Review of I, Magdalena
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João Ramos
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Review of I, Magdalena
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I, Magdalena" by M P Sherman.]
I, Magdalena by M P Sherman is a historical fiction book that, according to the author's own words, aims to "underscore that there is no evidence verifying that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute." The life of the protagonist, Magdalena, is analyzed from when she was a child until she became a woman (although she is forced to become a woman, the age at which this happens is laughable by today's standards). The book addresses the injustices women suffered and tangentially discusses some aspects of the Roman occupation of the Middle East. At the end of the book, we have a quick intersection with the emergence of Christianity as we know it.
What I liked most about this book was how the author approached the psychological development of the protagonist. Having been inserted from a young age into a world of oppression and injustice, the protagonist learned from an early age how to avoid problems and survive. Even in situations of abuse that are unimaginable today (at least not in the West), it was surreal to imagine how children in the past had to go through this. Everyone knows that women, on average, become psychologically mature before men. However, this book makes the reader reflect on situations in which a father gives his daughter (who was not even 12 years old) to a wealthy merchant without thinking about the feelings of the "bride."
The book has no flaws worth mentioning. Although I found seven grammatical errors in the work, they are errors that only a very sharp eye would detect. The average reader would probably spot only a spacing error. All the transitions and different phases of the book (protagonist's suffering, free life, and spiritual development) are executed in a cohesive and believable way. Even though it is a work of fiction, the book masterfully conveyed its imagery and wove universal truths in various parts of the work.
I, Magdalena is a work that has everything a classic historical fiction book needs to have: strong characters, an immersive setting, an engaging plot, and thematic depth. When I picked up the book, I was afraid it might degenerate into feminist clichés, but the way everything was presented was brilliant and makes any reader feel empathy for the protagonist. As mentioned in the paragraph above, there is nothing I didn't like. Therefore, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. The book has a very positive message about how the world used to be (and still is in many parts of the world) cruel and unfair to women. However, the book presents very violent and heavy scenes. Stonings, rape scenes, and many profane words make this book not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.
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I, Magdalena
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I, Magdalena by M P Sherman is a historical fiction book that, according to the author's own words, aims to "underscore that there is no evidence verifying that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute." The life of the protagonist, Magdalena, is analyzed from when she was a child until she became a woman (although she is forced to become a woman, the age at which this happens is laughable by today's standards). The book addresses the injustices women suffered and tangentially discusses some aspects of the Roman occupation of the Middle East. At the end of the book, we have a quick intersection with the emergence of Christianity as we know it.
What I liked most about this book was how the author approached the psychological development of the protagonist. Having been inserted from a young age into a world of oppression and injustice, the protagonist learned from an early age how to avoid problems and survive. Even in situations of abuse that are unimaginable today (at least not in the West), it was surreal to imagine how children in the past had to go through this. Everyone knows that women, on average, become psychologically mature before men. However, this book makes the reader reflect on situations in which a father gives his daughter (who was not even 12 years old) to a wealthy merchant without thinking about the feelings of the "bride."
The book has no flaws worth mentioning. Although I found seven grammatical errors in the work, they are errors that only a very sharp eye would detect. The average reader would probably spot only a spacing error. All the transitions and different phases of the book (protagonist's suffering, free life, and spiritual development) are executed in a cohesive and believable way. Even though it is a work of fiction, the book masterfully conveyed its imagery and wove universal truths in various parts of the work.
I, Magdalena is a work that has everything a classic historical fiction book needs to have: strong characters, an immersive setting, an engaging plot, and thematic depth. When I picked up the book, I was afraid it might degenerate into feminist clichés, but the way everything was presented was brilliant and makes any reader feel empathy for the protagonist. As mentioned in the paragraph above, there is nothing I didn't like. Therefore, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. The book has a very positive message about how the world used to be (and still is in many parts of the world) cruel and unfair to women. However, the book presents very violent and heavy scenes. Stonings, rape scenes, and many profane words make this book not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.
******
I, Magdalena
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Acceptance by Tod Benjamin, author of The Stoker Trilogy
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Mark Lazarus
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This sounds like a compelling and thought-provoking read. I appreciate how the book explores the psychological development of the protagonist in such a raw and realistic way. Historical fiction that immerses the reader in the brutal realities of the past—especially regarding societal norms and injustices—can be both enlightening and emotionally intense.
I also respect the fact that the author avoids sensationalism or feminist clichés while still delivering a powerful message about women’s struggles throughout history. That balance is difficult to achieve, and it seems like Sherman did it masterfully. The fact that the book doesn’t shy away from heavy topics like child marriage, abuse, and the harsh realities of the ancient world makes it sound like a deep, albeit difficult, read.
That being said, I’d have to be in the right headspace for it. I enjoy historical fiction when it’s well-researched and immersive, but I also tend to gravitate toward books that, while deep, aren’t overwhelmingly heavy. I won’t be adding it to my reading list immediately, but I wouldn’t rule it out for the future. It seems like the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve finished it.
I also respect the fact that the author avoids sensationalism or feminist clichés while still delivering a powerful message about women’s struggles throughout history. That balance is difficult to achieve, and it seems like Sherman did it masterfully. The fact that the book doesn’t shy away from heavy topics like child marriage, abuse, and the harsh realities of the ancient world makes it sound like a deep, albeit difficult, read.
That being said, I’d have to be in the right headspace for it. I enjoy historical fiction when it’s well-researched and immersive, but I also tend to gravitate toward books that, while deep, aren’t overwhelmingly heavy. I won’t be adding it to my reading list immediately, but I wouldn’t rule it out for the future. It seems like the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve finished it.
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper
