Angela Hunt, Magdalene

Magdalene

Angela Hunt

Tyndale, April 2006, $13.99, 425 pp.

ISBN 1414310285

In the first century in Israel, nobody hates the Roman occupation more than Miryam. She is married to a fisherman and has her own business in the market place. Her oldest son Avram preaches rebellion and spits on a centurion's foot. In retaliation, that soldier, Gaius has his men, including Atticus, burn the house down killing Miryan's son, pregnant daughter-in-law and her beloved husband. Atticus Aurelius finds an infant, and in direct disobedience to his superiors gives orders to get him to safety.

Miryam, who was spared because she was away from the house, goes mad with hatred and allows demons to possess her. It is only when Yeshua comes along and casts them out does the bereaved widow and mother regain her sanity, and she becomes a direct follower of the rabbi. She follows him as he preaches, thinking that he will somehow avenge her for what Rome did for her family. Miryam witnesses his resurrection and spreads the truth about his divinity to the people. However, her hatred for Atticus and Gaius and desire for revenge almost causes her to commit one of the biggest sins of all. In case anyone hasn't guessed it by now, this is the story of Mary Magdalene.

Angela Hunt has written a meticulously researched and well told story of Mary Magdalene; one of the most controversial people in Christ's ministry. The author makes the era come alive, populating the storyline with actual historical figures, and allowing the reader to visualize the turbulence during Christ's earthly ministry, and the disciples who spread his word around the world. This is a fascinating work based on biblical and historical details.