I was more than just a little curious about Ursula Werner’s Magda Revealed. Who wouldn’t be curious about a book whose opening chapter bluntly told me to “clear your mind of everything you think you know” about Mary Magdalene, and suggested I do the same when it comes to Jesus. Whoa! What a clever way to make sure readers keep reading. And read I did because I couldn’t put down Magda Revealed. It’s nearly impossible to describe all the areas of the Bible stories that are covered in this book. So I will start by saying that first and foremost, this is a beautiful love story: the love story of Mary Magdalene and Yeshua (Jesus). Yes, in Ursula Werner’s account, Jesus was a human being, albeit an extraordinary one. Their love story began with Yeshua’s help in healing Magda after she’d been raped as a teen. He teaches her the art of healing through anointment, and ultimately she becomes not just his love partner, but one of his disciples. 

As the author moves bit by bit through the Bible’s account of Jesus’ life, readers are always more aware of Jesus’ humanity than his godliness. Those who believe in the Bible’s account of Jesus’ life might be incensed by this almost irreverent approach, but non-believers like me will find this recounting both refreshing and much more acceptable. What is fascinating is Ursula Werner’s portrayal of the roles of women 2000 years ago and the criticisms and battles they faced with misogynistic males. In Magda’s case, her anointment skills are seen as witchcraft. Women are thought of as too stupid to learn Greek and only men can be priests and spread the word of God. Several times during my reading I found myself stopping to reflect on the stunning parallels I recognized between 2000-year-old attitudes and the latest developments in the upcoming US elections i.e. is it possible after all this time that a woman could indeed become the President of the United States? The narrator’s tone is, for me, one of the best and most enjoyable aspects of Magda Revealed. It’s borderline rebellious, often irreverent, but always courageous. I say courageous because Ursula Werner is bound to be criticized by die-hard Christians for her challenge to the usual interpretations of the Bible. But I, for one, say “Bravo, Ursula Werner” for inviting us all to think outside the box.

Magda Revealed by Ursula Werner is a story about Magda, more popularly known as Mary Magdalene, a real historical figure who existed nearly two thousand years ago. It chronicles her journey from being a classically educated only child and privileged daughter of a wealthy merchant from Magdala to that of being a rape survivor and an appointed anointer and healer in the divine prophet Yeshua’s/Jesus’ ministry. We see her courageously coming out of her cocoon and being healed from her pain as she is transformed into an empowered individual of sensitivity, fortitude, and volition. The story follows the well-known historical narrative surrounding Yeshua’s movement and blends Magda’s point of view and interpretation of the events as her personal life, relationships, and choices are influenced by pivotal points and players in biblical history. The book explores how the conflicts of male dominance, power, and chauvinistic prejudices shackled her truth and experiences as a disciple during and after Yeshua’s earthly pilgrimage. It also shows us how these barriers heavily shaped the current narrative of the bible and the church. The novel tells us what happened to Magda after the crucifixion and how she continued with her discipleship when she was forced to part ways with the other apostles. It comes full circle by recounting how she retired and spent the rest of her remaining life before her passing and eventual reunion with her beloved Yeshua.

Ursula Werner's Magda Revealed is narrated using contemporary language. Told in the first person, it is also mindfully updated by using references to modern cultural elements to make the narration and message more relatable. The characters are well-developed, multifaceted, and interesting, especially the women and outcasts who became part of her circle. The plot is provocative, controversial, or outright blasphemous due to the nature of some of the topics covered. Readers are challenged to think critically about what Magda recounts as the hidden or suppressed circumstances surrounding Yeshua’s active ministry and community of followers and pariahs. By seeking and learning what the scenario was from the way she saw it, inconsistencies are explained, blanks are filled in, and questions are answered as the narrative tells us what it means to be a Messiah. More than just fiction for avid readers of potent and intriguing stories, Magda Revealed is close to being starter material for those who want to know what women’s studies are like. It portrays a corrupted patriarchy with highly stereotyped gender roles deep set in a system whose extremism is harmful to all the members of society. But at the same time, it is an inspiring story about being human and the hope, healing, wisdom, compassion, and acceptance on our journey toward restoring ourselves, especially when damage has been done. This book is well-balanced with themes we truly need when moments of chaos and despair threaten our peace, well-being, or survival.

Ursula Werner's Magda Revealed is not a typical historical novel. The narrative focuses on Mary Magdalene, who strives to reclaim her story from centuries of misinterpretation. It portrays her deep connection with Yeshua and the spiritual and political conflicts that shaped her life. As she witnesses the rise of Christianity and the erasure of her role in its foundation, Magda fights to preserve the truth while watching as Peter and Paul reshape history to consolidate power. Werner challenges conventional beliefs, offering a refreshing, thought-provoking perspective on Magda's role in history as she reclaims her voice through memories and reflections to share Yeshua's true message.

Ursula Werner paints Magda as radical, deeply human, and equal to Yeshua, and as a thinker and a force to be reckoned with. There's an undeniable feminist undertone here, making this more than just a religious novel—it's a statement. The narrative jumps between different points in time, weaving Magda's memories with her present-day reflections. This structure contributes to making it feel like an intimate conversation. Werner's writing is poetic and immersive. Werner isn't here to simply retell the biblical story—she's here to rewrite it. She challenges patriarchal interpretations, pointing out Magda's frustration with the early Church's erasure of her contributions. The historical world Werner creates is detailed, and the tone shifts between reverent and rebellious, mirroring Magda's internal struggles. The characters and their emotions are depicted to the core; Magda is implied as fierce, intelligent, and deeply flawed. Yeshua is portrayed with quiet wisdom, yet his passivity at times makes him feel secondary to Magda's narrative. Peter's skepticism and antagonism create some of the narrative's most intense moments. The novel explores faith, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Magda Revealed is both bold and emotional. If you love feminist historical fiction with a modern lens, this book gives an interesting perspective.