Pope Joan

There is a tremendous amount to like about the novel Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross.  It contains all the ingredients for a spectacular story – romance, murder, religion, sibling rivalry, sex, greed, war, politics, revenge and secrets.  Set in the 9th century, young Joan desires to use her intelligence to read and write even though women and girls of her day were destined to housewives at best.  When Joan’s brother is murdered, she disguises herself as a man and enters a monastery.  There she becomes a healer and scholar and eventually makes her way to Rome and the Papacy.  The historical research that went into this book enhances every page.  Many worthwhile themes are floating throughout this story including, the limitations of gender roles, religion practiced as blind faith versus a continually questioning process and what we may gain or lose when we love someone.  Fantastic!