This is not a book that I would have chosen to read. It was selcted by a member of my book discussion group, and I can remember groaning! Historical fiction? From the 8th century? What a surprise to find that I had trouble putting it down once I started it. The characters became so real and I truly wanted to know about their lives. Whether or not there actually was a Pope Joan may never be proven, but this book really provokes thought about the possibility. It also says a great deal about women's roles in the world and about the value of education - something we often take for granted. I'm sure that this will be a work that I will re-read in the future, and I'm sure that it is going to provide an excellent topic for book group discussion.