I think this was partly because ‘The Testament of Mary’ was originally written as a monologue which means it still comes across as more of a character study than a fully fleshed-out story. On the other hand, I still felt there was something uncomfortably restrained about it as though something was holding Tóibín back despite the provocative subject matter. R ather than getting too tied up in all of the theological controversy surrounding the themes of the book, I chose to read it primarily as a portrait of motherhood and f rom that perspective, the book is still very powerful and affecting.
On one hand, the prose is lyrical and subtly written. However, I am undecided about ‘The Testament of Mary’. Tóibín’s understated novel ‘Brooklyn’ about a young Irish immigrant who moves to New York in the 1950s is a fine example of this. I often admire authors who write short works as it is usually better if they know when to stop instead of rambling on purely for the sake of it. ‘The Testament of Mary’ is a short 100 page novella which can easily be read in one sitting. Her testament in her old age focuses mainly on her son’s last days before the crucifixion and what happened afterwards. The story is told from the point of view of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is still grieving for her son many years after his death and does not believe that he is the son of God. ‘The Testament of Mary’ by Colm Tóibín will probably be the only book longlisted for this year’s Man Booker Prize that I will definitely be able to read before the shortlist is announced in a few weeks time.
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