Pope Joan – Donna Woolfolk Cross 30
The story takes place in Rome during the 9th century. Young Joan takes the identity of her brother and enters the monastery and here her incredible journey disguised as a man begins. Joan is a smart educated woman and there is just no place for her in the 9th century. As a man she is able to distinguish herself as a scholar and healer and goes on to become the Pope for 2 years. This book is a novel but is based on historic evidence and events. Her journey is fascinating and again so interesting to see what society (men) thought of women. I love this quote from the book when Joan is attempting to open the first school for women, “Surely you know, Holiness that the size of a woman’s brain and her uterus are inversely proportionate: therefore the more a girl learns, the less likely she will ever bear children. Shocking, I know. I really enjoyed this book.
Buy Pope Joan
