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A captivating historical novel, Pope Joan is an international best-seller. Set in the brutal Dark Ages, a time when women were viewed as the root of sin, this novel tells the remarkable tale of one of history's greatest controversies. Denied the priesthood by society's rules, young Joan seizes her opportunity to join a monastery when she assumes her murdered brother's identity and takes the name John Anglicus. Putting her brilliant mind to good use, she excels as a scholar and healer. Joan eventually finds her way to Rome, where the lures of passion and politics threaten to expose her secret. But Joan rises above even these obstacles to achieve the pinnacle of Catholic power-the Papacy.
Media reviews
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Joanna W. Cross zeichnet die faszinierende Geschichte dieser "Legende" nach, über deren Leben als Päpstin nicht viel bekannt ist. Umso genauer hält sie sich an die historischen Gegebenheiten des Mittelalters. Alle wichtigen Personen des Buches hat es wirklich gegeben. Die damals herrschenden
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Lebensumstände werden sehr anschaulich beschrieben. Diese Plastizität trägt zur Faszination dieses Historienromans bei. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member Ganeshaka
"Pope Joan???" That was my reaction, too! And I was an altarboy...once upon the 1950s... one of a coterie of cherubic scalawags. We sussed out the hiding place of the sacramental wine. We surreptitiously sampled those bland pale body-o-Christ wafers (not as good as Necca's). Surely one of us would
The Holy Roman Catholic Church's official position on Pope Joan, aka Pope John Angelicus, is that "she" is a legend (and they should know, they've deleted the manuscripts to prove it.) Of course, the HRCC's spin on any given "embarrassment " is a bit tenuous, i.e, "Ummm, Father "wicked-uncle" Ernie was transfered to southern Chile for his health."
How, though, to explain "the dung seat"? This curious artifact remains from a ceremony, for centuries part of the installation of a new Pope. The procedure required the Pope-elect to sit on a wooden Port O Potty. Then the Holy Father-to-be, discretely covered by his robe, dropped his tighty whities, while at Vatican official - a Mr. Whipple of sorts - checked beneath the throne to see if the Charmins were there to be squeezed.
Pope Joan is presented as a novel, in part because the alleged term of office of John Angelicus fell in the midst of the Dark Ages, the years 853-855, and the historical record is scant (just try getting a passport if you were born in 813). Nonetheless, the author, Donna Woolfolk Cross, brings the era is to life quite vividly, using what little data has survived about the persons and events of the mid-ninth century. You can smell the vellum, and hear the crackle of old pages turning as Joan learns to read. You can almost taste the coppery blood spattered during a Viking raid on Joan's village.
John Angelicus is portrayed from three perspectives: her own, a knight who loves and impregnates her, and a Vatican rival who detests her. The story is essentially that of a female Horatio Alger, a woman who loves knowledge, healing, and logic, and whose passion for advancement requires that she hide her gender and pass for male. And deftly dance to a Machievellian beat. The combined effect is part Strachey biography, part romance novel, and part inspirational self help book.
I was charmed by the book, and would give it to my granddaughter to read, for its feminist values and historic cachet. However, my granddaughter's been there and done that, and ran off with a heavy metal guitarist months ago.
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have heard of the scandal of Her Eminence? The Holy Roman Catholic Church's official position on Pope Joan, aka Pope John Angelicus, is that "she" is a legend (and they should know, they've deleted the manuscripts to prove it.) Of course, the HRCC's spin on any given "embarrassment " is a bit tenuous, i.e, "Ummm, Father "wicked-uncle" Ernie was transfered to southern Chile for his health."
How, though, to explain "the dung seat"? This curious artifact remains from a ceremony, for centuries part of the installation of a new Pope. The procedure required the Pope-elect to sit on a wooden Port O Potty. Then the Holy Father-to-be, discretely covered by his robe, dropped his tighty whities, while at Vatican official - a Mr. Whipple of sorts - checked beneath the throne to see if the Charmins were there to be squeezed.
Pope Joan is presented as a novel, in part because the alleged term of office of John Angelicus fell in the midst of the Dark Ages, the years 853-855, and the historical record is scant (just try getting a passport if you were born in 813). Nonetheless, the author, Donna Woolfolk Cross, brings the era is to life quite vividly, using what little data has survived about the persons and events of the mid-ninth century. You can smell the vellum, and hear the crackle of old pages turning as Joan learns to read. You can almost taste the coppery blood spattered during a Viking raid on Joan's village.
John Angelicus is portrayed from three perspectives: her own, a knight who loves and impregnates her, and a Vatican rival who detests her. The story is essentially that of a female Horatio Alger, a woman who loves knowledge, healing, and logic, and whose passion for advancement requires that she hide her gender and pass for male. And deftly dance to a Machievellian beat. The combined effect is part Strachey biography, part romance novel, and part inspirational self help book.
