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Maeve Chronicles #1
Magdalen Rising: The Beginning
"Smart and earthy . . . richly imaginative . . . the epitome of the storyteller's art."—St. Louis Post-Dispatch, named one of "The Year's Best Books"
"This amazing book could well become a classic of women's literature."—Booklist, named one of the "Year's Ten Best Fantasy Books"
Young Magdalen and Jesus, brimming with youthful charm and arrogance, find each other and fall in love, forging a bond that is stronger than death. Their pleasure is overshadowed by a brilliant but unbalanced druid who knows a perilous secret about Maeve's past. The prequel to The Passion of Mary Magdalen.
"This amazing book could well become a classic of women's literature."—Booklist, named one of the "Year's Ten Best Fantasy Books"
Young Magdalen and Jesus, brimming with youthful charm and arrogance, find each other and fall in love, forging a bond that is stronger than death. Their pleasure is overshadowed by a brilliant but unbalanced druid who knows a perilous secret about Maeve's past. The prequel to The Passion of Mary Magdalen.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 21, 2009
Two and a half. But it won't let us gives halves.
Overall: The book didn't work for me. In specific: there are some well-articulated moments (see below).
I think maybe my hopes were too high for this book. I was hoping for a book that really put a female-male balanced spiritual world-view. But instead, I got a strong dose of humanist feminism (beating men at their own game) scrubbed over with a sort of New Age/Celtic goddess magic-and-powers idea. As I read, what I kept hoping for was that the young Maeve would realize that she wants to be herself for being herself, rather than fall into all the patterns that have been set up by the women in her life. But she persists throughout the entire book being the same kind "strong" woman as those she grew up with. (I don't think that "taking crap" from men makes someone a strong woman. I think it diminishes her.)
[For the record: I'm NOT a humanist-feminist. I'm more in the line of though that Elaine Showalter advocated in the eighties, where women are not judged, by themselves or by men, according to the male standards of worth. Instead, they are taken for their own worth (and not in a hierarchical way). For a book that embodies the kind of strong womanhood I align myself with, read [book: Wise Child].]
Another issue I had with this book is its carefree way with anachronism. This book is supposed to be taking place right when Christ is born and growing up. So having a character with wild hair being compared to punk rockers and the Statue of Liberty, and having the main character meet a goddess who calls her "honey" really jars me.
Okay, last issue: I feel like the book tries waaaaay too hard to put in every possible and impossible reference to sexuality, sex, or human bodily functions. It's a good reminder for why I prefer to read children's literature. In children's literature, the focus is on telling a good story, not trying to get a certain rating.
So, obviously this book didn't resonate with me or give me what I was looking for. I never did come to like the main character. I always wished she had used her brain more and her hormones/"guts" less. I didn't have a lot of patience while I read this book, so I read a large chunk of it in a "skimming" sort of fashion.
But, there are a couple of moments where certain contrasts are brought to light quite well. Here are a couple of pieces (with some editing to keep the flow of the ideas):
_______________
First piece: [During a discussion about spiritual gifts, and how the male comes from a culture where every day he wakes up and thanks God he isn't a woman, just like every other man in his area. The female comes from the Isle of Women, where being a woman was the best and only thing to be.:]
"You know, it's a good thing you don't live in my country. You'd be accused of sorcery. Some people believe it's unlawful to allow a sorceress to live."
"Well, what about you? With your tornadoes and striking people dead and changing children into goats."
"Thank God I was not born a woman."
"What's that got to do with anything?"
"You see, I was born a man. I might grow up to be a prophet or a healer. I might become a great leader who will free the people from Roman rule. I might be the Messiah. Who knows? People take a wait-and-see line with a boy."
"Why not with a girl?"
"It's just different."
_________
Here's another: [Another conversation about male vs. female in spiritual stories, etc.:]
"If I was your Isaac, I'd never let my father near me again. And the sun standing still at Jericho. A woman turning into a pillar of salt just for looking over her shoulder. Our stories couldn't possibly be more far-fetched than those. I know what's really eating you. In our stories, women get to do something besides giggle when they conceive after their blood has stopped. In our stories, women get to lay down the geasa from time to time."
_________________
Another: [Spoiler: Main character gets raped and is pregnant. This is during a conversation she's having with the man she loves.]
No doubt you understand better than I did then how touchy men are about their girlfriends getting pregnant. How do I know it's mine? are often the first words out of a man's mouth (or in his mind) even if it couldn't possibly be anyone else's. Well, that's the question, isn't it? The one at the root of all patriarchy. How do I know it's MINE? No matter how angry I was with my mothers, I was still virtually clueless about patriarchy. Though two millennia separate your time and ours, I am sure you know more than I did then about how an upright first century Jew would regard a despoiled virgin. You are familiar with the epithet: whore. Things haven't changed all that much. In your time, politicians win points in the polls for proposing to punish unmarried teenaged mothers like me, not to mention our children. No father? no food.
