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Magdalene
The controversial woman with a past only one Man could forgive. A true love story that changed the face of history. “I was Miryam of Magdala, seller of fine fabrics and wife of Yaakov the fisherman. With my husband and son, I held a place of honor among my countrymen until a company of rogue soldiers took everything from me. I might not be Roman, but I knew injustice when I saw it. And I had been most grievously wronged.” In an era when women are sequestered and silenced, Miryam of Magdala lives a contended life until her son's careless gesture evokes a hostile action that shatters her serenity. With no hope of justice, Miryam commits an unthinkable act . . . and descends into depths of darkness that threaten her life and her sanity.Even after Yeshua the Messiah dramatically restores her life, Miryam can neither forget nor forgive unresolved injustices. Prodded by a hunger for vengeance she will not deny, this woman of uncommon courage risks her life and her heart by drawing destiny into her own hands.
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2006
323 people are currently reading
1171 people want to read
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
271 books1,973 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 10, 2017
I hardly know how to rate this book. On one hand I really enjoyed it but on the other I was uncomfortable with it. Mary Magdalene recieved severe injustice at the hands of the Romans and spent the rest of her life plotting revenge. I am having difficulty accepting that a true follower of Jesus would have such a vengeful spirit in her life. Premeditated murder is a serious sin. I would have thought that a woman who had seven demons cast out of her would live a compassionate life of forgiveness.
November 2, 2017
'My story begins in Magdala, a city by the sea...'
Synopsis:
A book in which we kind of, sort of, possibly, maybe, get the full story of Mary Magdalene. Maybe. Kinda. Sorta. Perhaps-ish.
Biblio-Babble
True Believers: Where you stand as a Christian, as well as how literally you take the Bible, is going to be a key factor in how well you’re going to take the contents of this book. I prefer to think of myself as in the middle. I’m not an atheist (obviously), but I’m not a Bible thumper, either. I’m what one would probably call a ‘moderate Christian’, if such a term does exist. I don’t take the Bible literally, but I’m also open to historical interpretation.
If you are a person who takes the Bible literally, DO. NOT. READ. THIS. BOOK. You’ll probably want to drop kick it to the floor and toss it into the 13th Realm of Hellfire and Damnation. The author completely turns the Bible upside down, sideways and backwards in creating her version of Mary Magdalene, something that most die-hard Christians won’t take a liking to. Even Jesus gets a complete makeover in this novel, as he’s given a more human personality (and siblings!).
Mary Magdalene, She’s Only Human: We’ve come to know Mary Magdalene, the fallen woman. Mary Magdalene, the prostitute. This being the second book about Mary that I’ve read this year, I’ve even come to know Mary Magdalene the girl with epileptic seizures who saw visions. What I wasn’t expecting was Mary Magdalene, the revenge-fueled, mad as hell woman I got in this novel. In short, she’s human. Her life has been absolute crap, and she naturally wants revenge on those who wronged her. Nothing wrong with that, but as Christians we tend to paint Biblical figures as rather saintly individuals who can do no wrong and are about as pure as Swiss Alp water. However, this Mary Magdalene is entirely human and subjected to the darker side of human emotions. Again, this probably isn’t going to sit well with die-hard Bible thumpers. Especially since her inability to forgive those who wronged her (a major teaching in Christianity), has been a concern with those who read it.
Jesus Loves Me, But I Can’t Find Him: Not in that sense, of course. Even though this is Mary Magdalene’s story and she should be the star of the show, Jesus also played a really important part in her life. Unfortunately, he didn’t get nearly enough screen time than what I was hoping for. He’s obviously there for the important moments, but not enough where I really got to know him as a character more. Especially considering the fact that the author decided to quash my dreams of Jesus being the most famous member of the Only Child Club and decided to give him siblings. I actually would have much preferred her exploring how Mary intersected with Jesus’s family and personal life, as well as the other disciples, than the fictional story arc about Atticus and Cyrilla.
They Don’t Even Go Here: The book bounces back and forth between first person Mary Magdalene telling her story and the fictional story of a Roman general named Atticus, his partner Cyrilla and son Quinn whose fate is mysteriously intertwined with hers. It’s not like it’s a huge secret, as you can basically figure it out within the first couple hundred pages, but it’s enough of a spoiler and plot line that it probably shouldn’t even be mentioned here. I didn’t have an issue with the characters themselves. Rather, I had an issue as to why they were put in the story. When a book is blatantly historical fiction, it can be forgiven and accepted that there will be some fictional counterparts. When a book is marketed as not historical fiction, but historically researched fact, than fictional characters not included in that person’s history are kind of like party crashers interloping in time. In that sense, Atticus and his family were historical party crashers. Their story like would have been suited to a separate book where Mary Magdalene and Jesus were more background characters. The inclusion of them bogged down the story a lot of the time as the narration style was jarring to switch back and forth from.
Yeah, We Get It Katherine, But Is This Book Accurate?: I can’t really say. The Bible is one of those books that is open to interpretation at an almost ridiculous level. The wording can be twisted and manipulated to fit a person’s message and meaning that the real, true intent of the book probably has been long lost. There’s so many different types of research and characterizations about the real Mary Magdalene that some historians don’t even know who the heck the true woman really was. So for someone asking whether this Mary Magdalene is the definitive Mary Magdalene, the answer is…. a frustrating ‘I don’t know.’ I believe that the author intended it that way, but there are too few snippets of Mary in the holy book and too much speculation from historians about her life to give an answer that will satisfy true believers.
*********************
A seemingly well-researched and readable but jarring take on one of the most controversial women of the Bible. Except from what is written, readers will come out of the book feeling just as lost as when they came in, and quite possibly more enraged at the tarnishing of not only Mary, but their beloved Disciple.
