works are published in The Adirondack Review, Ragazine, Berfrois, Cleaver Magazine, Bright Lights Film, Modern Times Magazine, Toad Suck Review, Foliate Oak Literary Magazine, Hypertext Magazine, Danse Macabre, Rapid River Magazine, Contemporary Literary Review India, Open Pen Magazine, Queen Mob’s Tea House, The Liberator Magazine, Near to the Nuckle, Narrator International, The Transnational.
Jesus and Magdalene by João Cerqueira is a contemporary fiction with satire and thought-provoking points. The story follows Jesus and Mary Magdalene as they try to figure out how to stop environmental damage, greed, and racism.
In the story, Magdalene is an environmental activist working for a group known as Green Are the Fields. This group consists of the apostles and Jesus’s mother, Mary. Judas is the leader of the group and while everyone goes along with his plans, Magdalene somewhat begins to listen to Jesus on a different approach. Jesus isn’t part of the group. He comes into the picture a little later, appearing from thin air. Magdalene brings him along to where the group was camping near the farm where genetically modified (GM) corn was being grown. They were planning to destroy the crops, but Jesus told them it was better to teach the farmer about the effects of GM rather than destroy his property.
The story jumps from GM crops to a town where a resort was going up. The labor and services provided from the resort would in turn provide money to the townspeople and boost their economy. However, greed from the engineers led to a terribly built hotel and thus nothing came of that town.
Then, the story jumps to a future Europe where gypsies, blacks, and whites live among each other. Things were peaceful until one group began blaming the other and things ended badly for everyone, including Jesus and Magdalene.
This was a very interesting story. I found myself enjoying it. I’d have to agree that in our world today, if Jesus suddenly appeared, he would actually be like the Jesus described in the book. However, if he was born and raised from birth in our world today, I believe he would have found a way to do what he could to make the world a better place. It’s not that he wasn’t trying in the book, he just wasn’t given the momentum as he was given in the New Testament. With that said, what if Jesus is actually in our world today and doing just that (making a difference) and we just don’t realize it like the characters in the book?
There were a couple things I found lacking. One was that the three chapters had no real ending or resolution. The third chapter also ended very quickly with little explanation. And two, none of the chapters came together to form one cohesive story. That aside, I didn’t find either of these points to impede the message and the sarcasm of it all.
The book is a great conversation starter and worth the read. I didn’t get the feel that the author was forcing anything onto me. It was satire at its finest. If you are faithfully religious, I’d recommend reading it with an open mind.
NOTE: This book was given to me to read and review, but the opinion is purely my own.
Ever wondered what Jesus would do if he came back right now? What if he teamed up with an activist named Magdalene and an extremist group fighting for the survival of Earth’s resources? Would anyone listen or have we gone so deep into the bowels of self-absorption and instant gratification, no matter the cost to others, that he would be ridiculed as a bum, a transient beggar or a fool?
Author João Cerqueira tackles these thoughts with sly humor, not-so-shining examples of society’s shortcomings and some of the best satire around. His ability to frame his thoughts into coherent and intriguing words turns this tale into something that begs to be read, not only for its true societal value with his in-your-face irreverence, but for the entertainment value. In an eye-opening manner, we are forced to sit back and take stock of ourselves and the world around us. If that makes you uncomfortable with what you see, than all the better! If it provides you with a worthy distraction from your day to day realities, even better!
From plantations systematically poisoning the people in the name of greed and productivity to the machinations of powerful businessmen plowing over all in their way to achieve their agendas, no one is safe from the scrutiny of Jesus. Of course, we like to think we are above trickery or stupidity, but are we? Read for the entertainment value, stay for the messages contained within and love the presentation from this talented author!