__________________
Another piece: [Spoiler: This is from a conversation where the main character is trying to find out why her father, who ended up on the Isle of Women at one point, and ended fathering her, was angry about it.]
"But I still don't understand. Why is he so furious with my mothers and with me? I just don't get it. When King Bran hears the name Tir na mBan, he practically swoons with ecstasy. As soon as he retires, he wants to go there. To me, my mothers are just my mothers. But the way some men talk about Tir na mBan, you'd think my mothers were goddesses or something. My mothers clearly expected him to be thrilled when he woke up. Why wasn't he?"
"I don't suppose Moses would have liked it either. King David might have. Maybe King Solomon, but I'm not so sure. Even with all his wives, seven hundred I believe, Solomon was in change. The wives were HIS. That's the sticking point. you see, when a man goes to your mothers' island, he's theirs."
"I still don't get why that's a problem."
"It's a problem, Maeve. At least for some men it would be. Trust me on this one."
"Would it be a problem for you?"
"I don't know. To tell you the truth, I can hardly imagine it. I'd like to think we could work something out."
__________
Another piece: [Discussing druidic human sacrifice.:]
"Even if I became a god after death, why would I want to help the people who strangled me, stabbed me, and drowned me? Does that make any sense to you?"
Viviane looked nonplussed. In every religion there are questions you are simply not supposed to ask. If you're properly indoctrinated, it won't occur to you to ask them.
_______________
Another piece: [Spoiler: This is part of a conversation when the main character finally tells someone of rank that her father raped her.]
"I suppose I've always known," he said at last. "I suppose we all have."
"Then why---"
"Because we cannot know," he answered before I could finish asking. "It is not the story we want to hear. It is not the one we are telling."
____________
So, that's it. I won't be reading the rest of the series because this book wasn't my version of a strong woman. I was mostly impatient with her and waiting for her to prove that women can have common sense. Alas.
Overall: The book didn't work for me. In specific: there are some well-articulated moments (see below).
I think maybe my hopes were too high for this book. I was hoping for a book that really put a female-male balanced spiritual world-view. But instead, I got a strong dose of humanist feminism (beating men at their own game) scrubbed over with a sort of New Age/Celtic goddess magic-and-powers idea. As I read, what I kept hoping for was that the young Maeve would realize that she wants to be herself for being herself, rather than fall into all the patterns that have been set up by the women in her life. But she persists throughout the entire book being the same kind "strong" woman as those she grew up with. (I don't think that "taking crap" from men makes someone a strong woman. I think it diminishes her.)
[For the record: I'm NOT a humanist-feminist. I'm more in the line of though that Elaine Showalter advocated in the eighties, where women are not judged, by themselves or by men, according to the male standards of worth. Instead, they are taken for their own worth (and not in a hierarchical way). For a book that embodies the kind of strong womanhood I align myself with, read [book: Wise Child].]
Another issue I had with this book is its carefree way with anachronism. This book is supposed to be taking place right when Christ is born and growing up. So having a character with wild hair being compared to punk rockers and the Statue of Liberty, and having the main character meet a goddess who calls her "honey" really jars me.
Okay, last issue: I feel like the book tries waaaaay too hard to put in every possible and impossible reference to sexuality, sex, or human bodily functions. It's a good reminder for why I prefer to read children's literature. In children's literature, the focus is on telling a good story, not trying to get a certain rating.
So, obviously this book didn't resonate with me or give me what I was looking for. I never did come to like the main character. I always wished she had used her brain more and her hormones/"guts" less. I didn't have a lot of patience while I read this book, so I read a large chunk of it in a "skimming" sort of fashion.
But, there are a couple of moments where certain contrasts are brought to light quite well. Here are a couple of pieces (with some editing to keep the flow of the ideas):
_______________
First piece: [During a discussion about spiritual gifts, and how the male comes from a culture where every day he wakes up and thanks God he isn't a woman, just like every other man in his area. The female comes from the Isle of Women, where being a woman was the best and only thing to be.:]
"You know, it's a good thing you don't live in my country. You'd be accused of sorcery. Some people believe it's unlawful to allow a sorceress to live."
"Well, what about you? With your tornadoes and striking people dead and changing children into goats."
"Thank God I was not born a woman."
"What's that got to do with anything?"
"You see, I was born a man. I might grow up to be a prophet or a healer. I might become a great leader who will free the people from Roman rule. I might be the Messiah. Who knows? People take a wait-and-see line with a boy."
"Why not with a girl?"
"It's just different."
