By Helen Cone

Donna Woolfolk Cross, author of “Pope Joan: A Novel” (Ballantine Books, 1997), discussed her book and the status of women in the Dark Ages with the Los Altos Morning Forum audience April 1.

Living conditions in ninth-century Europe were grim, Cross determined from her extensive research on the period. She explained to the audience that the continent was wracked with violence. Infrastructures such as bridges were so broken down, people drowned trying to cross the rivers. Vikings had pillaged many landmarks, including the Vatican. Ignorance was widespread and the arts labeled pagan.

The condition of women was particularly dreary, and Cross uses her heroine to dramatize the situation. Women were denied education because of their “wickedness and inferiority to men,” according to Cross.

Joan of Inglheim was born in what would later become Germany. She had such an intense desire to learn that despite the obstacles she became a brilliant scholar, with the collusion of her loving brother, John. When she was 12, the bishop ordered the headmaster of the local school to arrange an education for the talented young girl.

After the Vikings killed Joan’s brother, she adopted his identity and dress to continue her studies in the monastery. Her slight build and the shapeless clothing of the day served to protect her disguise. Her natural brilliance and skills led her to an important appointment in the Vatican. When Pope Leo IV died in 855, voting for competing papal candidates resulted in an impasse, and Joan became the compromise Pope.

According to Cross’ story, Joan reigned as pope for more than two years. Her deception was not uncovered until her body was prepared for burial.

“No matter how great obstacles are, there will always be some who can overcome,” Cross said.

The novel, which was not originally a bestseller, has been resurrected by the Ballantine paperback edition, Cross’ aggressive promotion, its popularity among book clubs and a movie currently under production.

Morning Forum is a members-only lecture series held at Los Altos United Methodist Church. To join a waiting list for membership, write to: Morning Forum, PO Box 274, Los Altos 94023-0274.