Pope Joan: Summary and book reviews of Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross, plus links to an excerpt from Pope Joan and a biography of Donna Woolfolk Cross.

Brilliant and talented, young Joan rebels against the medieval social strictures forbidding women to learn to read and write. When her older brother is killed during a Viking attack, Joan takes up his cloak and identity, goes to the monastery of Fulda, and is initiated into the brotherhood in his place. As Brother John Anglicus, Joan distinguishes herself as a great Christian scholar. Eventually she is drawn to Rome, where she becomes enmeshed in a dangerous web of love, passion, and politics. Triumphing over appalling odds, she finally attains the highest throne in Christendom. Pope Joan is a sweeping historical drama set against the turbulent events of the ninth century - the Saracen sacking of St. Peter's; the famous fire in the Borgo that destroyed over three quarters of the Vatican; and the Battle of Fontenoy, arguably the bloodiest and most terrible of medieval conflicts. The novel is a fascinating, vivid record of what life was really like during the so-called Dark Ages, a masterwork of suspense and passion that has as its center an unforgettable woman, reminiscent of Dorothea in George Eliot's Middlemarch, Jane Austen's Emma, and other heroines who struggle against restrictions their souls will not accept.

Media Reviews

Los Angeles Times Book Review No one knows for sure if Pope Joan, or Pope John Anglicus as she called herself, really existed--.After finishing Donna Cross' novelization of Joan's life, one may want her to be a real person, only because it is so gratifying to read about those rare heroes whose strength of vision enables them to ignore the almost overpowering messages of their own historical periods.   Morning Star Telegram In her first novel, Donna Woolfolk Cross..illuminates the Dark Ages and its attendant milieu of barbarism, politics, bigotry, and religion. Pope Joan also is a story of passion and faith - and a reminder that something never change, only the stage and the players do.   Glamour Cross' drama draws predictable conclusions about the way a woman might handle power, but given the certain punishment that awaits Joan should anyone discover her secret, this cross-dressing saga is also a page turner.   Orlando Sentinel Cross succeeds admirably, grounding her fast-moving tale in a wealth of rich historical detail. If Joan wasn't pope, she should have been.   Kirkus Reviews A remarkable woman uses her considerable intellect—and more than a little luck—to rise from humble origins to become the only female Pope, in this breakneck adventure from newcomer Cross ...... No lack of action here, but also not much food for thought. Still, what seems a too facile rendering of a complex story might certainly appeal as light summer reading.   Publishers Weekly In this colorful, richly imagined novel, Cross ably inspires a suspension of disbelief, pulling off the improbable feat of writing a romance starring a pregnant pope.   School Library Journal YAs, especially girls, will follow the adventures of this amazing heroine with fascination, and at the same time will learn much about life in the Middle Ages, and about the history of this tumultuous period just after the death of Charlemagne.   Library Journal Cross vividly creates the 9th-century world, fraught with dangers from Vikings and Saracens, bloody warfare between brothers for political power, and palace intrigue for political favors. Above all, she brings to life a brilliant, compassionate woman who has to deny her gender to satisfy her desire for learning. Highly recommended. Rebecca Fraser, Author of The Brontës Brings the savage ninth century vividly to life in all its alien richness. An enthralling, scholarly historical novel.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Bobo Loco
Utter Speechlessness
When I think of the book "Pope Joan", written by the amazing writer Donna Cross, I am filled with awe and pride. I myself believe the book's contents to have historical accuracy. After having done some extensive research on the subject of...   Read More

Rated of 5 by A Bookshelf Monstrosity
John, meet Joan...
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...   Read More

Rated of 5 by tumblewind
Good history, poor writing
The possibility of an early female Pope is fascinating and well-supported in this well-researched novel. Unfortunately, while Cross provides richly-detailed insight into 9th century European life and Catholic politics, she is very weak in...   Read More

Review (not rated) by Anonymous
This story reads as though it could actually have been true.
And it keeps you interested the entire time because the woman
in the story could be any one of us, even now. Her determination
keeps the story on edge since you want to know...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Eklektica
An excellent book for a book discussion group. Lots of women's issues here and if you enjoy historical fiction this is perfect. Set in early medieval Europe and Italy the plot involves the legend of the first (and only) female pope. Did she really...   Read More

Rated of 5 by GINNY
I couldn't put this book down. Have recommended it to all my friends. A great read.

Readalikes

If you liked Pope Joan, try these:

---

---

These are 2 of the 9 readalike suggestions for Pope Joan. Members have full access to all readalikes. If you are a member, please login. To find out more about membership, click here.

Books with similar themes

• Historical Fiction
  
• UK (Britain) & Ireland 
  
• 17th Century or Earlier 
  
• Strong Female Leads 
  
• Religious or Spiritual Themes 
  
• Controversial Subjects