_________
Here's another: [Another conversation about male vs. female in spiritual stories, etc.:]
"If I was your Isaac, I'd never let my father near me again. And the sun standing still at Jericho. A woman turning into a pillar of salt just for looking over her shoulder. Our stories couldn't possibly be more far-fetched than those. I know what's really eating you. In our stories, women get to do something besides giggle when they conceive after their blood has stopped. In our stories, women get to lay down the geasa from time to time."
_________________
Another: [Spoiler: Main character gets raped and is pregnant. This is during a conversation she's having with the man she loves.]
No doubt you understand better than I did then how touchy men are about their girlfriends getting pregnant. How do I know it's mine? are often the first words out of a man's mouth (or in his mind) even if it couldn't possibly be anyone else's. Well, that's the question, isn't it? The one at the root of all patriarchy. How do I know it's MINE? No matter how angry I was with my mothers, I was still virtually clueless about patriarchy. Though two millennia separate your time and ours, I am sure you know more than I did then about how an upright first century Jew would regard a despoiled virgin. You are familiar with the epithet: whore. Things haven't changed all that much. In your time, politicians win points in the polls for proposing to punish unmarried teenaged mothers like me, not to mention our children. No father? no food.
__________________
Another piece: [Spoiler: This is from a conversation where the main character is trying to find out why her father, who ended up on the Isle of Women at one point, and ended fathering her, was angry about it.]
"But I still don't understand. Why is he so furious with my mothers and with me? I just don't get it. When King Bran hears the name Tir na mBan, he practically swoons with ecstasy. As soon as he retires, he wants to go there. To me, my mothers are just my mothers. But the way some men talk about Tir na mBan, you'd think my mothers were goddesses or something. My mothers clearly expected him to be thrilled when he woke up. Why wasn't he?"
"I don't suppose Moses would have liked it either. King David might have. Maybe King Solomon, but I'm not so sure. Even with all his wives, seven hundred I believe, Solomon was in change. The wives were HIS. That's the sticking point. you see, when a man goes to your mothers' island, he's theirs."
"I still don't get why that's a problem."
"It's a problem, Maeve. At least for some men it would be. Trust me on this one."
"Would it be a problem for you?"
"I don't know. To tell you the truth, I can hardly imagine it. I'd like to think we could work something out."
__________
Another piece: [Discussing druidic human sacrifice.:]
"Even if I became a god after death, why would I want to help the people who strangled me, stabbed me, and drowned me? Does that make any sense to you?"
Viviane looked nonplussed. In every religion there are questions you are simply not supposed to ask. If you're properly indoctrinated, it won't occur to you to ask them.
_______________
Another piece: [Spoiler: This is part of a conversation when the main character finally tells someone of rank that her father raped her.]
"I suppose I've always known," he said at last. "I suppose we all have."
"Then why---"
"Because we cannot know," he answered before I could finish asking. "It is not the story we want to hear. It is not the one we are telling."
____________
So, that's it. I won't be reading the rest of the series because this book wasn't my version of a strong woman. I was mostly impatient with her and waiting for her to prove that women can have common sense. Alas.
July 8, 2007
Elizabeth Cunningham's book (originally sold under the title _Daughter of the Shining Isles_) tells the story of a woman raised by goddesses on a holy island. She goes to the druids to learn their ways, and there meets a man with whom she falls in love. Little does she know that this man would someday be known as Jesus Christ. This book is a fascinating discussion of paganism and Christianity, and explores the idea of what the "lost years" of Christ might have entailed. Definitely not for the closed minded, this book will make you think.
July 18, 2019
Really cool premise, maybe not the best execution? Idk. I liked it and yet I skimmed. Make of that what you will, I suppose. I'll read the sequel because a) it's the most well-known book of the series and b) I own it, it's been on my shelf for years.
October 8, 2015
That this book has an average rating of 4.2 stars makes me start to mistrust the ratings on this site.
I tried so hard to like this book, I really wanted to. I was expecting something along the lines of The Red Tent; Biblical stories as told through the women's perspective. But I couldn't even get more than about 25% through before I had to stop. What annoyed me most was the language used in the book. It takes place centuries ago, yet the characters use modern language. This ruins it for me. I don't expect all historical novels to be written in the exact language of the day....we probably wouldn't be able to understand, and of course English didn't even exist when this story takes place! But to use very modern phrases and syntax completely takes me away from what is supposed to be a different time. It blows up the whole setting. Additionally, there is almost no attention given to the details of life at this time. This story could have taken place yesterday for all I know, based on the (lack of) details given about daily life, diet, clothing, travel...you get the picture. One reviewer here mentioned that no research went into this, and I believe it! If she did research, she sure didn't write about what she learned.
So there you have it. I tried to get past these things but I suppose the story, characters, and writing just didn't grab me enough to take me past the annoying way these women spoke in 21st century slang and the lack of any information or details of daily life way back when.