Synopsis:
A book in which we kind of, sort of, possibly, maybe, get the full story of Mary Magdalene. Maybe. Kinda. Sorta. Perhaps-ish.
Biblio-Babble
True Believers: Where you stand as a Christian, as well as how literally you take the Bible, is going to be a key factor in how well you’re going to take the contents of this book. I prefer to think of myself as in the middle. I’m not an atheist (obviously), but I’m not a Bible thumper, either. I’m what one would probably call a ‘moderate Christian’, if such a term does exist. I don’t take the Bible literally, but I’m also open to historical interpretation.
If you are a person who takes the Bible literally, DO. NOT. READ. THIS. BOOK. You’ll probably want to drop kick it to the floor and toss it into the 13th Realm of Hellfire and Damnation. The author completely turns the Bible upside down, sideways and backwards in creating her version of Mary Magdalene, something that most die-hard Christians won’t take a liking to. Even Jesus gets a complete makeover in this novel, as he’s given a more human personality (and siblings!).
Mary Magdalene, She’s Only Human: We’ve come to know Mary Magdalene, the fallen woman. Mary Magdalene, the prostitute. This being the second book about Mary that I’ve read this year, I’ve even come to know Mary Magdalene the girl with epileptic seizures who saw visions. What I wasn’t expecting was Mary Magdalene, the revenge-fueled, mad as hell woman I got in this novel. In short, she’s human. Her life has been absolute crap, and she naturally wants revenge on those who wronged her. Nothing wrong with that, but as Christians we tend to paint Biblical figures as rather saintly individuals who can do no wrong and are about as pure as Swiss Alp water. However, this Mary Magdalene is entirely human and subjected to the darker side of human emotions. Again, this probably isn’t going to sit well with die-hard Bible thumpers. Especially since her inability to forgive those who wronged her (a major teaching in Christianity), has been a concern with those who read it.
Jesus Loves Me, But I Can’t Find Him: Not in that sense, of course. Even though this is Mary Magdalene’s story and she should be the star of the show, Jesus also played a really important part in her life. Unfortunately, he didn’t get nearly enough screen time than what I was hoping for. He’s obviously there for the important moments, but not enough where I really got to know him as a character more. Especially considering the fact that the author decided to quash my dreams of Jesus being the most famous member of the Only Child Club and decided to give him siblings. I actually would have much preferred her exploring how Mary intersected with Jesus’s family and personal life, as well as the other disciples, than the fictional story arc about Atticus and Cyrilla.
They Don’t Even Go Here: The book bounces back and forth between first person Mary Magdalene telling her story and the fictional story of a Roman general named Atticus, his partner Cyrilla and son Quinn whose fate is mysteriously intertwined with hers. It’s not like it’s a huge secret, as you can basically figure it out within the first couple hundred pages, but it’s enough of a spoiler and plot line that it probably shouldn’t even be mentioned here. I didn’t have an issue with the characters themselves. Rather, I had an issue as to why they were put in the story. When a book is blatantly historical fiction, it can be forgiven and accepted that there will be some fictional counterparts. When a book is marketed as not historical fiction, but historically researched fact, than fictional characters not included in that person’s history are kind of like party crashers interloping in time. In that sense, Atticus and his family were historical party crashers. Their story like would have been suited to a separate book where Mary Magdalene and Jesus were more background characters. The inclusion of them bogged down the story a lot of the time as the narration style was jarring to switch back and forth from.
Yeah, We Get It Katherine, But Is This Book Accurate?: I can’t really say. The Bible is one of those books that is open to interpretation at an almost ridiculous level. The wording can be twisted and manipulated to fit a person’s message and meaning that the real, true intent of the book probably has been long lost. There’s so many different types of research and characterizations about the real Mary Magdalene that some historians don’t even know who the heck the true woman really was. So for someone asking whether this Mary Magdalene is the definitive Mary Magdalene, the answer is…. a frustrating ‘I don’t know.’ I believe that the author intended it that way, but there are too few snippets of Mary in the holy book and too much speculation from historians about her life to give an answer that will satisfy true believers.
*********************
A seemingly well-researched and readable but jarring take on one of the most controversial women of the Bible. Except from what is written, readers will come out of the book feeling just as lost as when they came in, and quite possibly more enraged at the tarnishing of not only Mary, but their beloved Disciple.
August 10, 2024
4.75 stars …. this is so good
February 6, 2009
Magdalene by Angela Hunt is one of those rare, absorbing novels that grabs you from the first page and simply doesn't let go. Hunt fleshes out the biblical account of Mary Magdalene to create a fully realized woman and give a biblically based answer to the portrait of Mary painted in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. Mary appears briefly in the New Testament, but at critical times. She is first mentioned in Luke 8 as being delivered from seven demons, and then following and supporting Jesus' ministry. She was at the cross when Jesus was crucified, and she was the first Jesus spoke to after the resurrection, and then she was charged with carrying the good news to his disciples.
This was a woman who was clearly present at critical times during Jesus' time on earth, but as Hunt points out in the interview included in the back of the book, she has been terribly misunderstood, and the facts of her life have been grossly misinterpreted. She has been called everything from a prostitute to the most recent outlandish claim of being Jesus' wife.
In Magdalene, Miryam is a respected businesswoman with a beloved family, until a foolish act by her oldest son brings the wrath of Rome upon her family, stripping Mary of everything she once held dear and filling her soul with an overwhelming bitterness and hate. Even after her descent into demonic possession and her miraculous deliverance through the touch of Jesus, Miryam's desire for retribution colors her perception of Jesus and his purpose on earth. Only when she discovers that God has used those who she labeled her enemies to prove his profound love and provision for her does she fully realize the meaning of forgiveness and the depth of God's grace.
