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Review by Lesa Bellevie
Mary Magdalene: A Woman Who Showed Her Gratitude (Outstanding Women of the Bible), by Marlee Alex, Jose Perez
Montero (Illustrator) (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.; September 1988)
This book is one of the rarities among books about Mary Magdalene; it is for children. The target age group as stated in the book is
9 - 11, but I found that even as an adult, I enjoyed it very much. The story was told simply, but with emotion. The author doesn't
"talk down" to the reader as many children's authors do; she assumes either an intelligent child or the presence of an adult to explain
the ideas.
The story unfolds as Magdalene walks toward Golgotha to witness the crucifixion, and thinks back on how Jesus came into
her life. It goes over her demon possession, and assumes that she is the anonymous sinner woman who anointed Jesus' feet
in Luke. It is clear that the author of the story subscribes to the prostitute identity for Magdalene, but the text is
still appropriate for children who don't understand what that means.
My favorite part of the book, however, was the artwork. I found myself gingerly turning the pages to avoid creasing them,
and spending a great deal of time just looking at the pictures. With all of the controversy surrounding her, it was
refreshing to enjoy Magdalene from a child's perspective.
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