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Donna Woolfolk Cross’s debut historical novel, Pope Joan (1996), is a fictionalized account of the ninth-century woman who disguised herself as a man, later becoming the first female pope. The bestselling book received impressive reviews following its publication, and screenwriters later adapted it for both film and television.
Jan 1, 2001 · Now in this riveting novel, Donna Woolfolk Cross paints a sweeping portrait of an unforgettable heroine who struggles against restrictions her soul cannot accept. Brilliant and talented, young Joan rebels against medieval social strictures forbidding women to learn.
Book Summary. A masterwork of suspense and passion that has as its center an unforgettable woman, the 9th Century Pope Joan. An enthralling, scholarly historical novel. Brilliant and talented, young Joan rebels against the medieval social strictures forbidding women to learn to read and write.
Pope Joan is the story of a medieval-era young woman who is intellectually brilliant and motivated in her desire to learn all she can about religion and medicine. Over time Joan, disguised as John Anglicus, is eventually afforded opportunities at levels of power that most men never reach.
Pope Joan is a sweeping historical drama set against the turbulent events of the 9th century -- the Saracen sack of St. Peter's, the famous fire in the Borgo that destroyed over three-quarters of the Vatican, the Battle of Fontenoy, arguably the bloodiest and most terrible of medieval conflicts.
Plot. Joan, the daughter of a priest and his Saxon wife, is born in 814 as the last of three children. When he discovers that Joan has learned to read, her father calls her “child of the devil” and blames the illness and death of his oldest son, Matthew, on her as a punishment.
Summary. For a thousand years men have denied her existence—Pope Joan, the woman who disguised herself as a man and rose to rule Christianity for two years. Now this compelling novel animates the legend with a portrait of an unforgettable woman who struggles against restrictions her soul cannot accept.
The novel explores the extraordinary life of an independent, intelligent and courageous woman who overcomes oppression and ascends to the highest level of religious power. . . . Cross’ masterful use of anticipation, as well as the sweeping historical landscape of the story, keep Pope Joan intriguing. . . .
Pope Joan. by Donna Woolfolk Cross. Critics' Opinion: Readers' Opinion: First Published: Aug 1996, 432 pages. Paperback: Aug 1997, 432 pages. Genres. Rate this book. Buy This Book. About this Book. Summary. Excerpt. Reading Guide Questions. Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers! FOR DISCUSSION.
Aug 1, 1996 · POPE JOAN. by Donna Woolfolk Cross ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 1996. bookshelf. shop now. 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.
