Don’t adjust your monitor! That book cover is a little tilted – I like to think that this is Pope Joan’s way of showing us that she’s dancing with excitement over the announcement I’m about to make.
Who is Pope Joan?, you ask. Here’s a synopsis from Donna Woolfolk Cross, the author of this historical novel:
… The novel is based on the life of one of the most fascinating, extraordinary women in Western history–Pope Joan, a controversial figure of historical record who, disguised as a man, rose to rule Christianity in the 9th century as the first and only woman to sit on the throne of St. Peter.
Brilliant and talented, young Joan rebels against the medieval social strictures forbidding women to learn to read and write. When her older brother is killed during a Viking attack, Joan takes up his cloak and identity, goes to the monastery of Fulda, and is initiated into the brotherhood in his place. As Brother John Anglicus, Joan distinguishes herself as a great Christian scholar. Eventually she is drawn to Rome, where she becomes enmeshed in a dangerous web of love, passion, and politics. Triumphing over appalling odds, she finally attains the highest throne in Christendom.
… The novel is a fascinating vivid record of what life was really like during the so-called Dark Ages, as masterwork of suspense and passion that has as its center an unforgettable woman … who struggle[s] against restrictions their souls will not accept.
A new extended version of the novel was released by Three Rivers Press last month. This edition includes additions to the original material, a new Author’s Note, and a reader’s guide with discussion questions. Donna enjoys meeting with book groups via speakerphone, and has culled the “best of the best” questions to include.
Pope Joan will be released as a major motion picture this fall, and Donna is inviting one lucky winner and a guest to join her on the red carpet at the US premiere. Winnings include:
- two tickets to the movie premiere
- round trip airfare for two from any location in the continental United States or Canada
- one night hotel accommodation for you to share with your guest.
If you’re like me, and prefer to read the book before seeing the movie, this contest is made for you! Details are at the Pope Joan website, but here they are, in a nutshell:
- purchase a new Three Rivers Press edition of Pope Joan by July 31.
- make sure the purchase date and title are clearly legible
- send original receipt, along with your name, address, phone number and email address to:
POPE JOAN RED CARPET
c/o Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency
216 East 75th Street
New York, New York 10021
Remember, books must be purchased by July 31, and receipts must be received by August 15 to be entered in the drawing. This offer applies only to a new Three Rivers Press edition of Pope Joan. Good luck with the drawing – you’ll be a winner in any case, with a great book for your summer vacation!
I never knew anything about this! A female pope? I’m going to have to head over to Amazon and get this puppy ordered! Thanks for the heads up!
This book sounds like something I would absolutely love to read. I am glad that the author is so reader friendly and likes to do interviews. That makes me want to read and review this book all the more. Thanks for posting this!!
Kelly – get your receipt in, and good luck!
zibilee – Natasha at Maw Books had a speaker-phone author chat with Donna Woolfolk Cross, and told me that it was a fantastic conversation.
[...] a winner? Don’t fret! Go out and buy a copy of Pope Joan by July 31, 2009, and enter to win a walk on the Red Carpet at the US premiere of the movie. You know how I feel, I always read the book before seeing the movie. Here’s your chance to [...]