"This fascinating novel was inspired by the author’s visit to the
French country town of Rennes-le-Chateau, where its tiny church
guards an astonishing secret.
M.M. Etheridge examines the legend of Mary Magdalene who is claimed
by many (including Dan Brown), to have escaped with Jesus after he
survived his crucifixion, to begin a new life in France. The author
begins an intriguing journey back in time to Ancient Egypt,
following the discovery of a cache of scrolls in the church at
Rennes-le-Chateau. These scrolls were written by a woman called
Hannah – a woman who wore red – after whom the book is named.
Many books have described Mary Magdalene, but Etheridge gives a
whole new insight into the life of this remarkable woman, by
expounding the theory that ‘Mary’ was a title, rather than a name,
since the Bible mentions many Marys in its pages.
However, Hannah - Woman in Red, does not dwell on the holiness of
the characters, but rather gives an insight into what life may have
been like 2000 years ago.
We meet Hannah – the ‘Mary’ from the village of Magdala – when she
is eleven years old and living in the Goshen District of Egypt. We
follow her through years of training to become a healing priestess.
Then, back in Galilee, we experience the harsh reality of the Roman
occupation. We share her agonising experiences when she falls in
love with Jeshua-bar-Joseph (the man we know now as Jesus of
Nazareth), who becomes embroiled in the virulent politics of the
day.
We flee with them to the safety of France where we learn more about
the Druids and their exotic way of life.
Throughout this romantic novel there is mysticism, fantasy and
magic, as the author uses 21st century knowledge to examine the
miracles of biblical times that still intrigue people today.
Any reader with an enquiring mind will be fascinated by this
alternative, yet thoroughly plausible, story of Jesus and Mary. You
will enjoy your magical journey through the Roman Empire."
Reviewed by Hugh Atkinson.
