Song of the Magdalene (Point)

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Summary: A beautiful testament to love
Review: 'I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine'-So goes a line of Solomon that perfectly describes this book. This book puts a new spin onto the story of Mary Magdalene. It makes her a truly unique individual in a time and place where individuality was scorned. The heartbreaking relationship between Miriam and Abraham forms the 'back-bone' of this marvelous book. Read this book to see what love should be,the joining of two souls in pure bliss.

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Summary: such a wonderful book it's hard to describe with mere words
Review: Amazing is the way I would describe this book. The characters are so alive and the story kept my heart pounding the whole time. It was so hard to put this book down! Definitely one of my all time favorites!

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Summary: One of her best
Review: I can honestly say that Song of the Magdalene is one of Napolis's best pieces of work. It is a book any female can appreciate, though it may be to much for younger and less mature readers (I was about 12 when I first read it). The characters are well written and it is almost imposible for us to judge Mary harshly when Napoli gives such an open veiw into her heart. Even though Abrahams body was twisted and deformed I found myself (a slightly shallow person) believing he was beautiful. The story touches many harsh topics (rape, (...), prejudist)and at the same time is a beautiful, but sad love story. I loved the creative spin Napoli put to a classic character. I'm not even Christian, yet I can still apreciate it. Usually when astrong religious beliefs are added into books it turns me off, but not in this case.

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Summary: Definitely my favorite book!
Review: Miriam (Mary Magdalene) is made into such a real character in this novel. Like Zel and The Magic Circle, this book is impossible to put down. I kept my family waiting for me at dinner for about 20 minutes when I just had to keep reading. The writing is beautiful and the moral issues this book brings up are very interesting. It is a wonderful book set in a time period that is not used much in YA fiction. Did I mention, this book is one of my favorites of all time? The subject matter is definitely for older readers--only ages 14 up (I'm 15)--but anyone old enough should read it.

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Summary: Song of the Magdalen
Review: Miriam is a thoughtful, fun-loving child who suffers her first fit at the age of ten and believes herself to be possessed by demons. She deprives herself of dancing and bright colours for years in an attempt to appease the Creator, but the fits continue. As she blossoms into a young woman she falls in love with Abraham, her servant Hannah's crippled son. The two are united in their isolation and deep views on religion and the world. Abraham eventually sickens and dies, leaving Miriam pregnant. But Miriam's struggles haven't ended: she is raped by a villager and miscarries. "Song of the Magdalene" follows her journey for understanding and compassion at the hands of others. At the end of the novel she joins up with Jesus and becomes a healer, finally finding peace. Jesus turns to the crowd of onlookers after Miriam suffers a fit and says, "This woman has no devils within her. Not seven, not one. None." "And I kept a song in my mouth always ready," Miriam tells us, "for there were many souls to heal."

Donna Jo Napoli fleshes out a mysterious character from the New Testament with grace, insight and compassion. Miriam does seem much more 20th century--a feminist who disagrees with wearing veils, having to stay at home, and wanting everyone to know of her illness and accept it, to accept her and Abraham. Strong character development and attention to detail make this a pleasure to read again and again. Napoli brings first-century Israel to life, full of exotic scents, colours and sounds, and examines the life of Mary Magdalene and Jesus from another perspective.

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Summary: Lost in time
Review: My main problem with this book was that the main character didn't seem to fit into her setting at all. I simply couldn't imagine her as the first century Jewish woman she was supposed to be. I know that Mary Magdalene was a social outcast, but I have a hard time believing that she acted like a 20th century woman lost in time. Nonetheless, Miriam was a believable character, if a bit misplaced, and so I read the book through to the end.

If you're looking for believable historical fiction, look elsewhere (I recommend "The Bronze Bow" by Elizabeth George Speare). But if you're interested in a the story of a girl tormented by her inner fears and struggling against society, you'll find the right book in "Song of the Magdalene."

Rating:
Summary: Lost in time
Review: My main problem with this book was that the main character didn't seem to fit into her setting at all. I simply couldn't imagine her as the first century Jewish woman she was supposed to be. I know that Mary Magdalene was a social outcast, but I have a hard time believing that she acted like a 20th century woman lost in time. Nonetheless, Miriam was a believable character, if a bit misplaced, and so I read the book through to the end.

If you're looking for believable historical fiction, look elsewhere (I recommend "The Bronze Bow" by Elizabeth George Speare). But if you're interested in a the story of a girl tormented by her inner fears and struggling against society, you'll find the right book in "Song of the Magdalene."

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Summary: Song of the Magdalen
Review: This is a beautiful book. I was a fan of Donna Jo Napoli's fairy tale books, when I decided to read this biblical book. I did not count on it being that good, but I-being a Christian-decided to try it out.
I was very pleased. It was absolutely wonderful. It got me interested right at the beginning. The book created an accurate picture of Israel at the time of Jesus. It rocked.
Mirium is a very developed character. I think that the story fits well into the bible. It is very believable. I love it so much and I recommend it to everyone!

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Summary: Deep
Review: This is a really, really deep book. Especially if you are a Christian this is an awesome book. The characters are very well developed and the story of this girl is very stirring. Of course, it is a "chick" book, and although I normally don't read those kind of books, every now and then you want to.