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Rapture
Ninth-century Mainz, in the heart of the Holy Roman Empire.
Agnes is the motherless child of an English priest - a wild and brilliant girl with a deep, visceral love of God. But when tragedy strikes, she is suddenly forced to choose between what is expected of her and the life she has always dreamed of. Determined to find her own freedom, she disguises herself as a man, securing a place at the revered Fulda monastery and forever altering the course of her existence.
Thus begins the life of John the Englishman: a matchless scholar and scribe of Fulda, then a charismatic heretic in an Athens commune and, by her middle years, a celebrated teacher in Rome. There, she dazzles the Church hierarchy with her knowledge of the old and new languages of Europe, theology and Church law, and finds herself at the heart of political intrigue in a city where gossip is a powerful - and deadly - currency.
And when the only person who knows her identity arrives in Rome, she will risk everything to once again feel what it is to be known - and loved.
A note from the author
'Rapture is inspired by a thousand year-old story about a clever girl who dresses as a man to follow her lover to a monastery where she becomes a brilliant scholar and teacher, and eventually ends up - still in careful disguise - the most powerful person in Rome.
I feel like this is the book I've been working towards for my whole writing life. The story of an ambitious woman in a world where women are supposed to be modest. A woman whose mind refuses to accept a small life, and whose body is reviled while remaining, for her, a source of great joy. A woman, who, like so many oppressed people throughout history, finds a way to subvert and resist. To be who she is without permission or approval.
In Rapture this legendary, much-argued over figure is a flesh-and-blood woman of ingenuity, purpose and passion. Her name is Agnes, and I'm excited for you to meet her.'
Agnes is the motherless child of an English priest - a wild and brilliant girl with a deep, visceral love of God. But when tragedy strikes, she is suddenly forced to choose between what is expected of her and the life she has always dreamed of. Determined to find her own freedom, she disguises herself as a man, securing a place at the revered Fulda monastery and forever altering the course of her existence.
Thus begins the life of John the Englishman: a matchless scholar and scribe of Fulda, then a charismatic heretic in an Athens commune and, by her middle years, a celebrated teacher in Rome. There, she dazzles the Church hierarchy with her knowledge of the old and new languages of Europe, theology and Church law, and finds herself at the heart of political intrigue in a city where gossip is a powerful - and deadly - currency.
And when the only person who knows her identity arrives in Rome, she will risk everything to once again feel what it is to be known - and loved.
A note from the author
'Rapture is inspired by a thousand year-old story about a clever girl who dresses as a man to follow her lover to a monastery where she becomes a brilliant scholar and teacher, and eventually ends up - still in careful disguise - the most powerful person in Rome.
I feel like this is the book I've been working towards for my whole writing life. The story of an ambitious woman in a world where women are supposed to be modest. A woman whose mind refuses to accept a small life, and whose body is reviled while remaining, for her, a source of great joy. A woman, who, like so many oppressed people throughout history, finds a way to subvert and resist. To be who she is without permission or approval.
In Rapture this legendary, much-argued over figure is a flesh-and-blood woman of ingenuity, purpose and passion. Her name is Agnes, and I'm excited for you to meet her.'
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2024
216 people are currently reading
4850 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
October 22, 2024
In what seemed at first like quite a departure, Emily Maguire takes on the legend of Pope Joan in Rapture. But soon after settling into the story I realised this material is in fact perfect for the unapologetically feminist writer. I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in 9thC religious life in Maguire's capable hands.
The motherless Agnes of Mainz is not like other girls of her era. Her father, The English Priest, has provided her with an excellent education and a life of relative freedom from the expected drudgery of girlhood. When the charismatic Benedictine monk, Brother Randulf, visits and treats her as an equal, genuinely seeking out her thoughts on many different subjects, she truly blossoms. But then after an earthquake takes away everything she holds dear - except Brother Randulf - she makes a life-changing decision to live as Brother John, first in her homeland, then in Athens and eventually in Rome where her intellect comes to the attention of His Holiness Pope Leo IV.
In a literary world like this I would normally be most nervous of alienation. But here, Maguire uses just enough of the religious vocabulary to establish authenticity, but not so much for the average reader to become lost or disengaged. And as for extended theological arguments/orations - there are none to wade through. We are told about them, but not expected to read through the detail. I thought it was the perfect balance. Instead Maguire gives us dry wit and sincere emotion, with a protagonist to admire and celebrate.
Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for a digital advance copy to read and review.
The motherless Agnes of Mainz is not like other girls of her era. Her father, The English Priest, has provided her with an excellent education and a life of relative freedom from the expected drudgery of girlhood. When the charismatic Benedictine monk, Brother Randulf, visits and treats her as an equal, genuinely seeking out her thoughts on many different subjects, she truly blossoms. But then after an earthquake takes away everything she holds dear - except Brother Randulf - she makes a life-changing decision to live as Brother John, first in her homeland, then in Athens and eventually in Rome where her intellect comes to the attention of His Holiness Pope Leo IV.
In a literary world like this I would normally be most nervous of alienation. But here, Maguire uses just enough of the religious vocabulary to establish authenticity, but not so much for the average reader to become lost or disengaged. And as for extended theological arguments/orations - there are none to wade through. We are told about them, but not expected to read through the detail. I thought it was the perfect balance. Instead Maguire gives us dry wit and sincere emotion, with a protagonist to admire and celebrate.
Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for a digital advance copy to read and review.
November 10, 2024
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.
My full review of Rapture can be found on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of Rapture can be found on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
December 29, 2025
What a thought-provoking and captivating historical fiction novel, with a feminist interpretation of the legend of Pope Joan.
