Let's talk about one of history's most persistent and controversial legends: Pope Joan. Emmanouel Rhoides's 1866 novel takes this medieval rumor and runs with it, creating a story that's equal parts thrilling adventure and biting satire.

The Story

The plot follows Joanna, an exceptionally intelligent girl born in 9th-century Germany. In a world where women are barred from education and power, her love of learning forces her into a radical act: she disguises herself as a man, John Anglicus. Entering the monastic world, her intellect and virtue propel her through the ecclesiastical ranks, all the way to the highest office in Christendom—the Papacy. For two years, she rules as Pope John VIII. The tension is incredible, built on the constant, nerve-wracking fear of discovery. The story explores how she maintains the deception and the ultimate, dramatic consequence of her hidden identity. Rhoides presents this not as dry history, but as a vivid, plausible, and deeply human narrative of ambition, survival, and sacrifice.

Why You Should Read It

Here's the thing: this book feels shockingly contemporary. Written in the 19th century, it reads like a smart critique from today. Rhoides uses Joan's story as a lens to examine the machinery of power, religious hypocrisy, and the absurdities of blind dogma. His tone is often sly and sarcastic, poking holes in institutional pride. But at its heart, Joan is a compelling and tragic figure. You root for her genius and her courage, even as you dread the inevitable fallout. The book forces you to confront uncomfortable questions about truth, legend, and why certain stories are suppressed. It’s less about proving the legend true and more about asking, 'What if it was? And what does that say about everything else we believe?'

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love historical fiction that doesn't just decorate the past but interrogates it. If you enjoyed the intellectual rebellion of The Name of the Rose or the gender-bending tension of Shōgun, you'll find a kindred spirit here. It's for anyone who likes a juicy historical mystery with a strong, subversive point of view. A word of caution: Rhoides pulls no punches in his criticism of Church corruption, so it might ruffle some feathers. But if you're ready for a clever, provocative, and utterly engrossing story that has sparked debate for over a century, Pope Joan is waiting for you.