I was charmed by the book, and would give it to my granddaughter to read, for its feminist values and historic cachet. However, my granddaughter's been there and done that, and ran off with a heavy metal guitarist months ago.
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LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
Joan is portrayed as a very strong and stubborn character. However because of her stubbornness it takes her farther ahead than any woman could have done during those times, and for that, I think it's a very admirable trait in her. It's because of this, she was able to overcome anything to do what
It's hard to feel any sympathy for any male characters in this novel. Although Gerold might be different but not as much as it all comes to the bottom line: the men in this novel prefer the women pregnant, barefoot, and in the kitchen. Their ignorance is so blatant you wanted to grind your teeth to stop yourself from wanting to jump in to wring their necks for thinking that way about women. However, it's a very realistic account, for I have no doubt that's how they thought that way (unfortunately some still do to this day).
The plot in this book flowed perfectly and had it's good amount of climaxes and action. I was immediately sucked into the story from the beginning. I really did enjoy reading the parts on how Joan went through her journey to eventually becoming Pope. It was indeed a very nice story to read and I'd have to say it was like watching a very exciting adventure because you were always in fear of what would happen if she were to be discovered a woman. I really liked the inner politics within the Papal ranks. They're twice as devious and conniving than the royal courts I've read in previous books. The writing in this book is historically accurate in my opinion, as it gives you a good look and feel as to how it felt like to live back then in this time period.
The only criticism I have is there are a lot of latin religious terminology (especially areas of the religious buildings and ranks of the papacy in Rome) which were hard to get through. I found myself looking a lot of the words up as to what this certain word referred to, and as to what was this rank in the papacy. A glossary would have helped as I had no prior knowledge in this aspect in history. The Author's Note however, was indeed informative and a very interesting read.
Overall a great novel about a strong woman who faced the odds to do what she loved to do: read and learn. I recommend this book, it's a wonderful read. You may even be tempted to read some background information on Pope Joan as I did (I went straight for Wikipedia the moment I finished the book)
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she wanted to do the most; which was to learn. This is one of the most strongest female characters I have ever read so far and although she does have faults, she quickly overcomes them and does not relent. Even when she's tempted to leave with Gerold (her romance interest) she still remains steadfast to her duties to the the people in Rome. Although I found it frustrating at times, especially when things start to take a turn for the worst, it's still an admirable trait in the face of adversity.It's hard to feel any sympathy for any male characters in this novel. Although Gerold might be different but not as much as it all comes to the bottom line: the men in this novel prefer the women pregnant, barefoot, and in the kitchen. Their ignorance is so blatant you wanted to grind your teeth to stop yourself from wanting to jump in to wring their necks for thinking that way about women. However, it's a very realistic account, for I have no doubt that's how they thought that way (unfortunately some still do to this day).
The plot in this book flowed perfectly and had it's good amount of climaxes and action. I was immediately sucked into the story from the beginning. I really did enjoy reading the parts on how Joan went through her journey to eventually becoming Pope. It was indeed a very nice story to read and I'd have to say it was like watching a very exciting adventure because you were always in fear of what would happen if she were to be discovered a woman. I really liked the inner politics within the Papal ranks. They're twice as devious and conniving than the royal courts I've read in previous books. The writing in this book is historically accurate in my opinion, as it gives you a good look and feel as to how it felt like to live back then in this time period.
The only criticism I have is there are a lot of latin religious terminology (especially areas of the religious buildings and ranks of the papacy in Rome) which were hard to get through. I found myself looking a lot of the words up as to what this certain word referred to, and as to what was this rank in the papacy. A glossary would have helped as I had no prior knowledge in this aspect in history. The Author's Note however, was indeed informative and a very interesting read.
Overall a great novel about a strong woman who faced the odds to do what she loved to do: read and learn. I recommend this book, it's a wonderful read. You may even be tempted to read some background information on Pope Joan as I did (I went straight for Wikipedia the moment I finished the book)
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LibraryThing member surreality
Plot: Very simplistic and linear, with huge gaps inbetween. Plot twists don't exist, the few subplots never last for more than a few pages. Even without knowing the legends of Johanna of Ingelheim, the plot is highly predictable and asks the reader to suspend all sense for logic a bit too often. I
Characters: Flat and one-dimensional. There is a clear division between good and evil, with the good characters all being handsome, smart, and young, while the bad guys are ugly, fat, stupid, unwashed and whatnot. Joan is so much of a Mary Sue, it is downright painful. Everybody is very modern in their thinking, a group of 20th century characters stuck in the Middle Ages.
Style: Simplistic and barely above that of a bodice ripper. No tension is built up, all opportunities to show the scenery of the Middle Ages are passed on. The ending is abrupt, and it feels as though Cross lost interest in the story in the last third. The book could be set in any period from the Roman Empire to Baroque and it would be impossible to tell if it weren't for the dates.