Such impeccable research and layered storytelling by Emily Maguire!
Such impeccable research and layered storytelling by Emily Maguire!
September 20, 2024
Emily Maguire's Rapture is captivating historical fiction that reimagines the legend of Pope Joan, a woman who infiltrated the Vatican and ascended to the papacy. With a powerful feminist narrative that explores themes of resilience, determination, and faith, Maguire delivers a compelling and fearless story of remarkable brilliance. I adored this novel, absolutely loved it. The stunning cover is just the beginning with this beautiful novel.
Agnes, disguised as John, is a woman of extraordinary intellect and ambition. Her dedication to her chosen path and her unwavering faith in God's will were truly inspiring. Maguire's portrayal of Agnes is both nuanced and sympathetic, allowing readers to connect with her on a deep level.
Set in the tumultuous mid-800s, Rapture is meticulously researched and written with a remarkable balance of accessibility and authenticity. Maguire's ability to transport readers to a world in chaos, so far back in history, is truly impressive. The novel is filled with vivid descriptions, historical details, and compelling characters that bring the story to life.
Rapture is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and feminist literature. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel, one that has stayed with me and that I highly recommend.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Agnes, disguised as John, is a woman of extraordinary intellect and ambition. Her dedication to her chosen path and her unwavering faith in God's will were truly inspiring. Maguire's portrayal of Agnes is both nuanced and sympathetic, allowing readers to connect with her on a deep level.
Set in the tumultuous mid-800s, Rapture is meticulously researched and written with a remarkable balance of accessibility and authenticity. Maguire's ability to transport readers to a world in chaos, so far back in history, is truly impressive. The novel is filled with vivid descriptions, historical details, and compelling characters that bring the story to life.
Rapture is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and feminist literature. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel, one that has stayed with me and that I highly recommend.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
November 13, 2024
Rapture is the sixth novel by award-winning Australian author, Emily Maguire. When Agnes is born in 816, her pagan mother dies giving birth and she is raised by her father, known to all in Mainz as the English Priest. Sitting under his table as a five-year-old, she’s absorbing a lot more than just theological discussion and, unlike young girls with a mother to guide them, he lets her read.
How does this motherless female child unwillingly end up as the Vicar of Christ? Curiosity about theology and philosophy certainly plays a part; a painful incident that renders her unmarriageable contributes; when an earthquake orphans her, the escape to Fulda Abbey, disguised as an aspiring monk is facilitated by Brother Randulf, who has recognised her as a person and valued her opinions on all topics since he first came to visit her father.
A devout monk, eventually copying manuscripts in the scriptorium, forming her own interpretations of them, she’s still a long way from Rome. But war, pestilence, more help from Randulf and plenty of determination of her own find Agnes, now Brother John, in a much more liberal abbey in Athens, where she is respected, famous and adored while hiding away in a hut at the base of a mountain.
Her vow of chastity has previously been broken, but now, when temptation presents, she is strong, denying herself comfort of any sort. She also has to guard against pride, which “like lust, is a lion that cannot be slayed, only starved.”
By the time she arrives in Rome, her reputation as preceded her: a professorship of theology, a house, students hanging on her every word. But she comes to the notice of Pope Leo IV, effectively becomes his vassal, much to the chagrin of the cardinals. While she hates the politics, she somehow excels at diplomacy, her genuine acts of charity making her popular. By the time Leo dies, she has been made a cardinal, and his chosen successor.
Maguire’s version of the life of Pope John VII aka Pope Joan is, without being too heavy on religion, interesting, captivating and even, in places, funny.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin
How does this motherless female child unwillingly end up as the Vicar of Christ? Curiosity about theology and philosophy certainly plays a part; a painful incident that renders her unmarriageable contributes; when an earthquake orphans her, the escape to Fulda Abbey, disguised as an aspiring monk is facilitated by Brother Randulf, who has recognised her as a person and valued her opinions on all topics since he first came to visit her father.
A devout monk, eventually copying manuscripts in the scriptorium, forming her own interpretations of them, she’s still a long way from Rome. But war, pestilence, more help from Randulf and plenty of determination of her own find Agnes, now Brother John, in a much more liberal abbey in Athens, where she is respected, famous and adored while hiding away in a hut at the base of a mountain.
Her vow of chastity has previously been broken, but now, when temptation presents, she is strong, denying herself comfort of any sort. She also has to guard against pride, which “like lust, is a lion that cannot be slayed, only starved.”
By the time she arrives in Rome, her reputation as preceded her: a professorship of theology, a house, students hanging on her every word. But she comes to the notice of Pope Leo IV, effectively becomes his vassal, much to the chagrin of the cardinals. While she hates the politics, she somehow excels at diplomacy, her genuine acts of charity making her popular. By the time Leo dies, she has been made a cardinal, and his chosen successor.
Maguire’s version of the life of Pope John VII aka Pope Joan is, without being too heavy on religion, interesting, captivating and even, in places, funny.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin
June 15, 2025
***Longlisted for the 2025 Stella Prize***
”She is all powerful yet helpless as a newborn lamb.”
You gotta love a rainy weekend. Especially a Sunday. As it meant I settled in and finally finished reading this book.
I couldn’t help but think of a very dear friend who many years ago was struggling to complete Love In The Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Márquez. On and on and on she read, until she did it. She got there. Turned to the end of the book and read the final paragraphs. Her verdict? It was worth it. The last page was amazing.
