Forget Da Vinci, Read Pope Joan
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JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
I recently finished reading Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross. This fictional story about the woman who was Pope is a fairly good read. The writing is a little dry in places, but much more original than say, Dan Brown. I found it entertaining and enjoyable.
Pope Joan is a semi-historical figure / legend who I hope existed just because. The author makes no allusions to historical accuracy and in fact gives you the real historical dates at the end of the book and tells you what she changed to make her book a better story (like changing the year of a viking raid).
No doubt some people will be up in arms about this book... some people probably already are. However I would recommend it to anyone tired of Da Vinci - mania.
Be controversial in a whole new way!
From the back of the book:
"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 enimates 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."
Pope Joan is a semi-historical figure / legend who I hope existed just because. The author makes no allusions to historical accuracy and in fact gives you the real historical dates at the end of the book and tells you what she changed to make her book a better story (like changing the year of a viking raid).
No doubt some people will be up in arms about this book... some people probably already are. However I would recommend it to anyone tired of Da Vinci - mania.
Be controversial in a whole new way!
From the back of the book:
"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 enimates 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."
