Mar 25, 2023pozrob rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This book is not historical fiction as in some embellished accounts of Joan of Arc or Hildegard of Bingen. Nor is it a feminist rant on the patriarchy of the Catholic Church. What it is, is a great work of fiction set in the Middle Ages,…
Apr 12, 2018sarahcharlotte999 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Love this book and have read it a kajillion times. Reading it always makes me happier. Yeah, now that I'm not 14 anymore, I see the flaws in the book, like how neatly the author splits her characters between good and evil (Joan's brother…
Absolutely gripping. While it is a "fictional account", the amount of research that went into this book is astonishing. Great for anyone who has an interest in historical fiction!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was recommended to my by a friend. It's a pretty quick read, and I found myself quickly engaged in the story.
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hania4987
Jul 12, 2013hania4987 rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
This was definitely not a comfortable read. The first part describing her early life at home, then subsequent schooling which was unusual for that time was interesting. After assuming her brother's identity, the story just turns "icky". …
Jun 09, 2013WVMLStaffPicks rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This action-packed novel chronicles the life of the alleged female pope that some believe reigned for a few years during the Middle Ages. Whether you consider the character of Pope Joan fact or fiction, this story of a brave and…
Sep 04, 201270greengirl rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
An intriguing historical read! A little historical note at the end of the book to site why a female pope might have been possible during this time in history.
Jun 05, 2012doroschelch rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
Comparing two novels about legendary Pope Joan, Lawrence Durrell's adaption of the 19th c. Greek novel, and a modern one by Donna Woolfolk Cross, I found neither very satisfactory. The Greek version, though satirical and irreverent in…
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gracindaisy
May 03, 2012gracindaisy rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Set in the Middle Ages, a woman follows her burning desire to read, educates herself as a scholar & healer, and rises through the church to become Pope, all the while disguised as a man.
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zavirani
Feb 10, 2012zavirani rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
A very quick and entertaining read. Reminded me in some ways of The DaVinci Code in terms of the campiness of it all. Regardless of whether the legend of Pope Joan is true or not, it was entertaining on some levels. But not exactly…
Jul 14, 2010rebeccadahl rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Overall, a wonderful novel... Novel being the operative word here. Clearly it is almost entirely fiction rather than historical. A pleasure to read, though, don't get me wrong.
I fell in love with the character. I loved how she was a…
Feb 24, 2010kpalichuk rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Follows the life of Pope Joan, from her childhood through her tenure as the first female Pope. Is this based on fact? Or based on myth? I don't know, but it is a compelling story that kept me engaged.
Jan 19, 2010Cashton rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Really enjoyed this book and what times were like for women living in the 9th century. This book reminded me of the novel The Physician by Noah Gordon which is about a man disguising myself as a Jew.
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Pope Joan