I feel the same with this book. It’s taken me a good two months to read. I started in March, it’s now mid May. During this time I started and finished many other books. I also considered giving it up as a lost cause more than once (loathe as I am to not complete a book once I’ve started) but sometimes it’s a matter of self preservation. I persevered as it’s part of this year’s Stella Prize and I try to read picks from the list that I wouldn’t necessarily think of reading otherwise.
Long review short, it ended up being worth it. Purely for the last page, which is amazing.
I had to suspend my disbelief many times throughout, which I usually don't have an issue with these types of books. But I found it hard to believe that a young lass could be so learned and be able to read and write, have an interest in religious texts and was allowed to do both. Despite her father being revered (as a priest?) in his community it seemed unlikely. I mean, the year was 800 and something. That this lass grew into a woman who could fool so many to not only live many years in a monastery as a monk (though I think in this story it's called an abbey which I also found odd as I thought that’s where nuns resided), but to eventually rise to the dizzying heights of being elected Pope. I mean, it’s hardly likely to happen now, let alone way back then.
And let’s not start about her carnal relationship with Brother Randulf.
Apparently this is based (loosely?) on true events? A religious myth? I don’t know. I wasn’t inspired to look into this further.
What was curious (and here’s where the ending is so good) it’s uncanny that this story is out now, with a newly elected Pope with the same chosen name - Pope Leo - as Agnes (our clever lass/woman/monk) came to be known. A bit of divine intervention?
There's a lot of beautiful writing. Descriptions of ancient Athens and Rome where Agnes (known as Brother John before her elevation to papacy) entered the hallowed halls of men, where those with brilliant theological minds sparred with one another. Each vying for the attention and ear of those higher up the totem pole who could offer a favour or power.
Parts that stood out were the dichotomy of people wearing rags with nothing to eat revering those whose stomachs were full, wearing the finest robes threaded with gold and wearing bejewelled headgear. Discussing scripture. And war tactics. Not overly concerned about those with nothing.
At least Agnes/BrotherJohn/Pope Leo truly had faith and saw the rest for what it was.
But despite these moments, I found the book slow and hard graft. If it had the middle portion shortened and been trimmed to a neat novella size it would have worked better for me. There’s much religious reference, trudging through the plague and war ridden countryside and other matters I didn’t understand and found repetitive.
I think if this catches you at the right time, it’s quite brilliant. If not, it could well be a hard slog as I found three quarters of it to be.
But having said this, I have to admit the last page makes it all worthwhile. Yes indeedy. In a crazy, Monty Python-esque way. It's quite the scene.
”She is all powerful yet helpless as a newborn lamb.”
You gotta love a rainy weekend. Especially a Sunday. As it meant I settled in and finally finished reading this book.
I couldn’t help but think of a very dear friend who many years ago was struggling to complete Love In The Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Márquez. On and on and on she read, until she did it. She got there. Turned to the end of the book and read the final paragraphs. Her verdict? It was worth it. The last page was amazing.
I feel the same with this book. It’s taken me a good two months to read. I started in March, it’s now mid May. During this time I started and finished many other books. I also considered giving it up as a lost cause more than once (loathe as I am to not complete a book once I’ve started) but sometimes it’s a matter of self preservation. I persevered as it’s part of this year’s Stella Prize and I try to read picks from the list that I wouldn’t necessarily think of reading otherwise.
Long review short, it ended up being worth it. Purely for the last page, which is amazing.
I had to suspend my disbelief many times throughout, which I usually don't have an issue with these types of books. But I found it hard to believe that a young lass could be so learned and be able to read and write, have an interest in religious texts and was allowed to do both. Despite her father being revered (as a priest?) in his community it seemed unlikely. I mean, the year was 800 and something. That this lass grew into a woman who could fool so many to not only live many years in a monastery as a monk (though I think in this story it's called an abbey which I also found odd as I thought that’s where nuns resided), but to eventually rise to the dizzying heights of being elected Pope. I mean, it’s hardly likely to happen now, let alone way back then.
And let’s not start about her carnal relationship with Brother Randulf.
Apparently this is based (loosely?) on true events? A religious myth? I don’t know. I wasn’t inspired to look into this further.
What was curious (and here’s where the ending is so good) it’s uncanny that this story is out now, with a newly elected Pope with the same chosen name - Pope Leo - as Agnes (our clever lass/woman/monk) came to be known. A bit of divine intervention?
There's a lot of beautiful writing. Descriptions of ancient Athens and Rome where Agnes (known as Brother John before her elevation to papacy) entered the hallowed halls of men, where those with brilliant theological minds sparred with one another. Each vying for the attention and ear of those higher up the totem pole who could offer a favour or power.
Parts that stood out were the dichotomy of people wearing rags with nothing to eat revering those whose stomachs were full, wearing the finest robes threaded with gold and wearing bejewelled headgear. Discussing scripture. And war tactics. Not overly concerned about those with nothing.
At least Agnes/BrotherJohn/Pope Leo truly had faith and saw the rest for what it was.
But despite these moments, I found the book slow and hard graft. If it had the middle portion shortened and been trimmed to a neat novella size it would have worked better for me. There’s much religious reference, trudging through the plague and war ridden countryside and other matters I didn’t understand and found repetitive.
I think if this catches you at the right time, it’s quite brilliant. If not, it could well be a hard slog as I found three quarters of it to be.
But having said this, I have to admit the last page makes it all worthwhile. Yes indeedy. In a crazy, Monty Python-esque way. It's quite the scene.