I tried so hard to like this book, I really wanted to. I was expecting something along the lines of The Red Tent; Biblical stories as told through the women's perspective. But I couldn't even get more than about 25% through before I had to stop. What annoyed me most was the language used in the book. It takes place centuries ago, yet the characters use modern language. This ruins it for me. I don't expect all historical novels to be written in the exact language of the day....we probably wouldn't be able to understand, and of course English didn't even exist when this story takes place! But to use very modern phrases and syntax completely takes me away from what is supposed to be a different time. It blows up the whole setting. Additionally, there is almost no attention given to the details of life at this time. This story could have taken place yesterday for all I know, based on the (lack of) details given about daily life, diet, clothing, travel...you get the picture. One reviewer here mentioned that no research went into this, and I believe it! If she did research, she sure didn't write about what she learned.
So there you have it. I tried to get past these things but I suppose the story, characters, and writing just didn't grab me enough to take me past the annoying way these women spoke in 21st century slang and the lack of any information or details of daily life way back when.
February 26, 2015
This is the third time in less than six months that I have read this book, and I love it more every time I read it. Cunningham crafted such a wonderful cast of characters. The dynamics between Maeve, Branwen, and Viviane are awesome. It's fresh to see two girls (that is, Maeve and Viviane) who are supposed to be "enemies" grow to love each other almost as sisters. Girls helping girls is such a better trope than girls being catty to each other. It's one of the many great feminist lessons this book has to offer.
There are so many great female characters in this book. Cunningham gives her women a complexity that I don't think we female readers get very often. It's humanizing and humbling to see yourself reflected in each of these wonderful but inherently flawed women. It's what I love most about the book. Maeve and the others have taught me to embrace not only my body but also my shortcomings.
The male characters have complexities as well. I love the mystery surrounding Lovernios and Grainne. What really happened between them? Is Grainne as innocent as she seems? Why does she always seem so sad? Is Lovernios's seething hatred understandable? The mystery definitely adds a level of sympathy to Lovernios, a character I would otherwise hate.
Then there is Esus himself, of course. I love that Cunningham made him flawed as well. We're all used to the perfect Jesus of the Bible. The flaws Cunningham gives to him make him all the more human and divine.
For those who want to read the book, I think it's important to be warned that there is a rape scene. But it is short and well-written, and the aftermath is handled quite well. The scene itself does not drag on for an unnecessarily long period of time. There is also an abortion scene that is pretty graphic, but again, it is handled well. Cunningham is careful to craft a harsh but meaningful reality.
As always, 5/5 stars. Totally want to name any future daughter of mine Maeve.
There are so many great female characters in this book. Cunningham gives her women a complexity that I don't think we female readers get very often. It's humanizing and humbling to see yourself reflected in each of these wonderful but inherently flawed women. It's what I love most about the book. Maeve and the others have taught me to embrace not only my body but also my shortcomings.
The male characters have complexities as well. I love the mystery surrounding Lovernios and Grainne. What really happened between them? Is Grainne as innocent as she seems? Why does she always seem so sad? Is Lovernios's seething hatred understandable? The mystery definitely adds a level of sympathy to Lovernios, a character I would otherwise hate.
Then there is Esus himself, of course. I love that Cunningham made him flawed as well. We're all used to the perfect Jesus of the Bible. The flaws Cunningham gives to him make him all the more human and divine.
For those who want to read the book, I think it's important to be warned that there is a rape scene. But it is short and well-written, and the aftermath is handled quite well. The scene itself does not drag on for an unnecessarily long period of time. There is also an abortion scene that is pretty graphic, but again, it is handled well. Cunningham is careful to craft a harsh but meaningful reality.
As always, 5/5 stars. Totally want to name any future daughter of mine Maeve.
September 17, 2014
Judging a book by its cover.
I did it and I’m sad.
For years I’ve been wanting to purchase a series of books … well the first one and then I realized that there is a series and it made me want them even more. I’m a historical fiction nerd … not the bodice rippers per se (except the Diana Gabaldon series of Outlander). I really love reading fiction based in paleolithic, neolithic, early britain, gaul, etc … etc. Currently I’m on a Saxon/Nordic binge.
So, this series began because I saw the coolest book cover. I read the jacket sleeve. It was a book about Maeve (best name ever), the Magdalen. I’ve always loved the premise that Mary Magdalen was a pagan priestess from the Celtic Isles and lover of Jesus. It just seems a bit too cool for school. There have been several books written addressing this.
However, I feel that historically she was a wealthy follower, not a wife or lover of Jesus who’d never left the desert lands where he lived and taught.
So, this cover seen in an independent book store in town made me want that book. I had it on my personal wish list for years and years.
I started it the other day. And then put it up and started another.
