Reading Group Guide for Magdalen Rising: The Beginning…

As the only daughter of eight warrior witches, Maeve’s upbringing is unusual to say the least. One result of her mothers’ methods is Maeve’s almost complete lack of shame. Is this shamelessness a strength or a weakness in her character? How does Maeve’s lack of shame affect your ability to identify with her?

One of the themes explored in Magdalen Rising is the relationship between storytelling and truth. For Esus there is one truth, one story, one God; for Maeve’s mothers, the more stories the better, and may the best story win. How does Maeve mediate these poles particularly in relation to the stories her mothers tell about her father?

One premise of the novel is that stories can shape what we perceive and what we believe. Nissyen warns Maeve that the druids will not be able to hear her account of her fateful encounter with the prominent druid Lovernios, because "that is not the story we are telling ourselves." Have you had similar difficulties putting forward your truth? Can you think of examples from our culture of authorities refusing to hear anything but their own official version?

Jesus is often called the Son of God. Maeve presents herself at the beginning of the story as the daughter of a god. What other parallels or contrasts between them do you notice? Are Esus and Maeve "the same," as she keeps insisting, or do you agree with Esus who states firmly, "whatever else we are, the same we’re not."?

Maeve asserts that she is not Jesus’s disciple but his partner and counterpart. In one passage she invites us to call on her in need and promises, "I will be with you." In Christianity, Jesus is worshipped as God incarnate as a fully human being who shares the joy and suffering of our human nature and condition. Do you feel a need or longing for an incarnate human goddess? 

Magdalen Rising contains many references to bodily functions, including menstruation. Does this depiction and celebration of the earthy aspects of incarnation delight you? Offend you? Both? Neither?

Based on the novel and/or your own understanding of Celtic literature and lore, what is the Otherworld? Where is it? How is it different from or similar to the Christian idea of heaven?

In contrast to many writers of novels with historic settings, Cunningham gives her narrator a contemporary voice and perspective. She sometimes deliberately uses anachronism for comic effect. Why do you think the author made this choice? What are the risks and rewards of this narrative technique?

 Although the Maeve’s story includes violence, loss, and heartbreak, the tone of the novel is essentially comic. How does the author use humor? If comedy can encompass tragedy, what are the essential ingredients of a comic world view?