Read
November 22, 2024I really wanted to like it, but at halfway, it just could not maintain my interest. As I usually enjoy Ms Maguire's books, this just didn't keep my focus or interest, pretty grim through the first half anyway. Library ebook.
September 6, 2024
RAPTURE - EMILY MAGUIRE
This historical fiction tackles a time period that I didn't know a lot about, taking a close look at 9th-century Europe and the societal expectations at play during that time. Here's a synopsis:
The motherless child of an English priest living in ninth-century Mainz, Agnes is a wild and brilliant girl with a deep, visceral love of God. At eighteen, to avoid a future as a wife or nun, Agnes enlists the help of a lovesick Benedictine monk to disguise herself as a man and devote her life to the study she is denied as a woman.
Agnes' story is absolutely fascinating. After seeing numerous women die during childbirth, she shuns expectations and succeeds in disguising herself as a man so that she can devote herself to religious learning. What follows is a tale that takes us, the reader, to numerous locations and Agnes to unexpected heights.
What I loved most about the book was that even as Agnes succeeds in these strict religious settings, she still finds herself fighting emotions like pride, ambition, lust and love, all of which are seen as sinful during the time period.
And, perhaps that's why the book is indeed entitled Rapture - which means an expression of passion and ecstasy - leaving it up to the reader to decide what really leads to rapture for Agnes.
This is not a light read; why would it be given the subject matter and grim time period? But it's an excellent, thoughtful read that's ideal for readers who love a deeper dive when it comes to their historical fiction.
Thank you to Emily Maguire, NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC.
Release date: 1 October
Review score: 4/5
TW: Death, injury detail, religious settings
This historical fiction tackles a time period that I didn't know a lot about, taking a close look at 9th-century Europe and the societal expectations at play during that time. Here's a synopsis:
The motherless child of an English priest living in ninth-century Mainz, Agnes is a wild and brilliant girl with a deep, visceral love of God. At eighteen, to avoid a future as a wife or nun, Agnes enlists the help of a lovesick Benedictine monk to disguise herself as a man and devote her life to the study she is denied as a woman.
Agnes' story is absolutely fascinating. After seeing numerous women die during childbirth, she shuns expectations and succeeds in disguising herself as a man so that she can devote herself to religious learning. What follows is a tale that takes us, the reader, to numerous locations and Agnes to unexpected heights.
What I loved most about the book was that even as Agnes succeeds in these strict religious settings, she still finds herself fighting emotions like pride, ambition, lust and love, all of which are seen as sinful during the time period.
And, perhaps that's why the book is indeed entitled Rapture - which means an expression of passion and ecstasy - leaving it up to the reader to decide what really leads to rapture for Agnes.
This is not a light read; why would it be given the subject matter and grim time period? But it's an excellent, thoughtful read that's ideal for readers who love a deeper dive when it comes to their historical fiction.
Thank you to Emily Maguire, NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC.
Release date: 1 October
Review score: 4/5
TW: Death, injury detail, religious settings
December 26, 2024
Excellent historical fiction based on the life/myth of Pope Joan in the 800’s. Beautifully written, the story moves from Agnes’s childhood to her disguise as a Benedictine monk and then as she travels to Athens then Rome. I really enjoyed this, a great read.
October 7, 2024
Rapture is the newest release by Australian author Emily Maguire. This book is so different to her previous books. It's one of the most original books I've read!
Rapture is set in the ninth century in Europe. Agnes is a young girl whose pagan mother died during birth and who is being raised by her priest father. She is allowed to run wild and yet also allowed to read and learn. She is devoted to God. When she is eighteen her father dies and to avoid being married off or sent to a nunnery she asks her friend, a Benedictine monk who is in love with her, to help her disguise herself as a man and enter the monastery.
Agnes is now John who becomes a famed scribe in the Fulda monastery. Eventually she finds herself in Athens where she is revered for her wisdom, and then after a close call with being uncovered she travels to Rome to become a teacher with celebrated knowledge of religious texts. It is here she becomes deeply enmeshed in the Church hierarchy.
This was such a wildly different and deeply enjoyable book. I am not a religious person and yet for a book with such a significant focus on religion I didn't find it difficult to follow or hard to engage with. Rapture is not an accurate historical account of the time, Maguire has lifted some legends and weaved an entirely original and satisfying story. I won't say any more about the plot as it is best experienced but let's just say this story takes some turns I was not expecting!
Rapture reminded me a little of Lauren Groff's The Vaster Wilds with its young female main character and the lushness of the natural world that at times is described. It is also a subversively feminist tale which was delicious to read.
Definitely a book I enjoyed and would recommend. Shout out to the exceptionally beautiful cover design too.
Thank you @allenandunwin for my #gifted copy.
Rapture is set in the ninth century in Europe. Agnes is a young girl whose pagan mother died during birth and who is being raised by her priest father. She is allowed to run wild and yet also allowed to read and learn. She is devoted to God. When she is eighteen her father dies and to avoid being married off or sent to a nunnery she asks her friend, a Benedictine monk who is in love with her, to help her disguise herself as a man and enter the monastery.
Agnes is now John who becomes a famed scribe in the Fulda monastery. Eventually she finds herself in Athens where she is revered for her wisdom, and then after a close call with being uncovered she travels to Rome to become a teacher with celebrated knowledge of religious texts. It is here she becomes deeply enmeshed in the Church hierarchy.
This was such a wildly different and deeply enjoyable book. I am not a religious person and yet for a book with such a significant focus on religion I didn't find it difficult to follow or hard to engage with. Rapture is not an accurate historical account of the time, Maguire has lifted some legends and weaved an entirely original and satisfying story. I won't say any more about the plot as it is best experienced but let's just say this story takes some turns I was not expecting!