Hunt constructs a fascinating portrait of Mary, posing one answer to the question -- what brought Mary so low, to the point that seven demons possessed her soul? Who was she prior to being possessed, and what was her relationship with Jesus and his ministry after her deliverance? In attempting to answer these questions, Hunt brings ancient Israel to life with dazzling color and depth. This is some of the best biblical fiction that I've ever read, on par with Francine Rivers' equally extraordinary Lineage of Grace and Sons of Encouragement novellas. Through Mary, Hunt paints a beautiful portrait of Christ's love, his redemption of mankind, and of his ability to reach us where we're at, no matter how far we've fallen.
In addition to Magdalene, two other novels telling the story of Mary Magdalene have been released: the contemporary retelling Divine by Karen Kingsbury and the young adult novel Maggie's Story by Dandi Daley Mackall. Personally, I have no desire to read The Da Vinci Code or see the film. But I am profoundly glad that Hunt was inspired to write such a beautiful, moving novel. Highly recommended.
References: Mary Magdalene; former demoniac (Luke 8:2). Helped support Jesus' ministry (Luke 8:1-3). At the cross (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25), burial (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47). Saw angel after resurrection (Matthew 28:10; Mark 16:1-9; Luke 24:1-12); also Jesus (John 20:1-18).
This was a woman who was clearly present at critical times during Jesus' time on earth, but as Hunt points out in the interview included in the back of the book, she has been terribly misunderstood, and the facts of her life have been grossly misinterpreted. She has been called everything from a prostitute to the most recent outlandish claim of being Jesus' wife.
In Magdalene, Miryam is a respected businesswoman with a beloved family, until a foolish act by her oldest son brings the wrath of Rome upon her family, stripping Mary of everything she once held dear and filling her soul with an overwhelming bitterness and hate. Even after her descent into demonic possession and her miraculous deliverance through the touch of Jesus, Miryam's desire for retribution colors her perception of Jesus and his purpose on earth. Only when she discovers that God has used those who she labeled her enemies to prove his profound love and provision for her does she fully realize the meaning of forgiveness and the depth of God's grace.
Hunt constructs a fascinating portrait of Mary, posing one answer to the question -- what brought Mary so low, to the point that seven demons possessed her soul? Who was she prior to being possessed, and what was her relationship with Jesus and his ministry after her deliverance? In attempting to answer these questions, Hunt brings ancient Israel to life with dazzling color and depth. This is some of the best biblical fiction that I've ever read, on par with Francine Rivers' equally extraordinary Lineage of Grace and Sons of Encouragement novellas. Through Mary, Hunt paints a beautiful portrait of Christ's love, his redemption of mankind, and of his ability to reach us where we're at, no matter how far we've fallen.
In addition to Magdalene, two other novels telling the story of Mary Magdalene have been released: the contemporary retelling Divine by Karen Kingsbury and the young adult novel Maggie's Story by Dandi Daley Mackall. Personally, I have no desire to read The Da Vinci Code or see the film. But I am profoundly glad that Hunt was inspired to write such a beautiful, moving novel. Highly recommended.
References: Mary Magdalene; former demoniac (Luke 8:2). Helped support Jesus' ministry (Luke 8:1-3). At the cross (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25), burial (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47). Saw angel after resurrection (Matthew 28:10; Mark 16:1-9; Luke 24:1-12); also Jesus (John 20:1-18).
February 2, 2013
I love Angela Hunt. She is such a gifted storyteller. I keep wanting to compare her to Francine Rivers, but she is really too different. I think I am just surprised by how much I enjoy their writing. I like how she didn't "wrap up" Miryam's life after Yeshua drives out her demons. Her sin goes very deep and Hunt doesn't gloss it over. I have a funny feeling I'm going to finish up all of Hunt's books quickly. It's a good thing she's so prolific.
October 10, 2013
I like stories that fill in possibilities around well-known Bible characters.
this was a good story --- except the ending. her desire for vengeance, not forgiveness, rules her actions. even though she was closely associated with Jesus/Yeshua and his followers in ministry, life and resurrection she seeks to destroy the Roman soldier who she believes destroyed her home and family.
But in the end, she has killed her own son that the soldier had saved and raised as his own.
this was a good story --- except the ending. her desire for vengeance, not forgiveness, rules her actions. even though she was closely associated with Jesus/Yeshua and his followers in ministry, life and resurrection she seeks to destroy the Roman soldier who she believes destroyed her home and family.
But in the end, she has killed her own son that the soldier had saved and raised as his own.
January 3, 2009
Wow! I am not very good at writing "reviews", but this story really
goes deep and shows us how our hearts really are... even though we
walk with Him and pray and do all we can for the Lord. Very touching.
goes deep and shows us how our hearts really are... even though we
walk with Him and pray and do all we can for the Lord. Very touching.
April 2, 2024
I loved this book, wonderfully written! ;)
June 14, 2021
I can't help but feel like this was a knee jerk reaction to the many recent Magdelene retellings and various speculation. Sadly, IMO this book is a perfect example of "Don't become what you hate". IF you don't like "extra-biblical" stories WHY write one?
I was incredibly disappointed. This book does not rectify imagined heresies unfortunately it just adds another one to the pile
This took one of the most maligned women in historical biblical lore and quite literally throws her under the chariot.
Honestly, I can't imagine any Christian HistFic writers taking such outrageous damning liberties by doing this to any one of the male Disciples. If it weren't for the research and EXCELLENT Narration I may have given it 1 star.
I was incredibly disappointed. This book does not rectify imagined heresies unfortunately it just adds another one to the pile
This took one of the most maligned women in historical biblical lore and quite literally throws her under the chariot.
