Excerpts from reviews of Donna Woolfolk Cross' Pope Joan
No one knows for sure if Pope Joan, or Pope John Anglicus as she called
herself, really existed.--After finishing Donna Cross' novelization of
Joan's life, one may want her to be a real person, only because it is so
gratifying to read about those rare heroes whose strength of vision
enables them to ignore the almost overpowering messages of their own
historical periods.
-- Los Angeles Times Book Review
A remarkable woman uses her considerable intellect--and more than a
little luck--to rise from humble origins to become the only female Pope,
in this breakneck adventure from newcomer Cross.
-- Kirkus Reviews
--Cross' drama draws predictable conclusions about the way a woman might
handle power, but given the certain punishment that awaits Joan should
anyone discover her secret, this cross-dressing saga is also a page
turner.
-- Glamour
In her first novel, Donna Woolfolk Cross--illuminates the Dark Ages and
its attendant milieu of barbarism, politics, bigotry, and religion.
Pope Joan also is a story of passion and faith--and a reminder that
something never change, only the stage and the players do.
-- Morning Star Telegram
Cross succeeds admirably, grounding her fast-moving tale in a wealth of
rich historical detail. If Joan wasn't pope, she should have been.
-- Orlando Sentinel
A fascinating and moving account of a woman's determination to learn
despite the opposition of family and society. Highly recommended.
-- Library Journal (starred review)