Rapture reminded me a little of Lauren Groff's The Vaster Wilds with its young female main character and the lushness of the natural world that at times is described. It is also a subversively feminist tale which was delicious to read.
Definitely a book I enjoyed and would recommend. Shout out to the exceptionally beautiful cover design too.
Thank you @allenandunwin for my #gifted copy.
November 17, 2024
I wanted to enjoy this book, but I just didn’t.
Recommended to me by a friend, and as an admirer of Maguire’s work, I expected to discover a page-turner filled with intrigue. Instead, I found a deeply religious book that carried with it an expectation of prior knowledge.
The ending was sudden and implausible.
I have subsequently been pointed to the legend of Pope Joan so I can see the context of the book but still it was not a great story.
Maguire’s writing kept me going, but this is not a book I can imagine recommending to anyone.
Recommended to me by a friend, and as an admirer of Maguire’s work, I expected to discover a page-turner filled with intrigue. Instead, I found a deeply religious book that carried with it an expectation of prior knowledge.
The ending was sudden and implausible.
I have subsequently been pointed to the legend of Pope Joan so I can see the context of the book but still it was not a great story.
Maguire’s writing kept me going, but this is not a book I can imagine recommending to anyone.
October 13, 2024
*Thank you to NetGalley & Allen & Unwin for sending me a digital copy to review*
I quite like books that are a bit weird and this book definitely had that element to it. This is a historical fiction set in the ninth century and follows Anges, a deeply religious girl who does not want a future as a wife and mother. She disguises herself as a man and lives the rest of her life as John, a scholar who travels to Athens & Rome and becomes a celebrated teacher.
The ninth century is not a time period that gets written about a lot so I was intrigued going into this book. Agnes is an interesting character. She grew up listening to religious men talk about scriptures and the world. She knew very early in her life that the traditional path of a woman wasn't for her and she believed she had ‘confirmation’ from God that she was meant for more.
Agnes journey throughout this book is interesting and not anything I’ve seen before in a book. While she spends most of her life as John she is still aware and constantly dwells on the fact that she is a woman, and at times is the only person who knows who she truly is. This creates a sense of loneliness for her, knowing that the other religious men around her would not take it well if it were discovered.
While reading I did some research and was surprised to learn that this book is an interpretation of what is considered a historical myth of a significant religious leader that was discovered to be a woman. It is an interesting concept and it made the book much more intriguing.
I quite like books that are a bit weird and this book definitely had that element to it. This is a historical fiction set in the ninth century and follows Anges, a deeply religious girl who does not want a future as a wife and mother. She disguises herself as a man and lives the rest of her life as John, a scholar who travels to Athens & Rome and becomes a celebrated teacher.
The ninth century is not a time period that gets written about a lot so I was intrigued going into this book. Agnes is an interesting character. She grew up listening to religious men talk about scriptures and the world. She knew very early in her life that the traditional path of a woman wasn't for her and she believed she had ‘confirmation’ from God that she was meant for more.
Agnes journey throughout this book is interesting and not anything I’ve seen before in a book. While she spends most of her life as John she is still aware and constantly dwells on the fact that she is a woman, and at times is the only person who knows who she truly is. This creates a sense of loneliness for her, knowing that the other religious men around her would not take it well if it were discovered.
While reading I did some research and was surprised to learn that this book is an interpretation of what is considered a historical myth of a significant religious leader that was discovered to be a woman. It is an interesting concept and it made the book much more intriguing.
September 11, 2025
As much as I enjoyed this novel, I spent too much time wondering about the circumstances, who would want to become pope with so much to hide. It can’t be easy to do anything secretly when the entire world watches your every step. Lucky this is a book club book, I need a females perspective on Agnes and her thought processes.
October 10, 2024
The deeper I got into Emily Maguire’s Rapture, the higher my rating got.
It was an intriguing and awesome rewriting of history from a non preachy (excuse the pun) feminist perspective and I loved where it took me.
It was an intriguing and awesome rewriting of history from a non preachy (excuse the pun) feminist perspective and I loved where it took me.
Read
January 23, 2025It would seem Maguire was born to write historical fiction. Her doing so brought to mind writers like Groff, O’Farrell and Winman, all primarily known for contemporary fiction, who then wrote a historical novel they seemed destined to write. I’m reviewing this for publication in Galah so won’t say much more except how much I love it when Australian writers flex some muscle.
November 22, 2024
Rapture by Emily Maguire is set in the year 821 when Agnes of Mainz is five years old, having been born to an English Priest and a pagan mother who died in childbirth. Living in Germany in a city called Mainz, Agnes is raised by her father and grows up with a love of nature, books and reading. Her father regularly hosts dinners where a variety of guests from far and wide seek out his company to discuss scholarly topics and engage in academic debates.
Listening and learning at their feet, by the time she reaches adolescence, Agnes is adamant she doesn't want to become a wife and mother.
"It is said a boy can avoid war by lopping off a finger or toe. What part of me, Agnes wonders, might I sever to be freed from the bloody service required of girls?" Page 34
Preferring not to become a nun either, Agnes is ambitious and wants to pursue a life where she can continue reading, studying and learning. It's not a spoiler - it's in the blurb - but Agnes disguises herself as a man and with the help of a Benedictine monk, she joins his monastery. The structure of Fulda monastery is a real culture shock and Agnes reflects on the daily structure of the Divine Office, beginning when bells rouse them at the darkest hour for Nocturnes.
