Song of the Magdalene marks Napoli's debut into the realm of young adult fiction, drawing inspiration directly from the sacred texts. Set amidst the backdrop of first-century Palestine, it vividly chronicles the teenage years of Miriam, the daughter of a wealthy and esteemed widower of Magdala. Her journey is one of defiance and sincerity as she grapples with staying true to her fervent spirit and ideals, while navigating the confines of a rigid religious society that stifles her every endeavor. Her closest confidant is Abraham, a servant's son shackled by paralysis, yet liberated in mind—an intellectual who finds solace and freedom in his thoughts and ideas.

Abraham becomes Miriam's mentor in the arts of reading and song, nurturing her growth both intellectually and spiritually. When Miriam begins experiencing seizures, terror takes hold, fearing she is possessed by sinister forces. Yet Abraham's comforting words counter her fears, suggesting that disabilities are not divine punishments, but rather random cruelties of nature. Together, they form a bond as two young rebels, determined to surmount whatever hurdles come their way. Miriam, strong and agile, uses a handcart to pull Abraham first through vast fields, and then into bustling town life, allowing him to savor the world beyond. This audacious venture gains the reluctant approval of Miriam's father and Abraham's mother, who remain wary of potential repercussions.

Into their lives steps Judith, an unexpected ally—a childless widow who has longed to wed Miriam's father since both their spouses passed away. She seeks Miriam out after the young girl scandalizes her orthodox community by daring to sing the "Song of Solomon" aloud in the House of Prayer, a blasphemous act for a woman, who by tradition, should neither speak in the synagogue nor be taught to read, especially sacred texts.

As time unfolds, Miriam and Abraham's friendship deepens into love, culminating in a sacred marriage prayer offered to the Creator. This union brings Miriam the joy of pregnancy, even as Abraham's health deteriorates from exposure during their countryside adventures. Judith steps in as a pillar of strength, supporting Miriam after Abraham's death. Together, they prepare for the arrival of a child Miriam hopes will carry forward Abraham's spirit. Yet tragedy strikes when the child is stillborn following Miriam's vicious assault by a Magdala carpenter. To quell the vile rumors spawned by Jacob the carpenter, who claims she has sullied herself, Miriam is sent away to live with an uncle.

Following this harrowing ordeal, Miriam embarks on a cleansing pilgrimage to the remote Essene caves of Qumran, seeking renewal and preparing for her ultimate journey to meet the Messiah Joshua. It is here that she emerges in the New Testament as the woman afflicted by seven unclean spirits—a poignant connection Napoli draws with the seven epileptic episodes that beset Miriam throughout the tale. This woman transforms into Mary Magdalene, eternally carrying an alabaster jar of ointment and a song in her heart for the souls yearning for healing.