Honestly, I can't imagine any Christian HistFic writers taking such outrageous damning liberties by doing this to any one of the male Disciples. If it weren't for the research and EXCELLENT Narration I may have given it 1 star.
September 4, 2016
Weak writing spoils what might have been an interesting exploration of historical fiction in Angela Hunt's "Magdalene". My main issue is the characterization in the novel, which is limp - I'm getting very tired of the stock character of the good guy on the wrong side. I don't doubt that the Roman army had nice guys in it, but there's nothing remotely interesting about this one. The way he's written, he's the only nice guy in the whole Roman army, and that makes him the dullest person imaginable. The title character is a shade more interesting - her backstory, and how she came to be possessed by seven demons, is nicely done, as is her all-encompassing (and unexpected) desire for revenge. No meek and mild Mary is she. Unfortunately, she's the only genuinely interesting person in the book. The other characters float by without making a difference in how the story progresses. When they do make a difference, it's a development you can see coming a mile away, such is how transparent they are.
Working within historical fiction, the plot is, for the most part, telegraphed. It's only the developments in the last 15% of the book that keep things genuinely interesting. Going by the Q&A with the author at the end of the book (yes, this book actually has a Q&A section, as well as study group materials, God help us all), I almost got the impression that Angela Hunt wrote "Magdalene" as a literary knee-jerk response to Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code". Ironically, Brown could have used Angela Hunt's attention to detail and research, whereas Hunt would have greatly benefited from Brown's ability to keep things moving. The resolution of the book didn't salvage it, either - for how single-minded Magdalene's quest for revenge is, everything ends up very neatly and clinically.
And I am really. Really. Getting sick of authors writing like this. When they want to manufacture tension. In their plot. Because it is so contrived. Kind of like this book.
- See more at: http://christian-bookclub.com/article...
Working within historical fiction, the plot is, for the most part, telegraphed. It's only the developments in the last 15% of the book that keep things genuinely interesting. Going by the Q&A with the author at the end of the book (yes, this book actually has a Q&A section, as well as study group materials, God help us all), I almost got the impression that Angela Hunt wrote "Magdalene" as a literary knee-jerk response to Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code". Ironically, Brown could have used Angela Hunt's attention to detail and research, whereas Hunt would have greatly benefited from Brown's ability to keep things moving. The resolution of the book didn't salvage it, either - for how single-minded Magdalene's quest for revenge is, everything ends up very neatly and clinically.
And I am really. Really. Getting sick of authors writing like this. When they want to manufacture tension. In their plot. Because it is so contrived. Kind of like this book.
- See more at: http://christian-bookclub.com/article...
February 3, 2008
Easy read historical novel. Liked the insight it gave me into Jewish culture and religion at the time of Christ. Helped me to further understand the Gospels and the radical message of Jesus Christ. Liked how the two story lines, that of Atticus the Roman & Magdalene the broken and redeemed Jewish woman were woven throughout the book. Major downfall was the ending in which the two story lines are brought together in an artificial and contrived way. The ending seems like a means to an end not a believable ending.
December 6, 2013
This was a beautiful and poignant book. It brings to life a deeper cultural context by exploring the possible perspectives of some early Christians through the eyes of Mary Magdalene and a roman soldier. Wonderful differing view points.
It also helped remind me that early Christians were all still real and fairly ordinary people. They had insecurities and shortcomings, as do we all.
I really enjoyed this fictionalization story and it inspired me to learn more about early Christian history and cultural context.
It also helped remind me that early Christians were all still real and fairly ordinary people. They had insecurities and shortcomings, as do we all.
I really enjoyed this fictionalization story and it inspired me to learn more about early Christian history and cultural context.
April 1, 2013
I don't mind enough fiction added to my Bible stories to make wonder "What if...?" However, this story took such wild leaps that it only reminded me of stories from the Bible. It was a great story about life in the time of Christ, as long as I didn't try to attach it to a real person that I will talk to someday.
September 11, 2014
Very well researched, but way too long look at the life of Mary Magdalene. Got tedious with the fictionalized story.
January 26, 2020
Loved this one! One of my favorites of hers.
November 16, 2017
Seorang wanita kontroversi dalam cawan suci knight templar. seorang wanita misterius dalam lukisan the last supper leonardo da vinci. yang dipuja dan disalahpahami.
Novel yang menceritakan kisah kehidupan seorang bernama miryam dari wilayah galilea atau di dalam alkitab dikenal sebagai maria magdalena!
#miryamdarimagdala tiada kata terlambat untuk memulai kehidupan baru by #angelahunt
Dulu awalnya sempat ragu membeli novel ini karena dibelakang cover tertulis 'novel kristiani' dan penulis angelahunt juga dikenal sebagai pendeta terkemuka di florida. tapi setelah membaca beberapa halaman demi halaman isinya sangat menggairahkan dan saya menikmati sampai akhir bagaimana uraian sejarah, bahasa, karakter, cerita, setting, semuanya yang dikisahkan oleh hunt terasa sangat mengalir. alur maju mundur yang menggunakan dua sudut pandang maria tokoh utama dan atticus aurelius perwira romawi. belum lagi penggunaan setiap kata atau istilah dengan bahasa yunani dan ibrani membuat kisah terlihat begitu otentik dan realistis! penikmat sejarah dan teologi pasti sangat mencintai ini!
Penulis mengangkat miryam dan mempertahankan identitasnya sebagai perempuan luar biasa. banyak konflik yang begitu sulit dalam masanya. sebuah novel yang menjawab tuduhan pelacur dan istri tuhan! setelah (Azazel) rahib hypa dari youssefziedan, maria magdalena dari angelahunt adalah novel kedua alkitabiah terbaik yang pernah saya baca!
untuk maryam al majdaliyah rhadiyallahu 'anha.. al fatihah!