Plus: The first 50 pages, Joan's childhood, were interesting.
Minus: No historical accuracy whatsoever (potatoes and sweetcorn in medieval Europe?), the characters never think according to their time in history. It's a thinly veiled attack on men and how all of them, even the nice ones, supporess women. Horrible writing style, boring plot with gaping errors and jumps, flat and boring characters.
Summary: only for hard-core fans of medieval romance who will forgive all lack of style and characterization.
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also daresay that it took more than coincidence even in the 9th century to be elected pope. A second plotline is set up in the beginning, but then abandoned quite painfully.Characters: Flat and one-dimensional. There is a clear division between good and evil, with the good characters all being handsome, smart, and young, while the bad guys are ugly, fat, stupid, unwashed and whatnot. Joan is so much of a Mary Sue, it is downright painful. Everybody is very modern in their thinking, a group of 20th century characters stuck in the Middle Ages.
Style: Simplistic and barely above that of a bodice ripper. No tension is built up, all opportunities to show the scenery of the Middle Ages are passed on. The ending is abrupt, and it feels as though Cross lost interest in the story in the last third. The book could be set in any period from the Roman Empire to Baroque and it would be impossible to tell if it weren't for the dates.
Plus: The first 50 pages, Joan's childhood, were interesting.
Minus: No historical accuracy whatsoever (potatoes and sweetcorn in medieval Europe?), the characters never think according to their time in history. It's a thinly veiled attack on men and how all of them, even the nice ones, supporess women. Horrible writing style, boring plot with gaping errors and jumps, flat and boring characters.
Summary: only for hard-core fans of medieval romance who will forgive all lack of style and characterization.
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LibraryThing member Cariola
Pope Joan had been waiting on my TBR shelf for quite some time. Initially, it was recommended by friends from another site, and my tastes have changed a bit over the past few years. The story, based on legend that may or may not have roots in reality, has a lot of potential: in the ninth century, a
On the plus side, Cross creates a detailed picture of life and its hardships in the medieval period, and the character of Joan, although somewhat naive, is nevertheless engaging. She also does a fairly good job of demonstrating the infighting and struggles for power within the Catholic church. But the novel is not without flaws. For one thing, the baddies are unrealistically and relentlessly bad, and circumstance plays far too great a role. (Joan's father, for example, not only whips her nearly to death for wanting to learn, he later tries again to kill her--but has a opportune stroke in the process.) Also, I really hate it when supposedly 'serious' historical novelists feel that they have to wallow in romance. Joan's mooning over Gerold for almost 30 years got to be a bit much, and when he finally shows up, confessing love and offering marriage, her refusal to give up her disguise (and "responsibilities"--i.e., power) is therefore hard to believe. Of course, the two of them eventually have an earth-shaking moment of love that leads to both their downfalls.
Cross's message seems to be that women--even medieval women--are capable of having it all. Over and over, Joan refers to the educated St. Catherine and to various noblewomen who are renowned for their education and wisdom but who have also produced numerous offspring. In other words, she's applying twentieth-century feminism to medieval society. Since Pope Joan is a work of fiction, that's forgiveable, even if it stretches the imagination a bit too far.
For the most part, I enjoyed the novel, despite several groaner moments. But it's not a book that will stick with me for long.
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brilliant young woman resents the fact that she cannot receive the same education as her brothers. Her elder brother teaches her to read in secret (their father is a stereotypically brutal, misogynistic clerical ogre), and when a respected visiting scholar learns that Joan can read Latin, he arranges for her further education. She lodges with the family of Gerold, a high-ranking soldier in the service of the emperor, but his jealous wife has other plans for Joan. By luck, circumstances, and her own ingenuity and perseverance, Joan eventually disguises herself as a man and makes her way up the apostolic ladder.On the plus side, Cross creates a detailed picture of life and its hardships in the medieval period, and the character of Joan, although somewhat naive, is nevertheless engaging. She also does a fairly good job of demonstrating the infighting and struggles for power within the Catholic church. But the novel is not without flaws. For one thing, the baddies are unrealistically and relentlessly bad, and circumstance plays far too great a role. (Joan's father, for example, not only whips her nearly to death for wanting to learn, he later tries again to kill her--but has a opportune stroke in the process.) Also, I really hate it when supposedly 'serious' historical novelists feel that they have to wallow in romance. Joan's mooning over Gerold for almost 30 years got to be a bit much, and when he finally shows up, confessing love and offering marriage, her refusal to give up her disguise (and "responsibilities"--i.e., power) is therefore hard to believe. Of course, the two of them eventually have an earth-shaking moment of love that leads to both their downfalls.
