by Colm Tóibín
First published 2012
Mary sits alone in the ancient town of Ephesus, an aging woman wrestling with memories of her son's death. Years have passed since the crucifixion, and the men who write the Gospels visit her regularly. They bring food and shelter, but they want something in return. They want her cooperation in shaping the story of Christ. Mary refuses to play along. She does not believe her son was divine. She questions whether his death served any purpose. She dismisses his followers as awkward men who could barely speak to women, let alone serve as holy disciples. Mary judges herself harshly too. She admits she fled from the cross before her son died, choosing her own survival over staying by his side. The Gospel writers want a docile, obedient mother who blessed every moment of the story. Instead they face a woman who challenges their narrative at every turn. Mary speaks with brutal honesty about what she witnessed and what she believes.
Genres: literary-fiction, christian-fiction, historical-fiction
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: religious-questioning, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Ephesus
Period: Ancient
81 pages · Hardcover · Scribner
Content warnings: death