It wasn’t what I wanted it to be. I wanted it to tell the story and be serious. And it isn’t. It didn’t do what I wanted it to do.
Ms. Cunningham does a lot of anachronism in this work.
Instead of chanting or singing, women are doing Rap.
Marching to “Hup Two Three Four”
I got over it fast. It wasn’t how I wanted the story to be told. I haz a sad.
I may return to it later, but right now I’m pouting.
I did it and I’m sad.
For years I’ve been wanting to purchase a series of books … well the first one and then I realized that there is a series and it made me want them even more. I’m a historical fiction nerd … not the bodice rippers per se (except the Diana Gabaldon series of Outlander). I really love reading fiction based in paleolithic, neolithic, early britain, gaul, etc … etc. Currently I’m on a Saxon/Nordic binge.
So, this series began because I saw the coolest book cover. I read the jacket sleeve. It was a book about Maeve (best name ever), the Magdalen. I’ve always loved the premise that Mary Magdalen was a pagan priestess from the Celtic Isles and lover of Jesus. It just seems a bit too cool for school. There have been several books written addressing this.
However, I feel that historically she was a wealthy follower, not a wife or lover of Jesus who’d never left the desert lands where he lived and taught.
So, this cover seen in an independent book store in town made me want that book. I had it on my personal wish list for years and years.
I started it the other day. And then put it up and started another.
It wasn’t what I wanted it to be. I wanted it to tell the story and be serious. And it isn’t. It didn’t do what I wanted it to do.
Ms. Cunningham does a lot of anachronism in this work.
Instead of chanting or singing, women are doing Rap.
Marching to “Hup Two Three Four”
I got over it fast. It wasn’t how I wanted the story to be told. I haz a sad.
I may return to it later, but right now I’m pouting.
June 24, 2008
So just what was Jesus doing between the ages of 12 and 30? The time in which the bible is silent about his life has been speculated upon by many, and in this book Elizabeth Cunningham delightfully gives us her two cents.
We have the narration straight from the mouth of Mary Magdalen, but she is not called that yet; no she will not get that name until she travels to the Holy Land. Here her name is Maeve, young daughter of eight warrior witches, Celtic priestess in-training, a precocious fiery redheaded child who sees her counterpart (Jesus) in vision.
She finally meets him when she is sent away to druid college. Yes... this is where Jesus disappears to in his youth, and where he got his exposure to all those radical ideas of his.
Cunningham masterfully weaves Celtic lore with Hebrew tradition to give us this fascinating interpretation of the beginning of the legacy of Jesus and Mary.
We have the narration straight from the mouth of Mary Magdalen, but she is not called that yet; no she will not get that name until she travels to the Holy Land. Here her name is Maeve, young daughter of eight warrior witches, Celtic priestess in-training, a precocious fiery redheaded child who sees her counterpart (Jesus) in vision.
She finally meets him when she is sent away to druid college. Yes... this is where Jesus disappears to in his youth, and where he got his exposure to all those radical ideas of his.
Cunningham masterfully weaves Celtic lore with Hebrew tradition to give us this fascinating interpretation of the beginning of the legacy of Jesus and Mary.
March 10, 2019
One of the best first-person novels of a long-hidden heroine, beloved one of a misinterpreted and misunderstood hero. Great humor, and imagination, well written.
November 25, 2014
The whole Maeve Chronicles series is superlative, highly recommended, one of my favorites. I would recommend it for fans of strong women, Celtic fantasy, Biblical reinterpretation, myth and magic, Goddess fiction, the Mists of Avalon. In a nutshell, Mary Magdalen is re-visioned as a Celtic ex-pat and Jesus' wife, a magical and strong and sometimes foolish woman, and her tale spans the course of four well-researched and well-written books. Written with cheek and humor and glory and beauty, all at once.
In Book One, Magdalen Rising, Maeve is born on the Isle of Women and raised by eight warrior witches and a goddess or two. She sees the young Jesus while scrying and knows their fates are interwoven. They meet at the Druid school on the Isle of Mona, where Maeve also meets men for the first time, and makes her first friends. Maeve is a child and a youth in the books, which captures her tempestuousness well. This book is Celtic fantasy at it best, rooted in myths and legends and symbols and numerology, storytelling and groves of trees and passage tombs.
A warning: there is sexual violence in this book which may be hard for some readers.
In Book One, Magdalen Rising, Maeve is born on the Isle of Women and raised by eight warrior witches and a goddess or two. She sees the young Jesus while scrying and knows their fates are interwoven. They meet at the Druid school on the Isle of Mona, where Maeve also meets men for the first time, and makes her first friends. Maeve is a child and a youth in the books, which captures her tempestuousness well. This book is Celtic fantasy at it best, rooted in myths and legends and symbols and numerology, storytelling and groves of trees and passage tombs.