Cross's message seems to be that women--even medieval women--are capable of having it all. Over and over, Joan refers to the educated St. Catherine and to various noblewomen who are renowned for their education and wisdom but who have also produced numerous offspring. In other words, she's applying twentieth-century feminism to medieval society. Since Pope Joan is a work of fiction, that's forgiveable, even if it stretches the imagination a bit too far.
For the most part, I enjoyed the novel, despite several groaner moments. But it's not a book that will stick with me for long.
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LibraryThing member Dorritt
I really did want to like this book. The author is a good storyteller, does a wonderful job of evoking a real sense of the period (no shirking of historical research here), and the idea of a female pope is a fascinating one. One can imagine that spiritual women denied access to the church, or
But somewhere between Joan/John outarguing Greek philosophers, becoming a famous healer, inventing intinction, miraculously surviving beatings/viking raids/plague, inventing modern courtroom procedure (witnesses, questioning), establishing orphanages, saving peasants from floods, cleverly applying her knowledge of hydraulic engineering to save the Vatican from an invading Frankish army, saving the pope from assassination, exposing ecclesiastical corruption, and thwarting a raging city fire, I found it harder and harder to keep suspending disbelief. This Pope Joan is a liberal, feminist, secular humanist, Dark Ages superhero rather than a living, breathing, believable woman of her time. The author takes such pains to eliminate anachronism in all other aspects of the novel: perhaps that is why John/Joan's highly anachronistic behavior & beliefs seem so grating in contrast.
John/Joan's enamorata Gerold is also a disappointment. There is no attempt at character development here. Think Ken to Joan's Barbie, Ned to Joan's Nancy Drew ... the tall, lusty, handsome, resourceful hero of any one of a thousand cheesy romance novels.
Finally, I was disappointed by the author's overreliance on deus ex machina. Far too often she relies on improbable plot twists, timely intercessions and amazing coincidences to move her plot forward. I don't want to spoil the plot for potential readers - but I will say that Joan always seems to be behind the right wall when there is a useful conversation to be overheard, Viking raids have never been more conveniently timed, and old friends/allies have a way of miraculously appearing just when they are most needed.
I guess I'm saying that while this is an entertaining book, it is certainly not a great book. Be prepared to enjoy it for the story & the history, but not necessarily for the literary merit.
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clever women denied access to learning, might indeed have sought to escape the confines of their gender. But somewhere between Joan/John outarguing Greek philosophers, becoming a famous healer, inventing intinction, miraculously surviving beatings/viking raids/plague, inventing modern courtroom procedure (witnesses, questioning), establishing orphanages, saving peasants from floods, cleverly applying her knowledge of hydraulic engineering to save the Vatican from an invading Frankish army, saving the pope from assassination, exposing ecclesiastical corruption, and thwarting a raging city fire, I found it harder and harder to keep suspending disbelief. This Pope Joan is a liberal, feminist, secular humanist, Dark Ages superhero rather than a living, breathing, believable woman of her time. The author takes such pains to eliminate anachronism in all other aspects of the novel: perhaps that is why John/Joan's highly anachronistic behavior & beliefs seem so grating in contrast.
John/Joan's enamorata Gerold is also a disappointment. There is no attempt at character development here. Think Ken to Joan's Barbie, Ned to Joan's Nancy Drew ... the tall, lusty, handsome, resourceful hero of any one of a thousand cheesy romance novels.
Finally, I was disappointed by the author's overreliance on deus ex machina. Far too often she relies on improbable plot twists, timely intercessions and amazing coincidences to move her plot forward. I don't want to spoil the plot for potential readers - but I will say that Joan always seems to be behind the right wall when there is a useful conversation to be overheard, Viking raids have never been more conveniently timed, and old friends/allies have a way of miraculously appearing just when they are most needed.
I guess I'm saying that while this is an entertaining book, it is certainly not a great book. Be prepared to enjoy it for the story & the history, but not necessarily for the literary merit.
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LibraryThing member jdquinlan
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
I'd been wanting to read this book for a long time. The idea of a woman disguising herself as a man and doing such a good job of it that she was eventually elected Pope intrigued me. How could that happen? The existence of Pope Joan is still debated but the author provides
The story begins with a young Joan, growing up in a household of fear and fervent devotion to God, ruled by a tyrant father. A Catholic canon, he brought his Saxon wife home to Frankland after a missionary trip and has spent the years of their marriage punishing his wife for making him desire her, and for bearing a female child. Unlike Joan, her two brothers are prized by their father and are getting an education to enter the church. Joan wants to learn, too, but is forbidden. When a scholar comes to examine Joan's brother, he discovers that Joan is the more intelligent. This sets in motion the chain of events that puts Joan on the road to the throne of St. Peter. She attends school, falls in love, faces discrimination and ridicule, survives a Viking attack and flees to a monastery dressed as a young man, and thus begins her illustrious career as a scholar, healer and priest.
I have to say I expected a lot more from this book. I felt like I was reading a light version, like there wasn't as much depth, as much exploration of human nature as there should be in a novel of this scope. Joan is likeable but too perfect, Gerold, her love interest, is too perfect, circumstances fall into place too perfectly. Even the villain, Anastasius, is too perfectly one-dimensional. The descriptions of religious rituals grew monotonous and I found myself skimming some sections. At one point I was pushing myself just to get to the end, but I'm glad I hung in there because it did pick up and it finished strong. It's not a bad read, I just don't think it's all it could have been, but I would recommend it simply for the fact that it's a period of controversial history worth learning about.
I'd been wanting to read this book for a long time. The idea of a woman disguising herself as a man and doing such a good job of it that she was eventually elected Pope intrigued me. How could that happen? The existence of Pope Joan is still debated but the author provides
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eleven pages of notes and sources that offer strong evidence that there may have been a female Pope who was erased from history once her deception was discovered.The story begins with a young Joan, growing up in a household of fear and fervent devotion to God, ruled by a tyrant father. A Catholic canon, he brought his Saxon wife home to Frankland after a missionary trip and has spent the years of their marriage punishing his wife for making him desire her, and for bearing a female child. Unlike Joan, her two brothers are prized by their father and are getting an education to enter the church. Joan wants to learn, too, but is forbidden. When a scholar comes to examine Joan's brother, he discovers that Joan is the more intelligent. This sets in motion the chain of events that puts Joan on the road to the throne of St. Peter. She attends school, falls in love, faces discrimination and ridicule, survives a Viking attack and flees to a monastery dressed as a young man, and thus begins her illustrious career as a scholar, healer and priest.
I have to say I expected a lot more from this book. I felt like I was reading a light version, like there wasn't as much depth, as much exploration of human nature as there should be in a novel of this scope. Joan is likeable but too perfect, Gerold, her love interest, is too perfect, circumstances fall into place too perfectly. Even the villain, Anastasius, is too perfectly one-dimensional. The descriptions of religious rituals grew monotonous and I found myself skimming some sections. At one point I was pushing myself just to get to the end, but I'm glad I hung in there because it did pick up and it finished strong. It's not a bad read, I just don't think it's all it could have been, but I would recommend it simply for the fact that it's a period of controversial history worth learning about.
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LibraryThing member sleahey
This historic novel is based on possible history, depending on the accuracy of disparate written accounts of Ninth Century Europe. Regardless, this is an interesting story of a strong women at a time when it wasn't believed that women had any rights, need to reason or be educated, or function other
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than childbearing and tending the home. The prose is sometimes excessively dense, but the reader gets a strong sense of the times, the barbarity of war, the weakness of Roman politics, and the duplicity of the Church. The unrequited romance carries the plot along to a fairly abrupt ending. Show Less
LibraryThing member lindymc
This was a very interesting book and I enjoyed reading it. Can't decide if I believe there really was a Pope Joan, but I'm not convinced there wasn't either. As other reviewers have said, a major fault with the novel was the "saved by the bell" coincidences that occur several times.
LibraryThing member phyllis.shepherd
A really stunning first novel, based on the historical person who disguised herself as a man and rose to the rank of Pope.
LibraryThing member pdxwoman
Intriguing enough to make me want to learn more -- which is what I imagine a good historical fiction book should do.
Easy read, good plot twists, a bit black and white on the portrayal of various characters (little subtlety).
Easy read, good plot twists, a bit black and white on the portrayal of various characters (little subtlety).
LibraryThing member melydia
Back in the Middle Ages there was a popular legend of a 9th century woman who, disguised as a man, became Pope. Whether or not you believe this to be the truth doesn't matter much, because the story of this brave and intelligent woman is engaging regardless. I loved learning about all the strange
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superstitions and infuriating prejudices. Joan's own journey captured my heart as well. Excellent historical fiction. Show Less
LibraryThing member vnovak
Expands on the story of the legend of Pope Joan, a woman who rose to become Pope disguised as a man. Whether the legend is true or not, this book tells a compelling story filled with details of life in 9th century Rome. The only disappointing part is that there seems to be very little true
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Christian belief. Show Less
LibraryThing member olgalijo
Having grown up in a society in which women were (and sometimes still are) very coherced by their sex, I found Joan to be a very believable character.
Sometimes the plotline seems to be a little too thin, with a very real character being led by luck toward a destiny in too many instances. Even so,
The Dark Ages setting is also a very difficult one to pull off, from a writers point of view. There are so many details of day to day life that are unknown to us, that it seems to be an impossible task to create a vibrant setting for the main story. In this case the attempt is successful, and one feels to be then and there while following Joan's life and tribulations.
Sometimes the plotline seems to be a little too thin, with a very real character being led by luck toward a destiny in too many instances. Even so,
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one can see Joan taking those decisions. The Dark Ages setting is also a very difficult one to pull off, from a writers point of view. There are so many details of day to day life that are unknown to us, that it seems to be an impossible task to create a vibrant setting for the main story. In this case the attempt is successful, and one feels to be then and there while following Joan's life and tribulations.
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LibraryThing member jshillingford
When this novel was released, there was some minor brouhaha about how it’s untrue, there was never a female pope, the author is taking liberties, etc. The kind of controversy that sprang up when “The Da Vinci Code” was released, though nowhere near that level. All of which drew me to the book
Cross focuses on Joan, and the story is told from her point of view. She is an engaging heroine, and I immediately felt immersed in her tale. The writing is fluid, with good background description to put the reader in the right time frame. Yet, the author doesn’t become bogged down with details. This truly was a page-turner. Joan slowly rises to prominence in the church (despite her best efforts!), so I had no problem when she was elected Pope. One gripe I did have was the pregnancy fiasco – the ending became more of a circus attraction that didn’t fit as well with the rest of the novel. However, it didn’t ruin the novel, just tarnished it a bit. Overall, Cross manages to convince us that the unbelievable did happen.
Though this is a work of fiction, the author cleverly includes some factual evidence (circumstantial, certainly) to pique a reader’s curiosity about the real possibility that a woman did indeed get elected pope disguised as a man. Church historians and leaders have quick, and likely valid, counters to this evidence, but its existence is tantalizing. This small section made the book that much better because it kept me thinking long past the final page. Overall, a thought-provoking tale with a smart, likeable heroine and excellent writing. Highly recommended.
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like a moth to flame. The novel tells the tale of a young woman eager for knowledge who takes on the identity of her brother in order to get an education (as only clergy were eligible to be educated in that time) and ends up being elected Pope. I happen to be Roman catholic, and I wasn’t offended by what the author proposes. I love historical fiction, so I didn’t really care if it was true or not. What mattered was: did the author do adequate research on the time, customs, people and other details to make the story seem real, come alive and keep me turning the pages? Thankfully, the answer was a resounding yes.Cross focuses on Joan, and the story is told from her point of view. She is an engaging heroine, and I immediately felt immersed in her tale. The writing is fluid, with good background description to put the reader in the right time frame. Yet, the author doesn’t become bogged down with details. This truly was a page-turner. Joan slowly rises to prominence in the church (despite her best efforts!), so I had no problem when she was elected Pope. One gripe I did have was the pregnancy fiasco – the ending became more of a circus attraction that didn’t fit as well with the rest of the novel. However, it didn’t ruin the novel, just tarnished it a bit. Overall, Cross manages to convince us that the unbelievable did happen.
Though this is a work of fiction, the author cleverly includes some factual evidence (circumstantial, certainly) to pique a reader’s curiosity about the real possibility that a woman did indeed get elected pope disguised as a man. Church historians and leaders have quick, and likely valid, counters to this evidence, but its existence is tantalizing. This small section made the book that much better because it kept me thinking long past the final page. Overall, a thought-provoking tale with a smart, likeable heroine and excellent writing. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member LucyB.
Where do I begin? Besides the fact that I loved this book, I can also say in all honesty that I cannot compare it to anything I’ve ever read before. Pope Joan, by Donna Woolfolk Cross, is a story of great magnitude- in a class of its own.
First of all, imagine yourself sitting back- not reading-
So, if you’re already picturing yourself glued to your favourite all time panoramic historical motion picture, where the center of the story evolves through the eyes of the hero and think you’ve been here before…Think again. This is different. In this enormous production, the hero this time is a woman…a pope…in a world where women meant nothing…
Joan, at a very young age, was a bright and curious young child with the thirst for knowledge and the ability to absorb it all naturally, and with incredible ease. Alas, her major downfall was having been born a girl in a time when it was dreadfully sinful for her to indulge in what was the sole privelege and realm of men. Being born in the wrong time and of the wrong gender would be Joan’s initiation to her destiny.
Forced to adapt to a man’s world, Joan dressed as one and became known as John in order to survive and excel at her extraordinary competencies as student, intellectual,monk, healer, spiritual advisor, and eventually- pope. Joan sacrificed everything. If her true identity were ever discovered, it would mean automatic death for her…She was ready to face this challenge, having understood with certainty that the perils of living as a woman were far more dangerous in every aspect. Torn between her quest for knowledge and her denial of self, she opted for the first.
The book takes you through the life of this courageous woman who struggled relentlessly to reach her greatest potential. But don’t think that because Joan elevated herself to equal, or superior status, that she ever forgot that she was a woman…aware of all her senses…
The book presents facets of Joan’s life that depict extreme scenes involving her father and even deeper issues concerning her mother. Her parents, her brothers, cardinals, popes, learned men, scornful teachers, caring monks…and a great forbidden love- each playing an important role causal to the creation of Joan’s fate.
