Mary, the mother of Jesus, lives alone in Ephesus years after her son's crucifixion. She is watched by two of his followers, who visit her and want her to confirm the story of his life and death as they intend to present it. Mary, however, does not believe the version they are shaping, and she refuses to say that her son's death was a redemptive sacrifice. She recalls the wedding at Cana, the raising of Lazarus and the crucifixion, which she fled. Colm Toibin writes her as a grieving mother, in a short, spare monologue.
It suits readers interested in a human, skeptical retelling of a familiar story. It is brief, challenging and beautifully written, but may unsettle devout readers. The pacing is steady, and the book can be picked up again easily after a break.
Deep, inward-looking, contemplative, open-ended and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Wisdom Collector. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2012
- Language
- EN