-dilalogy
Novel yang menceritakan kisah kehidupan seorang bernama miryam dari wilayah galilea atau di dalam alkitab dikenal sebagai maria magdalena!
#miryamdarimagdala tiada kata terlambat untuk memulai kehidupan baru by #angelahunt
Dulu awalnya sempat ragu membeli novel ini karena dibelakang cover tertulis 'novel kristiani' dan penulis angelahunt juga dikenal sebagai pendeta terkemuka di florida. tapi setelah membaca beberapa halaman demi halaman isinya sangat menggairahkan dan saya menikmati sampai akhir bagaimana uraian sejarah, bahasa, karakter, cerita, setting, semuanya yang dikisahkan oleh hunt terasa sangat mengalir. alur maju mundur yang menggunakan dua sudut pandang maria tokoh utama dan atticus aurelius perwira romawi. belum lagi penggunaan setiap kata atau istilah dengan bahasa yunani dan ibrani membuat kisah terlihat begitu otentik dan realistis! penikmat sejarah dan teologi pasti sangat mencintai ini!
Penulis mengangkat miryam dan mempertahankan identitasnya sebagai perempuan luar biasa. banyak konflik yang begitu sulit dalam masanya. sebuah novel yang menjawab tuduhan pelacur dan istri tuhan! setelah (Azazel) rahib hypa dari youssefziedan, maria magdalena dari angelahunt adalah novel kedua alkitabiah terbaik yang pernah saya baca!
untuk maryam al majdaliyah rhadiyallahu 'anha.. al fatihah!
-dilalogy
June 19, 2018
There is much to like about this imaginative telling of Mary Magdalene's story. Hunt does not stray from Scripture, nor does she add to Scripture, when this story includes the words, actions, teachings, trial, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Hunt exercises her novelist's craft well in imagining a storyline for the historical Mary of Magdala, from whom Jesus cast out seven demons. Although we do not know Mary's actual story, as a believer with a love of the Word I felt Hunt's reverence for the Word as she wove this tale.
Particularly meaningful and enjoyable to me were the ways Hunt immersed the reader in the mindset of the early disciples, and the early church following the resurrection. Those of us who have read the gospels most of our lives with 20-20 hindsight can easily miss the confusion and humanity of the people who traveled with Jesus but did not fully comprehend what He was about, or who struggled through the hours following the crucifixion, or who faced the future with the reality of a risen Lord in a world that had no clue. We also get to know a Roman centurion, and learn more about the political culture of the time period. I found these elements of the book to be quite powerful.
Hunt chooses to give Mary a storyline which is not uncommon - a woman who has been saved and delivered by Jesus, yet she spends years holding back forgiveness to those who have wronged her. This is not a frivolous story. This telling has grit, many dark passages, and eternal Truth. Recommended!
Particularly meaningful and enjoyable to me were the ways Hunt immersed the reader in the mindset of the early disciples, and the early church following the resurrection. Those of us who have read the gospels most of our lives with 20-20 hindsight can easily miss the confusion and humanity of the people who traveled with Jesus but did not fully comprehend what He was about, or who struggled through the hours following the crucifixion, or who faced the future with the reality of a risen Lord in a world that had no clue. We also get to know a Roman centurion, and learn more about the political culture of the time period. I found these elements of the book to be quite powerful.
Hunt chooses to give Mary a storyline which is not uncommon - a woman who has been saved and delivered by Jesus, yet she spends years holding back forgiveness to those who have wronged her. This is not a frivolous story. This telling has grit, many dark passages, and eternal Truth. Recommended!
February 22, 2020
Excellent read!!
I enjoyed this book very much. Not only does it contain great movement in storyline and solid character development, but it offers a fresh perspective on Mary Magdelene whom many, myself included, deemed a prostitute. A discussion of Mary Magdalene is included at the end, in the form of Q&A. It was very helpful in unveiling the real Mary Magdalene from the perspective of the Bible, and, most significantly, how misconceptions of her personhood took root. The reader, of course, can (and should!) study the subject further for clarification. I appreciate this book as a catalyst for such inquiry, and as a very interesting and thought-provoking read about loss, pain, vengeance, and healing.
I enjoyed this book very much. Not only does it contain great movement in storyline and solid character development, but it offers a fresh perspective on Mary Magdelene whom many, myself included, deemed a prostitute. A discussion of Mary Magdalene is included at the end, in the form of Q&A. It was very helpful in unveiling the real Mary Magdalene from the perspective of the Bible, and, most significantly, how misconceptions of her personhood took root. The reader, of course, can (and should!) study the subject further for clarification. I appreciate this book as a catalyst for such inquiry, and as a very interesting and thought-provoking read about loss, pain, vengeance, and healing.
August 8, 2021
A Good read
I always say, if a book makes you refer other books and leads you to read other books, then it’s worth the investment.
Angela Hunt attracts me with giving a relatable touch biblical stories and heroes. And in this book about Mary Magdalene, beyond everything else we read in the Bible and books, I have learned about the destructive powers of unforgiving. I also got the reminder that, knowledge of the scriptures is not enough. We need the greater gift of doing, of abiding and sacrificing our feelings and egos to enable us enjoy the peace and love Jesus brings.
Recommended.
I always say, if a book makes you refer other books and leads you to read other books, then it’s worth the investment.
Angela Hunt attracts me with giving a relatable touch biblical stories and heroes. And in this book about Mary Magdalene, beyond everything else we read in the Bible and books, I have learned about the destructive powers of unforgiving. I also got the reminder that, knowledge of the scriptures is not enough. We need the greater gift of doing, of abiding and sacrificing our feelings and egos to enable us enjoy the peace and love Jesus brings.
Recommended.
October 1, 2020
As I finished the last 25% or so, I vacillated on how I was going to rate it. Ultimately, I went with 3-stars over 4-stars due to the hurried nature of everything past meeting Yeshua. The first half or so has a good pace with details to ruminate on. When Yeshua is introduced, AH jumps from scene to scene, sometimes passing years in a single sentence. I get that the book has to cover many years, it just feels shallow. The last 5% was back to the methodical pace of the beginning.
Not a winner, but I did finish without begrudging it. 🤓
Not a winner, but I did finish without begrudging it. 🤓
June 9, 2025
Inspiring author with great facts and knowledge of the Bible.
Magdalene was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the stories from the different people in Jesus life. Great history of the Biblical times of Jesus and the relations he made along the way. Angela is a great author to read and I've enjoyed her other books as well.
I learned new facts about Mary that have inspired me to have a life that is more Christ like in my everyday life with a heart filled with joy and sharing the love of God with those I meet.
Magdalene was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the stories from the different people in Jesus life. Great history of the Biblical times of Jesus and the relations he made along the way. Angela is a great author to read and I've enjoyed her other books as well.
I learned new facts about Mary that have inspired me to have a life that is more Christ like in my everyday life with a heart filled with joy and sharing the love of God with those I meet.
December 16, 2010
Membaca Buku
Miryam dari Magdala
Judul asli Magdalene
Penulis Angela Hunt
Diterjemahkan oleh Arie Saptajie
Penerbit Gloria Graffa Yogyakarta
440 halaman
Cetakan Pertama Oktober 2009
Bila Perempuan Mencari Keadilan
Perempuan itu seperti teh celup, kata Eleanor Roosevelt. Kekuatannya baru muncul ketika dimasukkan ke dalam air yang panas. Itulah yang mungkin ingin dikatakan Angela Hunt untuk menggambarkan tokoh Miryam dari Magdala ini.
Jendela cerita dibuka dengan melukiskan kehidupan Miryam yang tinggal di Magdala, kota kecil dekat danau Galilea dan kota Tiberias. Ia hidup nyaman bersama suami, anak laki-laki dan bayi satu tahunnya yang lahir bisu. Ia bersiap menjadi nenek karena menantunya sedang hamil besar.
Miryam seorang pengusaha kain halus di kota itu dan satu-satunya yang mempunyai teknik pencelupan terbaik. Kain halus buatannya sangat diminati wanita bangsawan dan kaum berduit, termasuk gundik perwira Romawi bernama Carina, yang bersedia mengganti 10 keping emas untuk kain kirmizi Miryam yang istimewa, yang warnanya berubah ungu bila dihadapkan ke sinar matahari.
Kain itulah awal malapetaka. Atau bisa juga karena Avram, putra sulungnya, yang siang itu di danau, dengan berani meludahi sandal seorang tentara Romawi yang tengah bertugas di wilayah itu. Miryam pergi untuk menjemput keping emasnya dari nyonya Romawi yang tidak pernah diterimanya, lalu tiba di rumah dan mendapati kenyataan bahwa seluruh anggota keluarganya dibantai oleh beberapa tentara Romawi. Miryam meradang dengan sangat, menuntut keadilan.
Tokoh Pasaran yang Bikin Penasaran
Miryam adalah tokoh yang sama dengan Maria Magdalena di novel fenomenal The Da Vinci Code. Kalangan Kristen telah mahfum bahwa tokoh ini seorang perempuan tuna susila. Bahkan di novel Dan Brown, Maria Magdalena digambarkan menikah dengan Yesus, berkeluarga dan tinggal di Prancis.
Tetapi sebenarnya, sejauh riset yang dilakukan pengarang, sejarah abad pertama tidak pernah mencatat Miryam sebagai pezina. Dalam teks Kitab Suci, Miryam disebut sebagai perempuan yang pernah dibebaskan dari tujuh setan oleh Yeshua (nama Ibrani untuk Yesus). Dan namanya muncul beberapa kali dalam Injil: saat Yeshua bersama murid-murid, menjelang peristiwa kayu salib, dan tercatat sebagai orang (perempuan) pertama yang melongok kubur kosong makam. Jelas ia memainkan peran penting saat Yeshua mulai menyebarkan ajaranNya tentang kasih.
Tokoh Miryam di sini sungguh kuat dan memikat. Dia digambarkan penuh perhitungan, pintar cari uang dan mengetahui hukum tradisi bangsanya. Setelah kematian suami dan anak laki-lakinya, dia mengerti posisi tawarnya yang lemah tanpa laki-laki penjamin. Namun ia berani mempertanyakan keadilan HasHem, sebutan Allah orang Ibrani, dan tidak menerima begitu saja ketika hidupnya dicerai-beraikan.
Emosi Miryam diperlihatkan dengan manusiawi menurut ukuran perempuan sekelasnya, meski ia telah terpesona dengan ajaran Yeshua tentang rahasia pengampunan. Namun ia telah berjanji kepada dirinya sendiri, dan bahwa kepahitan itu belum selesai di hatinya, dan mencengkeram jiwanya sehingga memutuskan sendiri cara mencari jalan keadilan.
Memanusiakan Manusia
Dua tokoh sentral dalam cerita adalah Miryam, dengan gaya penceritaan ber-aku, dan Atticus Aurelius, salah satu tentara Romawi yang bertanggung jawab atas pembunuhan keluarga Miryam. Sebaliknya Atticus juga adalah penyelamat Binyamin, bayi Miryam si satu tahun yang ternyata tidak ikut mati tetapi menjadi anak angkat Aurelius dan diberi nama Romawi, Quintus.