Pope Joan is a novel that captivates to the core by immersing you into Joan’s brilliant thoughts, vivid senses, reaching her inner voice that demanded to be heard. I felt myself cheering and caring deeply for this woman whose mind, body, heart and soul never rested. I wanted her to fulfill all her dreams, which she almost did- but not without devastating consequences.
Although this is a heavy book, it surprisingly moves at a relatively quick pace. The scenes are brilliantly spaced and the evolvements of events naturally flow onto the next. Not only is Pope Joan filled with suspense, in-depth characters, struggles and elations, passion and sorrow; it is an incredibly moving read. Truly sensational!
And...If you're wondering, 'Was There A Pope Joan?'...An interesting Author's Note at the end of the book will help you reach your own conclusion...
For book club interest, there's a great Reading Guide too.
First of all, imagine yourself sitting back- not reading-
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but watching as vivid moments of a tale come forth, rolling like a movie engulfing you into the actual moment. This book is loaded with historical rawness of the times-the 9th century. You’d think you’re living through an epic; one that’s filled with battles, ascensions, spirituality, supreme clerics, warriors, leaders, heroes- men of grandeur, worth, knowledge and power…So, if you’re already picturing yourself glued to your favourite all time panoramic historical motion picture, where the center of the story evolves through the eyes of the hero and think you’ve been here before…Think again. This is different. In this enormous production, the hero this time is a woman…a pope…in a world where women meant nothing…
Joan, at a very young age, was a bright and curious young child with the thirst for knowledge and the ability to absorb it all naturally, and with incredible ease. Alas, her major downfall was having been born a girl in a time when it was dreadfully sinful for her to indulge in what was the sole privelege and realm of men. Being born in the wrong time and of the wrong gender would be Joan’s initiation to her destiny.
Forced to adapt to a man’s world, Joan dressed as one and became known as John in order to survive and excel at her extraordinary competencies as student, intellectual,monk, healer, spiritual advisor, and eventually- pope. Joan sacrificed everything. If her true identity were ever discovered, it would mean automatic death for her…She was ready to face this challenge, having understood with certainty that the perils of living as a woman were far more dangerous in every aspect. Torn between her quest for knowledge and her denial of self, she opted for the first.
The book takes you through the life of this courageous woman who struggled relentlessly to reach her greatest potential. But don’t think that because Joan elevated herself to equal, or superior status, that she ever forgot that she was a woman…aware of all her senses…
The book presents facets of Joan’s life that depict extreme scenes involving her father and even deeper issues concerning her mother. Her parents, her brothers, cardinals, popes, learned men, scornful teachers, caring monks…and a great forbidden love- each playing an important role causal to the creation of Joan’s fate.
Pope Joan is a novel that captivates to the core by immersing you into Joan’s brilliant thoughts, vivid senses, reaching her inner voice that demanded to be heard. I felt myself cheering and caring deeply for this woman whose mind, body, heart and soul never rested. I wanted her to fulfill all her dreams, which she almost did- but not without devastating consequences.
Although this is a heavy book, it surprisingly moves at a relatively quick pace. The scenes are brilliantly spaced and the evolvements of events naturally flow onto the next. Not only is Pope Joan filled with suspense, in-depth characters, struggles and elations, passion and sorrow; it is an incredibly moving read. Truly sensational!
And...If you're wondering, 'Was There A Pope Joan?'...An interesting Author's Note at the end of the book will help you reach your own conclusion...
For book club interest, there's a great Reading Guide too.
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LibraryThing member rocketjk
Although I was underwhelmed by the first 100 pages, overall, I did have fun reading this book, an historical novel set in 9th Century Europe. The author managed to steer around some of the danger spots (as in "Danger! Cliche plot development ahead!") I thought we were going to bump directly
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through. The second half was a little better than the first, I thought, or maybe I was just used to the fact that there wasn't going to be much in the way of real character development by then. You start to enjoy a book for what it is rather than worry about what it isn't, I guess. So this one had a story line that moved along and was interesting in an adventure-novel sort of way, plus some very interesting historical information. The writing style was not particularly noteworthy, but was smooth enough not to get in the way. Except for the several occasions when we read, "Neither one of them guessed . . . " or "Little did she guess . . . " Really, isn't this what editors are for? That sort of thing will make me take an otherwise entertaining book less seriously, I'm afraid. I'm giving it three stars, but I'm feeling sort of generous in doing so. Show Less
LibraryThing member grheault
During the recent lead up to the newest pope, I wondered why had the old pope Benedict resigned? it was all so irregular and unprecedented. I conjured up my own version of a dark, embarrassing hush up that would last until many years after Benedict's death, when burial preparation would have shown
The book "Pope Joan" is a recent novelization of an old legend, and it did not engage me. I am reassured that my perfect track record of having no original ideas is still perfect.
