Rapture – Emily Maguire

I’ll admit that historical fiction – especially religious/spiritual historical fiction – is not normally the type of book I’d reach for. But I loved Emily Maguire’s last book so much that I felt like I was in safe hands with her when I picked up Rapture (kindly sent to me for review by the wonderful team at Allen & Unwin).

The story of Rapture is inspired by the fabled Pope Joan. Beginning in the year 821, it follows a motherless girl who rejects the meager roles available to women at that time, motherhood or the convent. After the death of her father, she convinces a travelling monk who has fallen in love with her to take her to join his order. Hiding her gender, she survives plagues and political games to rise to the height of the papacy – all the while, fearing discovery.

It’s like a biblical Slumdog Millionaire, with a more reluctant (and regretfully horny) heroine. My trust in Maguire was well placed, as I found myself fascinated and eager to read more all the way through Rapture. So, even if it doesn’t sound like your type of book, I encourage you to give it a go regardless.

Read Rapture on audiobook via Libro.fm here. (affiliate link)