Quintus adalah metaphor yang cemerlang dan strategis, terapi bagi jiwa Atticus yang mempunyai pengalaman pahit di masa lalu karena kematian adiknya yang karena kesalahannya. Masyarakat majemuk yang digambarkan di novel ini membuat saya teringat film Kingdom of Heaven, yang berlatar perang salib, di mana kebencian dan saling bunuh terjadi justru karena manusia mengusung simbol-simbol agama. Sebuah ironi karena agama seharusnya membawa damai bagi pengikut dan lingkungan sekitarnya.
Novel ini cukup berhasil membebaskan dirinya dari godaan-godaan untuk menonjolkan salah satu ajaran yang paling baik. Secara obyektif pengarang memaparkan masing-masing tradisi masyarakat Romawi, orang Yahudi dan Yunani, bangsa Mesir yang membuat Yerusalem menjadi kota majemuk. Semuanya hidup bersama seperti musuh dalam selimut.
Mengisi Ruang-ruang Kosong
Bila Anda membaca kisah-kisah Maria dalam teks Kitab Suci, mungkin kita akan dapat membedakan tokoh fakta dan fiktif dalam kisah ini. Ruang-ruang kosong dalam teks diisi dengan ukuran fiksi yang pas dan sealami mungkin. Dan keputusan penerbit untuk membiarkan nama-nama khas Yahudi atau Romawi atau Mesir, berikut istilah perayaan masing-masing agama dan etnis, merupakan aksen yang memberi nilai lebih, yaitu memudahkan pembaca dengan segera mengenali identitas tokoh.
Penerjemahan pun dilakukan dengan ciamik. Penerjemah Arie Saptadji yang mengaku hanya tiga minggu menyelesaikan buku ini, dengan elok menghadirkan kata-kata yang jarang muncul seperti berjengit, menjemba, mencebik, denyar, kegawalan, menjambalewa. Kehadiran kata-kata itu menjadi jembatan yang membuat bacaan lebih luwes tanpa mengurangi makna cerita. Buku ini mudah dinikmati dan membuka wawasan dalam memahami ruang-ruang yang tidak lengkap dalam teks.
Selamat membaca
*
Itasiregar, Desember 2010
Miryam dari Magdala
Judul asli Magdalene
Penulis Angela Hunt
Diterjemahkan oleh Arie Saptajie
Penerbit Gloria Graffa Yogyakarta
440 halaman
Cetakan Pertama Oktober 2009
Bila Perempuan Mencari Keadilan
Perempuan itu seperti teh celup, kata Eleanor Roosevelt. Kekuatannya baru muncul ketika dimasukkan ke dalam air yang panas. Itulah yang mungkin ingin dikatakan Angela Hunt untuk menggambarkan tokoh Miryam dari Magdala ini.
Jendela cerita dibuka dengan melukiskan kehidupan Miryam yang tinggal di Magdala, kota kecil dekat danau Galilea dan kota Tiberias. Ia hidup nyaman bersama suami, anak laki-laki dan bayi satu tahunnya yang lahir bisu. Ia bersiap menjadi nenek karena menantunya sedang hamil besar.
Miryam seorang pengusaha kain halus di kota itu dan satu-satunya yang mempunyai teknik pencelupan terbaik. Kain halus buatannya sangat diminati wanita bangsawan dan kaum berduit, termasuk gundik perwira Romawi bernama Carina, yang bersedia mengganti 10 keping emas untuk kain kirmizi Miryam yang istimewa, yang warnanya berubah ungu bila dihadapkan ke sinar matahari.
Kain itulah awal malapetaka. Atau bisa juga karena Avram, putra sulungnya, yang siang itu di danau, dengan berani meludahi sandal seorang tentara Romawi yang tengah bertugas di wilayah itu. Miryam pergi untuk menjemput keping emasnya dari nyonya Romawi yang tidak pernah diterimanya, lalu tiba di rumah dan mendapati kenyataan bahwa seluruh anggota keluarganya dibantai oleh beberapa tentara Romawi. Miryam meradang dengan sangat, menuntut keadilan.
Tokoh Pasaran yang Bikin Penasaran
Miryam adalah tokoh yang sama dengan Maria Magdalena di novel fenomenal The Da Vinci Code. Kalangan Kristen telah mahfum bahwa tokoh ini seorang perempuan tuna susila. Bahkan di novel Dan Brown, Maria Magdalena digambarkan menikah dengan Yesus, berkeluarga dan tinggal di Prancis.
Tetapi sebenarnya, sejauh riset yang dilakukan pengarang, sejarah abad pertama tidak pernah mencatat Miryam sebagai pezina. Dalam teks Kitab Suci, Miryam disebut sebagai perempuan yang pernah dibebaskan dari tujuh setan oleh Yeshua (nama Ibrani untuk Yesus). Dan namanya muncul beberapa kali dalam Injil: saat Yeshua bersama murid-murid, menjelang peristiwa kayu salib, dan tercatat sebagai orang (perempuan) pertama yang melongok kubur kosong makam. Jelas ia memainkan peran penting saat Yeshua mulai menyebarkan ajaranNya tentang kasih.
Tokoh Miryam di sini sungguh kuat dan memikat. Dia digambarkan penuh perhitungan, pintar cari uang dan mengetahui hukum tradisi bangsanya. Setelah kematian suami dan anak laki-lakinya, dia mengerti posisi tawarnya yang lemah tanpa laki-laki penjamin. Namun ia berani mempertanyakan keadilan HasHem, sebutan Allah orang Ibrani, dan tidak menerima begitu saja ketika hidupnya dicerai-beraikan.
Emosi Miryam diperlihatkan dengan manusiawi menurut ukuran perempuan sekelasnya, meski ia telah terpesona dengan ajaran Yeshua tentang rahasia pengampunan. Namun ia telah berjanji kepada dirinya sendiri, dan bahwa kepahitan itu belum selesai di hatinya, dan mencengkeram jiwanya sehingga memutuskan sendiri cara mencari jalan keadilan.
