Pope Joan by Donna Cross

The novel is a historical fiction that tells the story of a young woman in the 9th century who, driven by her thirst for knowledge and desire for education, defies the societal norms of her time. Disguising herself as a man, she rises through the ranks of the church hierarchy, ultimately becoming Pope. Her journey is fraught with challenges and dangers, as she navigates a life of deception while striving to maintain her secret identity. The story explores themes of gender, religion, and power, as it weaves a tale of a remarkable figure who, according to legend, may have challenged the male-dominated history of the Papacy.

The 6523rd greatest book of all time


Published
1996
Nationality
Unknown
Type
Fiction
Pages
400-432
Words
182,000
Original Language
English

If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here

This book is on the following lists: