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Book Review of Pope Joan

Pope Joan
Pope Joan
Author: Donna Woolfolk Cross
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


The story is fascinating and well worth reading, with this caveat: the author's reliance on some storytelling devices common to historical/romance novels makes various situations, reactions, characterizations, etc. too obvious. When my reading group discussed the book, my criticism was in the minority; most of the others focused on the historical event--a woman who served as pope--and thought I was too critical. However, I think the author "took the easy way out" in telling the story. Also, the Reader's Guide questions at the conclusion were very simple--and the writer of the questions seems to be unaware that women continue to experience inequality, even in the United States. Still, I hope others will read the book.