Review: Mary Magdalene by Matilde Cherner

Review of the book “María Magdalena” by Matilde Cherner.

“Mary Magdalene” by Matilde Cherner is a historical novel that presents the story of a woman often misunderstood and mistreated in the Christian tradition. The novel focuses on the life of Mary Magdalene, the biblical figure who is known as the closest follower of Jesus, but who has often been misrepresented as a prostitute and sinner.

Through Cherner’s narrative, the reader can delve into the life of Mary Magdalene from her youth, her childhood and her family, to her encounter with Jesus and her subsequent role in the Christian community. The novel explores Mary’s relationship with Jesus, her internal struggle, and her search for the truth. In addition, it also shows how the figure of Mary Magdalene was distorted throughout history, transforming her from a sacred figure into a fallen and sinful woman.

What stands out most in this work is the way in which Cherner manages to do justice to the figure of Mary Magdalene, rescuing her from historical marginalization and giving her a voice through her elegant and detailed prose. Throughout the novel, the reader is immersed in the world of 1st century Palestine and feels immersed in the complexity of the religious and political conflicts that characterized that time.

In “Mary Magdalene,” Cherner manages to combine exhaustive historical research with lyrical and emotional prose, making the story even more engaging and captivating. In addition, the novel also delves into important issues such as gender struggle, the search for identity, and the role of religion in society.

Matilde Cherner was a Venezuelan writer, poet and journalist born in Caracas in 1908 and died in the same city in 1991. She was a prominent figure in 20th century Venezuelan literature and one of the first women to practice journalism in the country.

She began her literary career in the 1920s as a contributor to several magazines and newspapers. Her work is characterized by refined and poetic prose, in which she addresses themes such as love, loneliness, death and human existence in general. She also stands out for her social and political commitment, and for her interest in defending the rights of women and the most vulnerable groups in society.

Among her most notable works is “María Magdalena”, a novel published in 1945 that tells the story of a woman marked by the social stigma of being a prostitute in 1st century Jerusalem. The work, which combines historical and religious elements with a deep psychological exploration of the characters, it has been considered one of the masterpieces of Venezuelan literature and one of the first to address the issue of female emancipation in the country.

In addition to his literary career, Cherner stood out as a journalist and social activist. She was one of the founders of the Venezuelan Federation of Journalists and worked in several media outlets, including the newspaper El Nacional and Elite magazine. She was also a member of the Communist Party of Venezuela and actively participated in the fight for women’s and workers’ rights.

In summary, Matilde Cherner was a Venezuelan writer and journalist committed to the defense of human rights and social equality, whose literary and journalistic work remains relevant and valued today.

In short, “Mary Magdalene” is a powerful and moving work that presents the life of a historically misunderstood, abused and marginalized woman. Cherner’s prose, combined with deep historical research, makes the novel essential reading for all those seeking a deeper understanding of the figure of Mary Magdalene and her place in human history.