The Gospel of Mary is a Celtic mystery and the third book in the Sister Deirdre series by author Philip Freeman.
In 6th century Ireland, a young nun from the monastery of St. Brigid in Kildare, finds herself the guardian of a mysterious manuscript claiming to be the lost gospel of Mary.
Realizing leaders of the church are willing to kill to get their hands on it, Sr. Deirdre is faced with a dilemma. Does she hand it over to the authorities or is she willing to risk her life to save the manuscript?
Thanks to Pegasus Books I have copies of The Gospel of Mary as prizes for two lucky readers to win. But before I share the details of how to enter the giveaway, let's first learn a little more about this intriguing Celtic tale.
Note: I received a review copy of this book from Pegasus Books for the purposes of writing this blog post. The views expressed are my own.
Sister Deirdre Mysteries:
Sister Deirdre is the heroine of a series of evocative Celtic novels set in the times when druids roamed the Emerald Isle, and Christianity was in its infancy.
Trained as a bard and raised by a druid grandmother, Deirdre is a spunky woman who draws upon her experiences as a bard and as a nun, to undertake a perilous adventure to protect a precious manuscript.
Here's a look at the book summary from the inside jacket ....
"An old and dying nun has turned up at Deirdre's monastery in Ireland with an ancient manuscript on a papyrus roll. When Deirdre reads the first line, she realizes it claims to be a previously unknown gospel written by Mary, the mother of Jesus. The church authorities in Rome have been seeking to destroy this gospel for centuries, claiming it is a forgery that threatens the very foundations of the faith.
Deirdre begins to translate the gospel, but when a delegate of the pope arrives in Kildare searching for the text, she must set out across Ireland seeking safety as the church and its henchmen are hot on her trail. What does the gospel say? And why is the church so afraid of it?"
A Series Of Celtic Mysteries:
This book is the third in the Sister Deirdre series. But don't worry if you have not read the other books. Following this mystery is not dependent on any facts or clues you might have garnered in the first two books.
I found this book to be a very enjoyable read, seamlessly blending information about the Druidic and Celtic traditions with Irish Christian history.
It is a quick, enthralling read, keeping up a steady pace throughout. Described as a mystery, I would consider this book more historical adventure than thriller, since you will not come away from the book feeling like an accomplished Celtic sleuth. Instead, the reader follows Sister Deirdre as she cunningly evades her pursuers, all the while enjoying insights into what life might have been like in Ireland 1500 years ago.
This short novel includes a fictional translation of Our Lady’s life story. Told in a modern voice, this "gospel" of Mary is a simple, touching account of the the New Testament from a woman's point of view. This examination of Mary's life, together with her emotional suffering and sacrifices, was thought-provoking and well written.
Sister Deidre is a strong, determined character and an able woman, whose thoughts and views may appear incredibly contemporary at first. Her views on equal rights and women's roles may seem out of place for Ancient Ireland, but Philip Freeman is a scholar of Celtic history and it shows.
Brehon Law was the rule of the land at the time. These ancient Irish laws granted women the right to be rulers, like Queen Maeve of Connacht, to lead armies and be warriors, to act as druids, and to independently possess wealth and property. They entered marriage on an equal footing with their husbands.
Ancient Ireland was way ahead of its time, and Freeman's novel reflects the progressive view of women at the time.
But I digress, as I am accustomed to do. Brehon Law is a subject for another day.
Reviews of The Gospel of Mary:
Here are a selection of reviews for this entertaining Celtic adventure....
“Freeman’s command of life in the ancient world is impressive, and he has an admirably efficient way with a plot. An absorbing story.” ~ Historical Novels Review
“This is a generous-spirited, gracefully written book. Sure it is a page-turning mystery story, but it is also a warm hearted look at what people need from religion. It is also a compelling, critical look at the structures and hierarchies that surround religion.” ~ Irish American News
“[The Gospel of Mary] moves at a crackling pace and is surprisingly packed with excitement, emotion, and colorful characters. This is as much a mother’s—and woman’s—story as it is a historical and religious adventure. Freeman does a very impressive job considering he is neither.” ~ Criminal Element
About Philip Freeman:
Philip Freeman received his Ph.D. in Classics and Celtic Studies from Harvard University. He lives in Malibu, California and holds the Fletcher Jones Chair in Western Culture at Pepperdine University.
