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lissi_k's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Death and Hate crime
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Pope Joan is historical fiction, about a female pope who, depending on which sources you believe, may have held office for two years in the ninth century. This book hews close to the few facts that are known but fills in the rest in a believable and absorbing way. Joan was a bright and curious child who managed to catch the attention of a couple of influential people and so gain an education. After narrowly escaping an attack by Norse invaders she opted to live as a man, a path which led her to a monastery where she gained skills as a healer, and then to Rome where to her surprise she was eventually elected Pope. The end of her reign was tragic and no doubt shocking for all who believed their pope to be male. I enjoyed Joan as a character, even if her stridency and forthrightness was not always wise, and found the portrayal of Rome as a viper’s nest of political machinations and backstabbing fuelled by self-interest to be very convincing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, Child abuse, and Rape
davina_wdnr's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Violence, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, Rape, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Torture, Murder, War, Fire/Fire injury, Miscarriage, Misogyny, and Sexism
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