Pope Joan in Our Shared Shelf

Mar 15, 2017 Erin Martin rated it really liked it

I think this book is more of a 3.5, but I enjoyed so much of the history of it, I rounded up.

In a nutshell, this is a lightweight Harlequin Game of Thrones within a Catholic setting. I really enjoyed learning a bit about the time period that it was set, and the author did a great deal of research. I am eternally grateful to live in a time of hot showers, grocery stores, and toothpaste and am completely disappointed that the Catholic Church does not allow female leadership (in 2017!!!).

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Jul 10, 2007 Jessica Haider rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, favorites

Pope Joan is a fascinating novel loosely based on facts. It takes place in 9th century Europe and the main character, Joan, is a woman with a strong desire for knowledge and learning. In order to gain education in the male-dominateed society she assumes the identity of her murdered brother.

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Nov 11, 2008 Stephanie rated it really liked it

It took me about fifty pages to get into it, but man--what a compelling story! Whether you believe in the Catholic church's cover-up of their first and only female pope or not, this is a fascinating narrative about a young girl's ascension to papal power. Parts of the romantic subplot are a little corny, but the quirky historical details and subtle commentary on the role of religion in society make Pope Joan a worthwhile read. ...more

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