The author of twenty books, including three in the Sister Deirdre series, his main focus is writing books which draw upon his in-depth knowledge of ancient history and the classics.
Saint Brigid's Bones and Sacrifice are the first two books in the Sister Deirdre series.
The Giveaway:
Two lucky readers will win copies of The Gospel of Mary by Philip Freeman.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Sunday, April 1st, 2018.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you have a favorite Irish quotation.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced Sunday, April 1st, 2018, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
A big thank you to Pegasus Books for sponsoring this giveaway.
Feel free to share this post and giveaway with any friends or family you think might enjoy reading a good Celtic adventure.
Winners Chosen:
Our lucky winners were chosen using the “Pick Giveaway Winner” plug-in for WordPress.
The book recipients will be:
Geraldine McGovern
and
Audrey Stewart.
I’ll send an email to the winners to let them know and to get their addresses for mailing purposes.
Thanks to all who joined in and supported this Irish American Mom giveaway.
If you're interested in other books set in Ireland, here are a few more recommendations to check out...
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
If you enjoyed this post here are some other stories and tributes you might enjoy.
Eulogy For An Irish American Mother
Between The Jigs And The Reels
- An Irish Tour Following in the Footsteps of Saint Brigid
- Did You Know These 7 Authors Were Irish?
- Kelcie Murphy And The Academy For The Unbreakable Arts
- In Memory Of An Irish Dad
- Roots and Wings By Brendan J Nangle
- Learn How To Cook With Guinness
- Oliver Goldsmith - Anglo Irish Poet
- What Is It About Ireland That You Love?
jaima
This sound like exactly the kind of mystery I would like to read. I will definitely check out his other books too!
Carmen Carlyle
I love to read and l am Irish at heart.
Carol B
Your book review is very good. . .I would love to read this story!
Jean MacCoy
Ohhhhhh, this sounds like a good read!
Christi Caughey
This sounds like a great book!
Rita Mary Williams
I love all things Irish and since I am a former nun, I'm sure I'll find the book interesting🍀
Deidre
Sounds like a perfect weekend book! A new
favorite author is like getting a new friend. And if that friend has series of books-yay!!! Even if
I don’t win the contest I have won a new possibility for that! Thank you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Deidre - I love your thinking - finding a new favorite author is definitely like finding a new friend. So, so true.
All the best,
Mairéad
Barbaraj mohrbacher
I would love to get the book I love reading about ireland my dream trip
Deirdre Magner
So unusual to see anything (except Irish Folklore) containing my name - and spelled correctly by an American author, no less! Would love nothing more than to have a copy to read and recommend to my Irish tourists during their trip to Ireland this summer! I've only recently found your blog and am enjoying it immensely!
Irish American Mom
Hi Deirdre - It's lovely to see your name used in a new book, and as you noticed, spelled the Irish way also. I'm delighted you found my blog and are enjoying my ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Veronica Vatter
The cover is so pretty! This sounds like a great read.
Audrey Stewart
I love all I have read so far, and I would love to win this book.
Jayne Chandler
An ancient Irish mystery series is just what I need to get into this Spring. I am hooked.
Marion
Thank You for this generous giveaway. This mystery sounds intriguing.
Marion
Joan
I love to read mysteries and this sounds like a great read. Thank You for the opportunity to win this giveaway.
Joan
Marilyn
This sounds like my kind of book. Mysteries are always so exciting and interesting. Taking place in Ireland makes this mystery even more special. Thank You for the giveaway.
Marilyn
Judi Higgins Pellin
I would love to win!💚🍀
Maury
Sounds like a great book! I want to read them all!
