From the back cover:
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.

When her older brother dies in a Viking attack, the brilliant young Joan assumes his identity and enters a Benedictine monastery where, as Brother John Anglicus, she distinguishes herself as a scholar and healer. Eventually drawn to Rome, she soon becomes enmeshed in a dangerous mix of powerful passion and explosive politics that threatens her life even as it elevates her to the highest throne in the Western world.

Update 11/23/04: Will be sending to Lotusflower77 when I finish reading it

Whether or not Pope Joan actually existed (and I'd like to think that she did), this fictionalized account of her life is very well done and absolutely wonderful. Like the previous book I read (Slammerkin), however, I would have liked to see a happier ending. But after the choices that Joan made, could the ending have been anything else?

RELEASE NOTES:

traded for "A Small Sound of the Trumpet: Women in Medieval Life" by Margaret Labarge from Lotusflower77

Thank you!

I was SO pleased to see this book in my mailbox this morning! I truly look forward to reading it. My TBR pile is a mile high at the moment but I will try and get to this asap so that it can be passed on.

Thanks so much, karendawn.

I can't believe it's been 10 months since I received "Pope Joan". Wow, time really flies when you're having fun, doesn't it? :) I plan on starting it today. Will make another entry as soon as I finish.

Whether the story of Pope Joan is a myth or not, the novel written by Donna Woolfolk Cross on her life, is a wonderful read! Not only is it a vivid account of how difficult life was for women in the 'dark ages', but it shows you that if you are willing to fight for what you believe is right, nothing or no one can stop you. Read and be inspired.

For a longer review (spoilers included, ofcourse), read my blog.

http://lotusreads.blogspot.com/2005/11/johanna-papissa-or-cross-dressing-pope.html

This is a RABCK book from a fellow member and friend, Lotusflower77. Also thank youk for the suprise gift! It is beautiful. Thanks so much for sending this book. I know I will love it.

This book was a wonderful read. True or not. Pope Joan came to life and what a life she led. She was a strong willed woman in a time of great darkness in her world. Had she not hidden the fact that she was a woman, her life would have been short and filled with misery.
Thanks so much for sharing Lotusflower77