"Afterwards only the barest couple of hours to rest before being roused to sing Lauds. Then every few hours the bells calling her back to the cold, stinking church for Prime, Terce, Sext, Nones. Every day at least one additional mass and sometimes two. Several days a week they sing Psalms for the deceased. Always, Vespers as the sun goes down and, finally, in the full darkness of night, Compline." Page 90
These terms - Prime, Vespers, Compline - are often mentioned in many of the historical fiction novels I read and I wish I could remember their order and time of day. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Agnes's time adjusting to the schedule, learning the different tasks performed by the monks and of course how she conceals her true identity in a monastery full of men.
Fortunately the deception is realistic and believable and the narrative isn't heavily steeped in religious fervour. The theme of desire dominates the book as Agnes stifles her physical desires in pursuit of stimulating her mind and achieving academic accomplishment. There are threats to Agnes continuing her life's purpose, but I admired how she steadfastly remained true to herself.
Maguire's writing is exquisite and I enjoyed the snippets of debate Agnes has with other learned men in the tradition of the discussions held around her father's dinner table:
"This man, whose name she has long forgotten, always assumes the barbarian monk will support his bellicosity, always acts newly shocked that she condemns swords and fire as a first resort. He is an old man but has clearly never seen war or its ugly aftermath. That a Christian with differing views is better off headless is an easy opinion if you have never had to see the insides of a severed neck." Page 182
Agnes is praised for her work as a scribe and scholar and for her knowledge of languages, not to mention her theological rigour and elegance of phrasing yet her subsequent career trajectory was a surprising one. I didn't love the way the author ended Agnes's time with the reader, but by then I'd already enjoyed a 5 star read and it wasn't enough to sway my rating.
With one of my favourite cover designs of the year, Rapture by Australian author Emily Maguire will appeal to historical fiction readers who have enjoyed books like Cuddy by Benjamin Myers or The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco.
* Copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin *
Listening and learning at their feet, by the time she reaches adolescence, Agnes is adamant she doesn't want to become a wife and mother.
"It is said a boy can avoid war by lopping off a finger or toe. What part of me, Agnes wonders, might I sever to be freed from the bloody service required of girls?" Page 34
Preferring not to become a nun either, Agnes is ambitious and wants to pursue a life where she can continue reading, studying and learning. It's not a spoiler - it's in the blurb - but Agnes disguises herself as a man and with the help of a Benedictine monk, she joins his monastery. The structure of Fulda monastery is a real culture shock and Agnes reflects on the daily structure of the Divine Office, beginning when bells rouse them at the darkest hour for Nocturnes.
"Afterwards only the barest couple of hours to rest before being roused to sing Lauds. Then every few hours the bells calling her back to the cold, stinking church for Prime, Terce, Sext, Nones. Every day at least one additional mass and sometimes two. Several days a week they sing Psalms for the deceased. Always, Vespers as the sun goes down and, finally, in the full darkness of night, Compline." Page 90
These terms - Prime, Vespers, Compline - are often mentioned in many of the historical fiction novels I read and I wish I could remember their order and time of day. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Agnes's time adjusting to the schedule, learning the different tasks performed by the monks and of course how she conceals her true identity in a monastery full of men.
Fortunately the deception is realistic and believable and the narrative isn't heavily steeped in religious fervour. The theme of desire dominates the book as Agnes stifles her physical desires in pursuit of stimulating her mind and achieving academic accomplishment. There are threats to Agnes continuing her life's purpose, but I admired how she steadfastly remained true to herself.
Maguire's writing is exquisite and I enjoyed the snippets of debate Agnes has with other learned men in the tradition of the discussions held around her father's dinner table:
"This man, whose name she has long forgotten, always assumes the barbarian monk will support his bellicosity, always acts newly shocked that she condemns swords and fire as a first resort. He is an old man but has clearly never seen war or its ugly aftermath. That a Christian with differing views is better off headless is an easy opinion if you have never had to see the insides of a severed neck." Page 182
Agnes is praised for her work as a scribe and scholar and for her knowledge of languages, not to mention her theological rigour and elegance of phrasing yet her subsequent career trajectory was a surprising one. I didn't love the way the author ended Agnes's time with the reader, but by then I'd already enjoyed a 5 star read and it wasn't enough to sway my rating.
With one of my favourite cover designs of the year, Rapture by Australian author Emily Maguire will appeal to historical fiction readers who have enjoyed books like Cuddy by Benjamin Myers or The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco.
* Copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin *
October 13, 2024
This was incredibly slay!!!
It reminded me a bit of Joan which also took me by surprise - but both are really unique, modern, feminist takes on historical fiction without being preachy, and make their protagonists feel incredibly real.
I loved that Agnes was so devoted to her faith but also struggled with her human emotions and urges - especially because feeling them as a woman would undermine everything she has worked towards. How she had to give up her womanhood and the 'secret' knowledge that brings for what she thought of as a higher calling, but she never looked down on other women. How her faith was such an anomaly in a place where men were constantly abusing their power and positioning for more, and how despite that, anything she gained would be instantly made traitorous by the fact of her gender. I really liked the comparison too between the service expected of men and women - how men seem to be able to shrug off duty by being maimed or running away, but women can only ever be wives and mothers or nuns.
It delivered these messages without being overbearing, and the writing was really beautiful. Especially for setting it so long ago, it didn't feel stuffy but also didn't feel incongruously modern either. You could apply a lot of this to the current moment, which is scary but also I think a testament to how well it was put together. I also liked that it didn't try to be more than it was - it didn't feel like anything was there just to fill space, and the way it was told was very purposeful. I would definitely need to reread to get the full effect, but the more I think about it the more I love it!