I received this copy from Joao Cerquiera in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Line by Lion Publications; First edition (July 19, 2016) Publication Date: July 19, 2016 Genre: Metaphysical | Black Humor |Satire Print Length: 324 pages Available from: Amazon For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
This novel is beautifully written. The use of language is flawless, and the imagery described is captivating. I really liked the premise and dove into it. ~ Because the language is so rich, it took me time to finish it. It felt wrong to go fast to get to the end, instead of enjoying the pace and "view." ~ The satire is well-done. But I wished we got more of the character of Jesus. For me, the other characters were more developed and we followed *their* story, instead of Jesus' journey. Because of the title and synopsis, I was expecting and would have liked to have it reversed.
*** Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, João Cerqueira. ***
The world is in turmoil. The only one who could save it is Jesus. Or can he? When he returns in today’s society and meets a young protestor by the name of Magdalene, will even his grace be enough to save us?
This was both an amusing read, and one that I thought was important. Taking into consideration the way things are in 2020, it would take a lot to change the world, and it would require everyone to do their part. The author did a good job portraying the frustration, despair, and hope required to make such a change.
The story had a charming plot and some very deep discussions on religions and the depths of human nature. I also really liked the friendship between Jesus and Magdalene. The drive to save the planet was strong in them both, but for different reasons, and that’s what really had me flipping pages to finish this story.
If you’re looking for an outside the box read that’ll leave you thinking, this is the book for you.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Quem não ouviu já os seus prudentes avós e gente com experiência de uma vida já longa exclamar "Ai se os antigos cá viessem!" ou "No meu tempo não era nada assim!" ou ainda "Deus nos valha que o mundo está perdido!"? João Cerqueira concretiza essa aclamada sabedoria popular com o protagonista mais indicado para tal efeito. Jesus, o mártir da humanidade, o Messias que trará paz ao reino dos homens, regressa então à Terra, mais concretamente à pátria de Afonso Henriques, para dois milénios depois, numa fábula repleta de humor e pungência, averiguar se valeu a pena dar a outra face.
Porém, será na companhia de Madalena que a sua voz será mais forte desta vez. Madalena, que também ela regressou, agora no papel de uma mulher muito mais activa e, porque não, espevitada, consciente de que existe um vazio no mundo que ela poderá preencher se, ao invés do silêncio ou, por antítese, a violência, utilizar um meio termo para efectuar a mudança – a palavra.
É neste caricato retrato que surge um conjunto de personagens e de situações já familiares, contudo sob uma perspectiva totalmente “moderna”. Desde discípulos que proclamam versículos bíblicos à reencarnação de protagonistas Shakesperianos, a trama percorre inúmeras referências religiosas e culturais da história humana para contextualizar essa mesma humanidade na sociedade actual. O resultado é que, inevitavelmente, nos vemos confrontados a comparar épocas, mentalidades, modos de agir e de resolver problemas globais, para no fim compreender que, embora a evolução seja uma realidade a níveis físicos e tecnológicos, é uma fábula na razão e no coração dos homens. As transformações sociais ocorrem lentas, mas de forma cíclica e viciosa, em que o auge da monotonia e da insatisfação generalizada podem facilmente desencadear no espírito ambicioso e instável do homem o pretexto para uma nova revolução, uma nova guerra e, em certos casos, um conflito de proporções colossais que derruba tanto crenças como civilizações. É, portanto, uma missão complicada que Jesus enfrenta, quase como um déjà-vu que pode, no entanto, agora ser registado com toda a diversidade de gadgets e colocado online para que as pessoas entendam, de uma vez por todas, como é importante fazer valer os sacrifícios da História que são facilmente esquecidos. O homem nasce mau ou é a sociedade que assim o torna?
No presente, é cada vez mais raro encontrar uma obra original. Um dos méritos deste livro é esse: A segunda vinda de Cristo à Terra não se parece com nada até agora feito na literatura portuguesa. Recorrendo ao humor, traça um retrato sarcástico do nosso país, ao mesmo tempo que aborda alguns dos principais problemas da actualidade: os alimentos geneticamente modificados, a ecologia, o fundamentalismo religioso, a corrupção, os conflitos raciais. A figura de Jesus surge ancorada nas parábolas e milagres dos evangelhos, sendo que parte das suas falas reproduzem alguns dos seus ensinamentos. Mas é Madalena quem o guia através da história, num crescendo de conflitualidade que só poderia terminar numa ''crucificação'' final. Pelo meio, há personagens memoráveis como o Professor Kacimba que, além de resolver todos problemas e curar todas as doenças, vai ser o único a reconhecer Jesus.
