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peapod_boston's review against another edition
4.0
In this "sister" book to his Gospel of Corax, Paul Park again revisits his version of the historical Jesus. Through the perspective of three Mary's (Mary Magdalene, Mary of Mary/Martha, and Mary the Mother of God), Park tells the story of the Passion and the early days of the Apostles. We see the actors, Jeshua included, as flawed human beings who struggle in response to being swept up in events larger than themselves. Jeshua is a radical rabbi, caring for the poor, reviling the oppressors (whether Roman or Jewish), and sharing healing wisdom. He is caught up with a group of bandits, thieves, and rebels who follow him for political reasons. His death, their failings, and the explosive political situation in Jerusalem at the time become catalysts for the words and deeds that eventually become the Gospels.
Park's trademark realism works well here. The actions, words, and worlds of his characters seem deeply grounded, so that when Jeshua struggles to convince his followers to seek peaceful alternatives, one can see how the distortions of memory, time, and hope can turn those words into familiar parables.
As Park admits, the audience for this book is very limited: those who know the Gospel stories well and yet are willing to see an alternate version of them. But if one approaches it with an open mind, a willingness to see that a different factual truth for historical events does not undermine--and can even enhance--the spiritual Truth of the Gospels, one can see a very powerful personal vision at work here. In many ways, Three Marys has a deeper emotional and spiritual core than Gospel of Corax.
Park's trademark realism works well here. The actions, words, and worlds of his characters seem deeply grounded, so that when Jeshua struggles to convince his followers to seek peaceful alternatives, one can see how the distortions of memory, time, and hope can turn those words into familiar parables.
As Park admits, the audience for this book is very limited: those who know the Gospel stories well and yet are willing to see an alternate version of them. But if one approaches it with an open mind, a willingness to see that a different factual truth for historical events does not undermine--and can even enhance--the spiritual Truth of the Gospels, one can see a very powerful personal vision at work here. In many ways, Three Marys has a deeper emotional and spiritual core than Gospel of Corax.
ectoplasmjames's review
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
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