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that he had been transgendered, a woman who had lived as a man. Pretty original, eh? No. Not at all the first female pope came on the scene, according to rumor and legend, almost a thousand years ago, and she was called Pope Joan. The book "Pope Joan" is a recent novelization of an old legend, and it did not engage me. I am reassured that my perfect track record of having no original ideas is still perfect.
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LibraryThing member Citizenjoyce
In the afterward Cross gives a pretty convincing argument that Pope Joan really did exist, and her book shows how it could have happened. Cross is used to writing non-fiction, so her fiction style is slightly annoying but more than compensated for by her extensive research. She shows the lives of
Cross says that her goal in writing the book was to show how women can be empowered by education, and she did do that, but I would have been happier had more intelligent women been depicted. Most interesting were her arguments about reason versus religion and the constriction of traditional women's roles.
I recommend this for anyone interested in feminism, medicine, the religion-reason controversy, and historical depictions of the Dark Ages.
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people in the Dark Ages from the poor to nobility, from the religious to commoners. Battles are depicted in their horror and the intricate planning needed for victory. There's a good view of both Roman politics and Roman architecture and a very engaging portrayal of medicine in the Dark Ages. I'm always a sucker for a good childbirth scene, and this book has 2 very interesting ones. It starts with a very good depiction of a midwife assisting at a difficult birth. Cross says that her goal in writing the book was to show how women can be empowered by education, and she did do that, but I would have been happier had more intelligent women been depicted. Most interesting were her arguments about reason versus religion and the constriction of traditional women's roles.
I recommend this for anyone interested in feminism, medicine, the religion-reason controversy, and historical depictions of the Dark Ages.
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LibraryThing member BookshelfMonstrosity
I've always been a big fan of historical fiction and Pope Joan definitely delivers. I mean, a story about a female pope who might have existed? Bring it on!
Joan is a very strong character. She is brave and educated in an age that saw an educated woman as unnatural and sinful. She also has a vast
One of the themes of the book is the idea of inner conflict, especially in regards to religious upbringing. Joan is the child of a pagan mother and a strict Christian father. She constantly struggles between faith and doubt and between her mind and heart.
The novel raises plenty of questions about women in the church both in the Dark Ages and today and whether Pope Joan even existed in the first place. I highly recommend this book for all historical fiction fans and those who enjoy a novel with a strong female protagonist.
Joan is a very strong character. She is brave and educated in an age that saw an educated woman as unnatural and sinful. She also has a vast
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knowledge of medieval medicine which comes in handy later in the novel. The plot is action-filled; this is a book that sucks you in and can't be put down until it is done. Author notes in the back of the book are very informative about the Dark Ages and the church in Joan's time. I became so interested in the period while reading this book that I found myself researching the legend of Pope Joan...researching for fun! What is that?One of the themes of the book is the idea of inner conflict, especially in regards to religious upbringing. Joan is the child of a pagan mother and a strict Christian father. She constantly struggles between faith and doubt and between her mind and heart.
The novel raises plenty of questions about women in the church both in the Dark Ages and today and whether Pope Joan even existed in the first place. I highly recommend this book for all historical fiction fans and those who enjoy a novel with a strong female protagonist.
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LibraryThing member sherdenise
definitely a page turner, I love this kind of historical fiction. I gave it 4 stars for entertainment value although I found the character of Joan to be a bit unbelievable for that time period.
LibraryThing member MandyBaby
Fantastic story! I couldn't put it down
LibraryThing member istop4books
Great read with terrific insight to the times and customs surrounding who might have been the only female pope. The author graciously called in to our book club and spoke with us at length as to the research involved in bringing this book to fruition. It is extremely well researched and enjoyable
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to read. Show Less
LibraryThing member hlselz
About a woman during the Christian-Roman empire who becomes Pope by disguising herself as a man. Starts off with her childhood and ends with her death. Rumors have existed that this woman really existed, and at the end of the story, the author gives evidence to suggest that Pope Joan may have been
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real. Amazing book about conspiracies in the Catholic church, femenism, history, ect. I always recommend this book to people instead of The Da Vinci Code, because some of the ideas are similiar. Show Less
LibraryThing member bdinan
Came at this twice before I could get into it, but once it got going it was pretty interesting reading. The story moves along at a fairly good pace, lots of interesting questions arise about the history of Christianity and the Catholic Church.
LibraryThing member kylenapoli
Has some emotional satisfactions, but once you put it down, you may find you have an awful lot of unanswered questions. Since you don't get to see the situation from a disinterested point of view, it's hard to imagine, for instance, how Joan managed the mundane, practical aspects of her male
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disguise. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
1996
Physical description
7.8 inches
ISBN
3746614007 / 9783746614007