It reminded me a bit of Joan which also took me by surprise - but both are really unique, modern, feminist takes on historical fiction without being preachy, and make their protagonists feel incredibly real.
I loved that Agnes was so devoted to her faith but also struggled with her human emotions and urges - especially because feeling them as a woman would undermine everything she has worked towards. How she had to give up her womanhood and the 'secret' knowledge that brings for what she thought of as a higher calling, but she never looked down on other women. How her faith was such an anomaly in a place where men were constantly abusing their power and positioning for more, and how despite that, anything she gained would be instantly made traitorous by the fact of her gender. I really liked the comparison too between the service expected of men and women - how men seem to be able to shrug off duty by being maimed or running away, but women can only ever be wives and mothers or nuns.
It delivered these messages without being overbearing, and the writing was really beautiful. Especially for setting it so long ago, it didn't feel stuffy but also didn't feel incongruously modern either. You could apply a lot of this to the current moment, which is scary but also I think a testament to how well it was put together. I also liked that it didn't try to be more than it was - it didn't feel like anything was there just to fill space, and the way it was told was very purposeful. I would definitely need to reread to get the full effect, but the more I think about it the more I love it!
October 7, 2024
Big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Australian authors are brilliantly reimagining people and aspects of history.
Bringing history alive and authentically recreating people in time and places far away from our nation.
The skill to transplant a reader successfully in Europe in the tumultuous 800s is phenomenal.
A strong feminist narrative aligned with a religious backdrop features Agnes.
A motherless girl raised by her English priest father who was given opportunities to excel in many scholastic pursuits.
The enlightened Brother Randulf treats her as an equal and helps her become John the Englishman.
They journey throughout Europe, amidst chaos, natural disasters and danger.
Finding herself in the inner sanctums of Christendom and its hierarchy she thrived until an unexpected encounter.
Impeccable research and nuanced characters made the transition to this period where Pope Joan evidently existed seamless and real.
Cleverly the religious component was tactfully diluted but very present.
Australian authors are brilliantly reimagining people and aspects of history.
Bringing history alive and authentically recreating people in time and places far away from our nation.
The skill to transplant a reader successfully in Europe in the tumultuous 800s is phenomenal.
A strong feminist narrative aligned with a religious backdrop features Agnes.
A motherless girl raised by her English priest father who was given opportunities to excel in many scholastic pursuits.
The enlightened Brother Randulf treats her as an equal and helps her become John the Englishman.
They journey throughout Europe, amidst chaos, natural disasters and danger.
Finding herself in the inner sanctums of Christendom and its hierarchy she thrived until an unexpected encounter.
Impeccable research and nuanced characters made the transition to this period where Pope Joan evidently existed seamless and real.
Cleverly the religious component was tactfully diluted but very present.
May 30, 2025
Outstanding historical fiction! I love when great fiction teaches and inspires and entices the reader to know more about the subject.
Pope Joan was unknown to me, and there are so many historical events connected to her “mythology”. I cannot recommend it enough to historical fiction readers.
Rating: 4.5
More thoughts to come (much more).
Pope Joan was unknown to me, and there are so many historical events connected to her “mythology”. I cannot recommend it enough to historical fiction readers.
Rating: 4.5
More thoughts to come (much more).
June 27, 2025
Great plot
October 24, 2024
If you love historical fiction set in the 9th century, you will probably love this. If you don’t, well, you probably won’t. (Emily Maguire is one of the short list of writers that I will read everything they write.)
April 16, 2025
The Middle Ages are brought to life in this fascinating story of Agnes of Mainz, disciple of God.
I am not a religious person at all, but I am interested and intrigued by the power of religion and in particular the Catholic church throughout Europe from the Middles Ages through to The Renaissance, so this book was definitely on my radar from it's release.
Agnes is devoted to God and wishes to learn all she can, but she is a woman and this is not possible. She falls in love with Randulf, a learned and scholarly Benedictine monk, and they devise a plan to disguise Agnes as a monk to allow her to study and devote her life to God.
The incredible life that Agnes, as Brother John leads is incredible. It is inspiring and she is fulfilled by learning, teaching and spreading the word of God. From the monastery at Fulda, to Athens and then the centre of Christianity, Rome, Agnes is revered and feted by all who meet her. All along no one is ever suspicious of Brother John's true identity.
This book is intricately researched and I found myself looking up places and people and becoming more and more enveloped by this beautiful story. If you enjoy historical fiction this story is utterly fascinating and will take you to the 800's with ease.
I am not a religious person at all, but I am interested and intrigued by the power of religion and in particular the Catholic church throughout Europe from the Middles Ages through to The Renaissance, so this book was definitely on my radar from it's release.
Agnes is devoted to God and wishes to learn all she can, but she is a woman and this is not possible. She falls in love with Randulf, a learned and scholarly Benedictine monk, and they devise a plan to disguise Agnes as a monk to allow her to study and devote her life to God.
The incredible life that Agnes, as Brother John leads is incredible. It is inspiring and she is fulfilled by learning, teaching and spreading the word of God. From the monastery at Fulda, to Athens and then the centre of Christianity, Rome, Agnes is revered and feted by all who meet her. All along no one is ever suspicious of Brother John's true identity.
This book is intricately researched and I found myself looking up places and people and becoming more and more enveloped by this beautiful story. If you enjoy historical fiction this story is utterly fascinating and will take you to the 800's with ease.
December 16, 2024
Interesting enough to hold my attention, but otherwise a lacklustre read. Whilst I enjoyed the history and background, the tale was a little too far-fetched for my liking. The protaganist's advancement in her field was too easy, and just didn't pull me into the story much at all.
This book has inspired me to learn more about Roman and Frankish history, but it's tale will be quickly forgotten.
This book has inspired me to learn more about Roman and Frankish history, but it's tale will be quickly forgotten.
November 24, 2024
I thought I was going to love this. A woman overcoming the expectations society puts on them and making a different life for herself. But no, I found it dry and tiresome to read.
April 10, 2025
“Forgive them, Lord, they think they do this for You. They do not know—forgive them, forgive us all—that the only sacrament is Life and the sin is to waste it. Oh, Lord, what a final joy it is to know I did not. What a fine and curious and wondrous thing!”
What a wondrous book.
What a wondrous book.
December 23, 2024
“Why allow me, Lord,” she wonders, “sin-soaked and false, to enjoy such glory and grace every day?”
October 8, 2025
My return to reading historical fiction was great, especially exploring an era I don’t know much about. Agnes journey spoke of many familiar feelings but in a world where being your true self is impossible. The ending had me reeling!
November 8, 2024
At first, I was a bit puzzled by award winning Emily Maguire's venture into historical fiction in her new novel Rapture. I know her as an author who writes powerful novels that explore contemporary social issues. I'd read and reviewed An Isolated Incident (2016, see here) and Love Objects (2021, here). In 2016 I featured Emily on Meet an Aussie Author and I have Fishing for Tigers (2012) on the TBR. Set in contemporary Vietnam, it's about the role of Australian expats and tourists in the exploitation of developing nations.
Still, venturing into different territory is what interesting authors do, and when I featured Emily back in 2016 on Meet an Aussie Author she said she was writing an historical novel set in Far North Queensland. That was before the advent of the ARA Historical Novel Prize in 2020, which makes writing an historical novel a tempting prospect for any author. It's the richest genre-based book prize in Australia, with a prize of $100,000 for the adult category winner and $5,000 for each of the shortlisted authors. But historical fiction is a tricky genre for Australian authors because of our contested history and competition from First Nations authors reclaiming their voice in our history. However, if you check out the ARA Prize Wikipedia page, you can see that the prize offers opportunities to explore other histories and settings: indeed, one of the founders of the Historical Novel Society is Elizabeth Storrs who gives women a voice in her novels set in Ancient Rome. The 2023 winner Gail Jones set her Australian characters from Salonika Burning in the Balkans during WW1, and in 2022 shortlisted authors Geraldine Brooks and Robyn Mundy set their novels in America and Norway respectively with no Australian connection at all.
There is no Australian connection in Rapture either. It's a feminist reimagining of the apocryphal story of the medieval Pope Joan.
The bare bones of the historical record are, according to Wikipedia (lightly edited to remove unnecessary links and footnotes):
Sounds fascinating, eh?
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2024/11/08/r...
Still, venturing into different territory is what interesting authors do, and when I featured Emily back in 2016 on Meet an Aussie Author she said she was writing an historical novel set in Far North Queensland. That was before the advent of the ARA Historical Novel Prize in 2020, which makes writing an historical novel a tempting prospect for any author. It's the richest genre-based book prize in Australia, with a prize of $100,000 for the adult category winner and $5,000 for each of the shortlisted authors. But historical fiction is a tricky genre for Australian authors because of our contested history and competition from First Nations authors reclaiming their voice in our history. However, if you check out the ARA Prize Wikipedia page, you can see that the prize offers opportunities to explore other histories and settings: indeed, one of the founders of the Historical Novel Society is Elizabeth Storrs who gives women a voice in her novels set in Ancient Rome. The 2023 winner Gail Jones set her Australian characters from Salonika Burning in the Balkans during WW1, and in 2022 shortlisted authors Geraldine Brooks and Robyn Mundy set their novels in America and Norway respectively with no Australian connection at all.
There is no Australian connection in Rapture either. It's a feminist reimagining of the apocryphal story of the medieval Pope Joan.
The bare bones of the historical record are, according to Wikipedia (lightly edited to remove unnecessary links and footnotes):
Pope Joan (Ioannes Anglicus, 855–857) was according to legend a woman who reigned as pope for two years during the Middle Ages. Her story first appeared in chronicles in the 13th century and subsequently spread throughout Europe. The story was widely believed for centuries, but most modern scholars regard it as fictional.
Most versions of her story describe her as a talented and learned woman who disguised herself as a man, often at the behest of a lover. In the most common accounts, owing to her abilities she rose through the church hierarchy and was eventually elected pope. Her sex was revealed when she gave birth during a procession and she died shortly after, either through murder or natural causes.
Sounds fascinating, eh?
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2024/11/08/r...
May 1, 2025
In my monastic era it would appear. Found this a very enjoyable read, greatly enjoyed the scripture In it and the discussions of my old favourites st Augustine and st Jerome. Honestly wished it was longer for the enjoyment but story wise was definitely the length it should be.
February 28, 2025
A really interesting take on feminism, patriarchal society, religion, desire and people seeing what they want to see. It was crazy to think that if she had openly been known as a woman, she would not have been able to rise to the levels that she did, but being concealed as a man allowed her to do so. I did feel that it dragged on a bit when she was in Fulda, but picked up significantly when her and Randulf ran away. I did love how he was always looking out for her, so it was a shame he was not there at the end.
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