A warning: there is sexual violence in this book which may be hard for some readers.
April 19, 2009
These novels by Elizabeth Cunningham are a great delight - bringing a celtic, feminine side to Christianity, if only it were really so... I have always had a strong connection to high fantasy and celtic culture and these are steeped in the best tradition and very well and entertainingly written. The fact that Cunningham comes from a long line of Episcopal ministers makes them even more interesting. These books are like a secret delight - you know the are not great literature with a Capital L but they are a great, and provocative read.
September 7, 2012
The Maeve Chronicles are my favorite adult book series. I have read, reread, and read twice more. I adore everything about Magdalen Rising: her voice, her story, the characters.
In this first book, Maeve comes of age, leaves her mothers, and goes to study at a Druid college where she meets Yeshua. A wise woman prophecies that Maeve will be a great lover, and this is the foundation of the series. Maeve learns to love all and sees God in each person she encounters.
I'm a little bit jealous of those starting the series.
In this first book, Maeve comes of age, leaves her mothers, and goes to study at a Druid college where she meets Yeshua. A wise woman prophecies that Maeve will be a great lover, and this is the foundation of the series. Maeve learns to love all and sees God in each person she encounters.
I'm a little bit jealous of those starting the series.
March 23, 2018
A story about a young, Celtic Magdalene and a young Jesus, druids, mysteries, ancient times and undying love, so what's not to love about this brilliant book? Apart from Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon-saga, this was the most Pagan book I've ever read and I'll definietly read the complete tetralogy. The teenage Maeve/Magdalene is an awesome, fierce narrator, the story itself is living ancient magic, and one of the greatest love stories of all times. I can only recommend it to everyone!
July 18, 2009
I love historical fiction and when I realized the identity of a certain child, I thought, OMG, what an interesting twist THAT makes!!! Loved it!
June 19, 2021
I found the mix of modern, snarky idioms mixed in erratically with more lyrical, traditionally voiced prose to be jarring and too annoying to continue. DNF at 6%.
January 12, 2022
Parts of this book were a bit slow, others cracked me up as a very fiesty Maeve goes looking for her 'apended one'. I appreciated seeing the world of 1st century Celtic people brought to life in a way that appears to be historically aligned to my own research and explorations. I'm looking forward to finding out how things unfold from here.
October 27, 2023
I love this fictional rendition of the origin story of Mary Magdalene. Although its fictional, it carries the true heart of the divine feminine, the tragedy of life and its wonder, and helped me relate to her as a girl and a woman. Read or listen, but I'm glad I listened since it highlights the orracular tradition of the Druids. A great read for those who love fiction, fantasy, and even faith.
March 7, 2018
Wow. Wow wow wow. Okay. So I got this book randomly out of the library because I was like, "Oh, Mary Magdalen, my favorite Biblical figure," and, "WHOA and a ton of Celtic folklore?! My favorite!" Little did I know that this book was 1. SUPER feminist, 2. beautifully written, and 3. really captivating. And now... it's the topic of my thesis paper!
I don't even know where to start in my review, I'm still so dumbfounded over the book. I mean, might as well start at the beginning right?
The first thing that stood out to me about this book was the "vulgarity" (or what we would call vulgar these days). Magdalen/Maeve went around smearing her menstrual blood on rocks and calling it art; there were jokes about peeing; there was crude talk of sex; and plenty of the imagery was quite an obvious metaphor for breasts and vaginas. At first it made me uncomfortable, and I think that was the point. Eventually, I laughed along with Maeve, and if anything she helped me to grow more comfortable in my own feminine skin, helped me to accept the "taboos" about my own body. For that alone, this book earned five stars. It helped me to grow as a person.
But on top of that, the language was beautiful. I loved Maeve's voice. I see in some of the reviews that it's jarring when she, as narrator, ties this ancient Celtic land to the modern world and uses colloquialisms that Celtic people would obviously not use. But rather than find it unacceptable, I found that it made the story much easier to relate to and made Maeve more endearing.
It had some dark points of course; there is a rape scene (however, it is not horribly graphic or drawn out for an unbearably long time). What I found interesting is the ambiguity of Lovernios's story. The flashback Maeve sees of his landing on Tir na mBan is foggy at best; we see his unconscious body on the shores, and Maeve's eight witch-mothers hovering over him and talking about how they will use him to father a child. Is this an implication that they took advantage of him? His own reaction at seeing Maeve, his hatred of his own child, his determination to forget Tir na mBan, made me believe so.
It was clear that Lovernios was the main antagonist of the story. However, there was also Viviane. Oh, Viviane. I loved her so much. I've never encountered an antagonist so well-written, so believable. And I love the idea that, instead of having these two girls forever feel bitter and spiteful towards each other, they grow to love each other in a way. I love that undeniable feminine bond that is so often ignored in literature and film. Female characters and their enemies are often pitted against each other; rarely do they become (kind of) friends. It's a solidarity that is too realistic to be ignored.
