The Testament Of Mary

THE TESTAMENT OF MARY

by Colm Toibin

 

Nominations: Booker Finalist 2013, Carnegie Longlist 2013, Dublin Longlist 2014

 

Date Read: November 26, 2023

 

The Testament of Mary is a fictionalized account of Mary’s life after the death of Joseph and Jesus. Although she lived through the loss of her son, she didn’t realize the significance of his death and what it would mean to the world. She seems, in fact, incredulous and disbelieving that his death will save all sinners past, present and future.

 

To me, it seems that Mary was almost embarrassed by her son’s actions or miracles as they came to be called. She witnessed him turning water into wine and the aftereffects of Lazarus’ resurrection but instead of being awed, she wants him to return home with her and hide out from the authorities who are now looking for him.

 

But it’s already too late as guards come to arrest Jesus at the wedding where he turned water into wine. Mary knows what’s to come will be awful but she doesn’t foresee him being crucified. Up until the very end she hopes he can be saved, as any mother would hope. 

 

Toibin portraying Mary as disbelieving is almost believable. Did she really know her son was a prophet or just a nut? I’m not gonna lie: I would probably have thought my son was a nut. Mary lives out the rest of her life alone, reliving the events of her past. Little does she know that generations to come would pray to her for salvation.

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