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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Historical fiction set circa 850 A.D. when a woman supposedly ascended to the papacy. It's an interesting premise, but I thought the writing was mediocre. Did no one question why she had no beard after spending all that time in the dungeon? Still, I liked the basic storyline and was entertained. And the premise of a woman pope made for great discussion at book club.
timna_wyckoff's review against another edition
3.0
This was fine, but I didn't love it (sorry, E!). Life in the 800s was apparently really grim, especially for women, but really for everyone....good grief.
nuthatch's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
nikis_bookish_diary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
Honestly, this is a GREAT historical fiction piece and Joan is clever as can be. So good.
ettuladyblue's review against another edition
2.0
Research: great
Topic: Interesting, I am not Catholic so I wasn't aware of this myth
Execution: OH MY GOD. It was a slog of misery and persecution. Joan managed to discover Germ theory and hydraulics and every coincidence managed to work out for her. Coercive wedding? Vikings Attack! Going to be discovered as a WOMAN at the Monastery?! Jump in a boat in the middle of winter and pass out! The people who find you will be the boy you tutored in math as a child, guaranteed.
Special shoutout to the squirtgun scene when her Knight Errant beau and her have a legitimate water fight and fall in love. Ah Schmaltz.
The plot was whackadoodle, I'd rewind my audiobook like "nah that didn't happen" OH IT DID. I laughed a lot you guys.
Topic: Interesting, I am not Catholic so I wasn't aware of this myth
Execution: OH MY GOD. It was a slog of misery and persecution. Joan managed to discover Germ theory and hydraulics and every coincidence managed to work out for her. Coercive wedding? Vikings Attack! Going to be discovered as a WOMAN at the Monastery?! Jump in a boat in the middle of winter and pass out! The people who find you will be the boy you tutored in math as a child, guaranteed.
Special shoutout to the squirtgun scene when her Knight Errant beau and her have a legitimate water fight and fall in love. Ah Schmaltz.
The plot was whackadoodle, I'd rewind my audiobook like "nah that didn't happen" OH IT DID. I laughed a lot you guys.
juliabodson's review against another edition
1.0
I hated this book. I was glad to learn that there once was a female pope (probably), but I wish I had just found it out while wikipedia surfing instead of enduring this entire novel. The writing style was awful and juvenile. I found the characters to be totally unrealistic, especially Joan. The author took it way over the top for the sake of an "inspiring" and "feminist" plot. Gag. Also, this book was weirdly too violent (hard to read at times) and not violent enough (that is, unrealistically romantic). Unfortunately, the best plot twist was spoiled in the title. The best part of the book was hating all of the men in it, as they really are total garbage.
mary00's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be an intriguing read. However, the jumps in perspective feel a bit awkward at times, and the storyline itself feels a bit disjointed - especially during the latter half of the book. That being said, I actually enjoyed the second section of the book more than the first. The focus on Joan's life disguised as a man and her rise through the Catholic church ranks is a much more engaging story, in my opinion, than the fabricated tale of her coming of age years. The love story within the story was not very believable or captivating, in my opinion. To me, it felt as though it were the weakest part of the story.
When I read this, especially during the first half, I kept thinking that it felt like it was written to be made into a movie. I am not surprised to see that it has now indeed been made into a movie.
When I read this, especially during the first half, I kept thinking that it felt like it was written to be made into a movie. I am not surprised to see that it has now indeed been made into a movie.