And Branwen, and the Cailleach, and the Crows, and Anu, and Dwynwyn, and even the eight witch-mothers... Every single female character was so lovable. Ugh, and Nissyen! I got a little teary-eyed when he stood up for Maeve in the end...
There is also the religious aspect to consider. There is a lot about sovereignty in this novel, and also about paganism versus monotheism. What better place to set the story than Celtic Ireland, right? A nation that has always struggled with its own sovereignty, and that has always had a very intimate and strange relationship between its traditional pagan roots and Christianity. This is probably the topic I will write on when I do my thesis. I am still fleshing out an outline/a specific topic for it and trying to gather my thoughts on it.
But, yes. I've decided to write my thesis paper on this novel. I know it is a part of a series, but I'd rather just focus on this first book, 1. because the others are so long (and expensive), and 2. because I don't want to study the series to death and thus ruin it for myself. I would highly, highly recommend this book to all women, and even to men, though I get the feeling many male readers would hate it... Maeve would make them far too uncomfortable. Either way, I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
***
Update, 2018: Just finished listening to the audiobook version. As fantastic as the written copy, if not more so. Amazing narration that brings Maeve to life. 5/5 stars again.
I don't even know where to start in my review, I'm still so dumbfounded over the book. I mean, might as well start at the beginning right?
The first thing that stood out to me about this book was the "vulgarity" (or what we would call vulgar these days). Magdalen/Maeve went around smearing her menstrual blood on rocks and calling it art; there were jokes about peeing; there was crude talk of sex; and plenty of the imagery was quite an obvious metaphor for breasts and vaginas. At first it made me uncomfortable, and I think that was the point. Eventually, I laughed along with Maeve, and if anything she helped me to grow more comfortable in my own feminine skin, helped me to accept the "taboos" about my own body. For that alone, this book earned five stars. It helped me to grow as a person.
But on top of that, the language was beautiful. I loved Maeve's voice. I see in some of the reviews that it's jarring when she, as narrator, ties this ancient Celtic land to the modern world and uses colloquialisms that Celtic people would obviously not use. But rather than find it unacceptable, I found that it made the story much easier to relate to and made Maeve more endearing.
It had some dark points of course; there is a rape scene (however, it is not horribly graphic or drawn out for an unbearably long time). What I found interesting is the ambiguity of Lovernios's story. The flashback Maeve sees of his landing on Tir na mBan is foggy at best; we see his unconscious body on the shores, and Maeve's eight witch-mothers hovering over him and talking about how they will use him to father a child. Is this an implication that they took advantage of him? His own reaction at seeing Maeve, his hatred of his own child, his determination to forget Tir na mBan, made me believe so.
It was clear that Lovernios was the main antagonist of the story. However, there was also Viviane. Oh, Viviane. I loved her so much. I've never encountered an antagonist so well-written, so believable. And I love the idea that, instead of having these two girls forever feel bitter and spiteful towards each other, they grow to love each other in a way. I love that undeniable feminine bond that is so often ignored in literature and film. Female characters and their enemies are often pitted against each other; rarely do they become (kind of) friends. It's a solidarity that is too realistic to be ignored.
And Branwen, and the Cailleach, and the Crows, and Anu, and Dwynwyn, and even the eight witch-mothers... Every single female character was so lovable. Ugh, and Nissyen! I got a little teary-eyed when he stood up for Maeve in the end...
There is also the religious aspect to consider. There is a lot about sovereignty in this novel, and also about paganism versus monotheism. What better place to set the story than Celtic Ireland, right? A nation that has always struggled with its own sovereignty, and that has always had a very intimate and strange relationship between its traditional pagan roots and Christianity. This is probably the topic I will write on when I do my thesis. I am still fleshing out an outline/a specific topic for it and trying to gather my thoughts on it.
But, yes. I've decided to write my thesis paper on this novel. I know it is a part of a series, but I'd rather just focus on this first book, 1. because the others are so long (and expensive), and 2. because I don't want to study the series to death and thus ruin it for myself. I would highly, highly recommend this book to all women, and even to men, though I get the feeling many male readers would hate it... Maeve would make them far too uncomfortable. Either way, I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
***
Update, 2018: Just finished listening to the audiobook version. As fantastic as the written copy, if not more so. Amazing narration that brings Maeve to life. 5/5 stars again.
Read
August 23, 2023Did not finish book. Stopped at 62%.
Having started this book on 31 Dec 2022, I have been trying to finish this book for nearly 8 months. Despite the premise of the story being one that I *should* enjoy, it simply has not been enough to get me thru the book, much less the series. So, maybe someday I'll try again...
