Long a source of conjecture, the myth or legend of a female pope has endured for centuries. Pope John of England was allegedly Pope Joan, and ascended to the throne of Saint Peter after disguising herself as a man in the middle ages, reigning for two years from 855 to 857 AD. She was apparently exposed after giving birth during a procession. From this persistent myth, Emily Maguire has written an enthralling tale following Agnes, the only daughter of a widowed bishop in an isolated part of England.

Agnes’s father allows her to listen to his theological and philosophical discussions with visiting priests and clerics. She is also taught to read and questions her father, but only in private as women are not allowed to speak or argue with men. As fervently as she believes in God and all his works, she struggles with her future as wife, widow or nun.

When a young Benedictine monk has philosophical discussions with her as they walk in the neighbouring fields and forests, she is torn between a budding and curious affection and her reluctance to accept the options available to her. After a series of unfortunate events, Agnes decides to disguise herself as a man, indeed as a priest, and travel and learn with her lovesick monk.

Agnes becomes ‘John the Englishman’, and a novitiate at a prestigious monastery, where she works tirelessly as a scribe. Her deep theological knowledge and intelligence ultimately leads her (him) to the Vatican.

Maguire writes in an amazing style that is neither anachronistic nor left moribund in an attempt to seem medieval. This book is awash in mud, ordure, sweat, blood and all bodily fluids. At times you feel as if you are reading this by candlelight in a stable or the back of a church. It’s a powerful and thrilling novel.