Susan R
Sounds like a great read!
My fav Irish quote: Everything will be all right in the end. If it's not all right, It's not the end.
Irish American Mom
Love that Irish quote too, Susan. It just sums up life perfectly.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sharon Pierce DeGraffenreid
Would love to give this a read! Love following you in Facebook - keep posting! 💚
Jeff Ford
It sounds like this book was influenced to some degree by the Mists of Avalon. It was a book with a very strong female influence. It would be interesting to read what life was like in Ireland during the Dark Ages.
Patrice
Sounds like a great book and series. Just starting the Gracelin O'Malley series. Love Irish stories especially this time period.
Pattie Leonardis
I love a cozy mystery, a rainy day, and a warm fireplace.
m broderick
Oh books and history about different parts of a country shared with a cuppa. Heaven. Thanking you for the chance.
Janet Oliver
I would like to explore this series Thanks
Christine Branham
This book sounds very interesting!
Linda Antunes
I would love to get this book and also find out where i can get the books in this series.
Paula Lloyd
Sounds like an interesting read. I hope I'm one of the lucky winners!
Dianna
I would love to read this book!
Deborah
Sounds like a fun read- I love a good mystery!
Suzanne K
This sounds like a very interesting read. I recently joined a book club and I think everyone would enjoy it. 🍀🍀🍀
Dd
Oh, my love for books and all things Irish ☘️
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
Irish American Mom
What a great quotation from St. Augustine. And it's as true today as when he first said it.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bonnie Soules
What a treat to be a mental traveler to ole Ireland 🇮🇪 while sitting in me rocker.
Thank you so much!
Bonnie🍀
Robin
I read all I can find about Mary -- fiction and non-fiction. This book sounds good. Will also check for the series on Amazon. Mary has inspired so many of us. It's always interesting to see in what ways she has inspired others.
Have read Daughter of the Shining Isles (by Elizabeth Cunningham) several times, and though controversial, I thought it was absolutely wonderful--a Gaelic version of Mary.
I always look forward to reading your posts. Thank you for offering this giveaway.
Irish American Mom
Hi Robin - You have just given me another book to add to my "to read" list. So many books, so little time!
All the best,
Mairéad
Evelyn Young
This sounds like a book right up my alley. Can't wait to read it!
Sheila Mcteague
How exciting! My favorite genre, mystery. Would be great to read on a Celtic mystery
Thank you for this offer
Sinita Wilson
“The stars make no noise.”
Peggy
This looks like a great read, a great mystery. It would be a welcome change from reading for school!
Colleen Donohue
This series looks amazing. Thank you for sharing this author and his works with us!
Cynthia Brady
Love your blog and this book looks great!
Susan Trechka
The story sounds intriguing. I would like to read it.
nicole henke
Ooooooo a new author to delve into. The books sound. Great, especially this one# thx for the giveaway of 2 copies##
Mary Ann
This looks like a great read! I am retired almost two years now, 37 years in education! I finally have the time to read now. Thank you for the great review!
Deirdre O'Brien
Would love to read the book.
Tom Corcoran
Wow! This book will surely be a great read!
Best,
Tom
Maurice Kelly
Interesting.
Barbara
Why oh why don't I have Irish ancestry?! 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Barbara - Don't worry about the DNA - once you feel Irish at heart, then that's just wonderful. You're definitely part of this Irish clan.
All the best,
Mairéad
Geraldine McGovern
I am going to check out the Sister Deirdre series. Thank You for all of your great giveaways!
Bat Masterson
Bat Masterson flatphish at yahoo.com
Sarah Rooke
Sounds like a good mystery story of Ireland to read with a nice cup of tea! Looking forward to reading this series.
Kathleen Clark
Your timing is perfect for a book about Mary- Holy Week!
Easter Blessings to you and your family.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathleen - This definitely is the perfect week for this giveaway. This book is the perfect read for Easter.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Kerry Smith
This sounds like a great read!! Thanks for your great blog.