Having started this book on 31 Dec 2022, I have been trying to finish this book for nearly 8 months. Despite the premise of the story being one that I *should* enjoy, it simply has not been enough to get me thru the book, much less the series. So, maybe someday I'll try again...
September 27, 2014
Initially, I did not enjoy this at all. First it was a lot of talk about celtic mythology type stuff which really didn't interest me. Second of all I was really disliking the Maeve, both because of the voice in which she was written and because of her behaviour/attitudes - she just was not likable. Around pg 100 I was going to stop reading, I just couldn't bear it, but I was disappointed I wasn't liking it so I read a bit further. Around pg 120 it gets a bit better. Admittedly there were still sections that I skimmed but the story at least progresses and Maeve isn't as annoying.
I had read this because I heard good things about the second book and even though this was put out as a prequel I thought I'd read it first. Anyhow now I'm not sure if I'll get the next book or not.
I had read this because I heard good things about the second book and even though this was put out as a prequel I thought I'd read it first. Anyhow now I'm not sure if I'll get the next book or not.
November 21, 2014
This was...
I've just finished it, and I'm not entirely sure what it was, or how I feel about it.
I adored Maeve as narrator - snarky, irreverent, speaking directly to the reader at times, and explaining things without making a big deal of them.
But at the same time, I sort of feel that the conceit (Jesus training with the Druids on Mona, and Maeve being his 'other half'), not that it took away from the story, exactly, but that it didn't ADD anything to the story. Maeve's story by itself, without the addition of Jesus, would have been enough for a wonderful novel.
I've just finished it, and I'm not entirely sure what it was, or how I feel about it.
I adored Maeve as narrator - snarky, irreverent, speaking directly to the reader at times, and explaining things without making a big deal of them.
But at the same time, I sort of feel that the conceit (Jesus training with the Druids on Mona, and Maeve being his 'other half'), not that it took away from the story, exactly, but that it didn't ADD anything to the story. Maeve's story by itself, without the addition of Jesus, would have been enough for a wonderful novel.
Read
August 20, 2007Celtic goddesses rapping, Mary Magdalene as a roman sex slave... Jesus... Didn't finish it.
October 17, 2008
Great book. I love the Maeve character and can't wait to read the next book in the series to follow her adventures.
September 20, 2008
interesting to think of mary magdalen/jesus in this way. in NO WAY a Christian book... more pagan than anything else.
May 24, 2013
What an incredible book. Made me think, made me chuckle, made me nod my head up and down to the point of headache.
August 4, 2011
Just as good as The Passion Of Mary Magdalen. Cunningham can really tell a story!
December 25, 2020
The writing is pedestrian and not nearly as enchanting, or wild, as the story itself. However, I will read all of the books in this series because of the alternate universe the book creates. Give me strong women and I will read about them! In this account, Christianity and Celtic lore get all mixed together and it is an explosive narrative. In many ways, it shouted "blasphemy" but then I argued, "why not". Isn't a good story at the heart of all "truths?"
March 8, 2021
At first, I didn't know what to think of this book. One of my biggest pet peeves while reading historical fiction is the references to anything that might be anachronistic with the time period it is set in, and also the use of modern phrases by historical characters. However, the charm, nit & grit, imagery, and world-building this book presented to me were so intriguing that I kept reading. After finishing, I cannot wait to read what happens to Maeve in the next book.
April 1, 2021
This is one of my favorite series. The first time I read it, it blew my mind and fictionally answered so many questions.
The whole series is written for anyone to enjoy it, with hysterical asides that are written directly to the reader.
I read this series every year, if not more often. Maeve Rhaud is a fantastic role model for all women!
I know this review doesn't do justice to this set of books, but please, read it, and you'll see what I mean!!
The whole series is written for anyone to enjoy it, with hysterical asides that are written directly to the reader.
I read this series every year, if not more often. Maeve Rhaud is a fantastic role model for all women!
I know this review doesn't do justice to this set of books, but please, read it, and you'll see what I mean!!
February 26, 2023
A book of fantastical writing, which tells a fantastic story.
Mary Magdalene, the daughter of weather witches, meets Jesus, a stranger from far away at a school for druids.
Both being chosen ones, they will meet plenty of challenges on their way.
A very nice spin on an ancient tale, told directly by Magdalene, in first person.
Mary Magdalene, the daughter of weather witches, meets Jesus, a stranger from far away at a school for druids.
Both being chosen ones, they will meet plenty of challenges on their way.
A very nice spin on an ancient tale, told directly by Magdalene, in first person.
April 22, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. Love how it shows the whole Jesus story from a woman's point of view and has Celtic mythology/history entwined in the story. I can't wait to start the next book in the series!!
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