Another masterpiece from a very humorous and satirical writer who will be very popular and in my opinion is the new version of our British writer Tom Sharpe.
The authors reincarnation of Jesus in modern day life and the trials and tribulations he would face and how he would deal with them is first rate. The novel starts off with Mary and the 12 disciples (apostles) fighting against gm crops and trying to influence the local church and people not to use them. Head of the group is Judas who wants full on direct action and then along comes Jesus with his pacifism.
Using study and teachings from the bible the novelist brings them to life in our modern day lives and gives us a timely reminder of how change no matter what it is can have a devastating effect not just now but for future generations as well.
As a politician recently stated a lot can be learnt from humour and puts the mind in a more relaxed state to comprehend the full consequences of any actions that are implemented. This is what I believe the author is trying to achieve.
A strong message that also comes across is which is the right path to follow to achieve your goal or influence people to believe in your idea/concept, do you use aggression (Judas character ) or pacifism (Jesus character ). Very nature of the rudimental teachings of the holy book.
This novel and storyline along with the characters portraits would not be possible without the author’s immense knowledge and research into the bible. Being a Christian at no point in this storyline was I offended, I really believe through the humour the writer has given us a timely reminder of what virtues are important today.
If Jesus were to return to earth now how would we recognize him? We wouldn't believe in immaculate conception so how did he get here? We probably would ask why is he here now? Maybe he is here now because there are so many conflicts going on today? All these questions are answered and more with humor, satire and timely modern social and political commentary. This Jesus believes in originality and meets Magdalene who is an environmental activist. This is a very brave satire and by brave I mean that author Cerquiera dares to use religious iconic figures as characters in his novel. The aspect of JESUS AND MAGDALENE that makes the book so mesmerizing is the author’s fearless treading on icons and rearranging them into a story that is far more poignant and simultaneously hilarious than anything being written today. Read this book if you enjoy satire, or want to hold people, or society in general, up for examination, and ridicule the follies revealed.
A escrita? Apesar de não haver traduções, achei que a leitura não é tão fluida como estava a contar.
O enredo? A perspectiva de uma sátira a Portugal com todas as sua agruras atraiu-me desde logo e este livro acabou por satisfez a minha curiosidade. O relato do nosso Portugal menos bom está muito bem recriado e reflecte bastante bem a falta de informação que alguma da nossa gente dispõe e de como somos muitas vezes mesquinhos e egoístas. A ideia da Segunda vinda de Cristo à Terra é interessante mas pareceu-me que apenas serviu como base para a parte satírica, já que pouco tivemos deste Jesus e da sua visão do mundo. As ligações entre as diferentes acções algumas das vezes não fazem muito sentido e acabamos por nos desorientar.
As personagens? Temos um Jesus pouco activo e uma Madalena muito reivindicativa. Mais uma quantidade infinita de personagens que reflectem a nossa sociedade na sua vertente menos aprazível.
Conclusão? É realmente um livro, como uma escrita muito peculiar e bastante interessante para quem tiver oportunidade de o apreciar com consideração. No entanto, para mim tornou-se uma leitura bocado pesada e ficou aquém do que tinha idealizado.
It's not often that an author can take a time-worn tale and give it a unique spin for the modern reader. That's exactly what Mr. Cerquira does in “Jesus and Magdalene”.
I feel bad for not really liking this book, maybe it's because I am a Christian and already believe that Jesus sees and knows all and that when He returns it will be obvious. Perhaps this book would be better for someone who is more able to accept Jesus in a more fictional setting. I don't regret reading this book and it wasn't a waste of time but it was hard for my brain to wrap around.