Commitment phobia at its best – “The Testament of Mary” by Colm Toibin

“The Testament of Mary” by Colm Toibin, Published in 2012

I was really frustrated with this book.  It is Mary’s account of her life with Jesus, kind of. It deals with her tremendous sense of estrangement when Jesus becomes someone she no longer recognizes – performing miracles and claiming to be the son of God.  Mary also reflects on Jesus’ death and how she feels she was a coward and did not do all of the things that she wished she had. I was intrigued by this book for a couple reasons particularly when I heard an interview with the author on Fresh Air.

This book is poetic and as one critic stated Toibin’s writing is lyrical.  But it has been described as provocative, haunting, and profound. I just don’t think it is any of those things.  I do think Toibin missed an opportunity here.  This story is an opportunity for dialogue and it seems like Toibin dances around that possibility.  Is Mary saying that she didn’t do all the things the disciples claims she did? Toibin’s answer is maybe.  Is Mary saying that Jesus was followed by mentally unstable people? Maybe.  Is Mary claiming that some of the miracles people said Jesus performed may not have happened? Maybe.

With all of the perceived shoulder shrugging really Mary is not saying much of anything.  At times I just wanted to shout “what are you saying??!!!!”  Combine this non-committal narrative with a truly gruesome description of the crucification and then I really wanted to shout “whatever you are saying, why are you saying it??!!”  But keep in mind the book is only around 90 pages so as non-commital as Mary’s narrative is, you also don’t have to commit a lot of time. And for that we can truly be grateful.

Other reviews to check out:

• Colm Tóibín’s Mary’s Testament (shawjonathan.wordpress.com)
• From Cannonball Read 5