Memanusiakan Manusia
Dua tokoh sentral dalam cerita adalah Miryam, dengan gaya penceritaan ber-aku, dan Atticus Aurelius, salah satu tentara Romawi yang bertanggung jawab atas pembunuhan keluarga Miryam. Sebaliknya Atticus juga adalah penyelamat Binyamin, bayi Miryam si satu tahun yang ternyata tidak ikut mati tetapi menjadi anak angkat Aurelius dan diberi nama Romawi, Quintus.
Quintus adalah metaphor yang cemerlang dan strategis, terapi bagi jiwa Atticus yang mempunyai pengalaman pahit di masa lalu karena kematian adiknya yang karena kesalahannya. Masyarakat majemuk yang digambarkan di novel ini membuat saya teringat film Kingdom of Heaven, yang berlatar perang salib, di mana kebencian dan saling bunuh terjadi justru karena manusia mengusung simbol-simbol agama. Sebuah ironi karena agama seharusnya membawa damai bagi pengikut dan lingkungan sekitarnya.
Novel ini cukup berhasil membebaskan dirinya dari godaan-godaan untuk menonjolkan salah satu ajaran yang paling baik. Secara obyektif pengarang memaparkan masing-masing tradisi masyarakat Romawi, orang Yahudi dan Yunani, bangsa Mesir yang membuat Yerusalem menjadi kota majemuk. Semuanya hidup bersama seperti musuh dalam selimut.
Mengisi Ruang-ruang Kosong
Bila Anda membaca kisah-kisah Maria dalam teks Kitab Suci, mungkin kita akan dapat membedakan tokoh fakta dan fiktif dalam kisah ini. Ruang-ruang kosong dalam teks diisi dengan ukuran fiksi yang pas dan sealami mungkin. Dan keputusan penerbit untuk membiarkan nama-nama khas Yahudi atau Romawi atau Mesir, berikut istilah perayaan masing-masing agama dan etnis, merupakan aksen yang memberi nilai lebih, yaitu memudahkan pembaca dengan segera mengenali identitas tokoh.
Penerjemahan pun dilakukan dengan ciamik. Penerjemah Arie Saptadji yang mengaku hanya tiga minggu menyelesaikan buku ini, dengan elok menghadirkan kata-kata yang jarang muncul seperti berjengit, menjemba, mencebik, denyar, kegawalan, menjambalewa. Kehadiran kata-kata itu menjadi jembatan yang membuat bacaan lebih luwes tanpa mengurangi makna cerita. Buku ini mudah dinikmati dan membuka wawasan dalam memahami ruang-ruang yang tidak lengkap dalam teks.
Selamat membaca
*
Itasiregar, Desember 2010
October 22, 2018
This was a very light, quick read but disappointing. I think Mary Magdalene is one of the most fascinating people in the Bible but she was rather one-dimensional in this story. I thought the constant thirst for revenge was a bit much and not that believable. I much preferred Margaret George’s Mary, Called Magdalene. That novel felt much more true to both the historical record and Biblical narrative.
June 17, 2017
I absolutely love all of Hunt's books, but found this one tended to run along. Perhaps it was the switching from person to person in taking perspective to follow the story from, or perhaps it was the main character being an unsympathetic protagonist. As always, though, the storytelling drew me in and made a familiar story come alive in a new way with never before thought of details.
December 6, 2017
After getting half-way through this book, I finally gave up. Reading about Mary Magdalene in the Bible fleshes her story out enough that you get the gist about her life. There were too many liberties taken, which makes me wonder about "adding to Scripture" that the book of Revelation warns about.
Just not my cup of tea, I guess.
Just not my cup of tea, I guess.
March 16, 2020
A wife of a fisherman, a seller of fabric, at home, till Romans took everything. A woman who had seven demons cast out of her, was she then a woman of compassion, or set on revenge. A different take on a familiar Biblical woman who knew Jesus.Very well written and enjoyed the narration. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
August 18, 2020
I gave it 5 stars because it was a good read, but I in No Way Believe It. It was a very poor rendering of the Biblical Mary Magdalene. Sorry Angela Hunt, but I believe you did not do her justice. If this had been my first book of yours, I would not be reading more. I felt the same way about Mesu Andrews novel on Job’s life.
April 30, 2024
Good story...but
I think it was well written, but I do not think it resonates with Mary Magdalene. Usually I can almost see the story making sense and being a real possibility, but not in this case. I think she missed the mark this time. I have really connected with her other books and will look forward to the next one.
I think it was well written, but I do not think it resonates with Mary Magdalene. Usually I can almost see the story making sense and being a real possibility, but not in this case. I think she missed the mark this time. I have really connected with her other books and will look forward to the next one.
January 14, 2025
Amazing Story
Again, Angela Hunt develops a story of a some what familiar Biblical woman who’s a devoted follower of Jesus, and helps a reader to understand the historical significance of what they may have experienced. We will never know for sure the details of living with Jesus in the flesh, but I’m thankful that a gifted writer can let me feel I’ there…
Again, Angela Hunt develops a story of a some what familiar Biblical woman who’s a devoted follower of Jesus, and helps a reader to understand the historical significance of what they may have experienced. We will never know for sure the details of living with Jesus in the flesh, but I’m thankful that a gifted writer can let me feel I’ there…
July 31, 2025
SUCH a good book! I loved reading Angela's account at the end of the book on her research of Mary Magdalene, as I prefer her account instead of those who say she was a prostitute! This was such a good read, although I did hate the ending. But there was a lot of redemption along with the sadness. Well written!
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