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La profetisa
La Profetisa es una obra con una apasionante reflexión sobre los origines del cristianismo. La heroína, Catherine Alexander es una arqueóloga que descubre una serie de manuscritos en los que se menciona el nombre de Jesus y se sugiere un importante papel.
405 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
32 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Wood
199 books523 followersBarbara Wood was born on 30 January 1947 in Warrington, Lancashire, England, UK. Together with her parents and older brother, she immigrated to the United States. She grew up in Southern California and attended Los Angeles Schools. After High School, Barbara attended the University of California at Santa Barbara but left to train as a surgical technician. During this time, Barbara held numerous jobs, before she sold her first novel in 1976. A few years prior, Barbara met her husband George. To date, Barbara has written 22 books, including two under the pen name Kathryn Harvey, these books are quite different from the Barbara Wood's novels and she, her agent and editor agreed that a pen name would serve to indicate the difference. She is an international best selling author with books translated into over 30 languages. The reader is transported to exotic countries that Barbara has meticulously researched to provide her fans with a true sense of the culture and history relevant to each story. At the heart of every book, is a strong, independent woman. Currently, Barbara is busy working on her next story that will, no doubt, showcase an extraordinary heroine in an exciting and intriguing adventure.
When not writing, Barbara often takes time to enjoy the work of other authors, and that of a certain well-known martial artist, whose name is listed among the "Ten things you might not know about Barbara.
When not writing, Barbara often takes time to enjoy the work of other authors, and that of a certain well-known martial artist, whose name is listed among the "Ten things you might not know about Barbara.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 29, 2012
BETTER THAN THE DA VINCI CODE!!! Fans of Dan Brown's novels will certainly find this to their liking, particularly if you wished Brown would have gone into more detail about the early church. Archaeologist Dr Catherine Alexander is digging near Sinai when she finds a basket containing six scrolls. Due to some shady dealings, she is soon on the run for her life from the Catholic Church, the FBI, CIA, the Egyptian government, and a ruthless billionaire collector, all of whom have reasons for wanting to keep the contents of the scrolls from becoming public knowledge. She is also searching for a seventh scroll, as the sixth ends in the middle of a sentence. Her companion in flight is Father Michael Garabaldi, whom she may or may not be able to trust, as he is much more than he seems. Also, the authoress of the scrolls was on her own quest in the early first century C.E. to find The Righteous One. She has a lot to reveal about the nature of the early Church and how it may connect to other religions.
Weaving threads of both Catherine and Michael's pasts through the suspenseful chase and alternating with translations of the scrolls, this book is fast-paced, suspenseful and educational.
Weaving threads of both Catherine and Michael's pasts through the suspenseful chase and alternating with translations of the scrolls, this book is fast-paced, suspenseful and educational.
Read
April 6, 2008Better than the DaVinci Code.
May 12, 2014
This is an outstanding work of Barbara Wood. The plot made me pause often and check her resources.
It will challenge traditional ideas of a Prophetess.
It will challenge traditional ideas of a Prophetess.
February 9, 2021
Couldn't really get into. Made it to page 72.
February 26, 2020
Es un libro entretenido que tiene varias historias dentro de la historia principal. Sin embargo, no me gustó tanto romance, se sentía incómodo mientras lo leía, era muy obvio que iba a pasar.
August 24, 2007
This is a brief synposis of this book:
In December 1999, archeologist Catherine Alexander discovers in the Sinai desert six papyrus scrolls written in ancient Greek by a female leader of the early Christian church. The scrolls' reference to a Seventh Scroll, in which the secret to eternal life is supposedly revealed, convinces Alexander that her findings could revolutionize Christianity and undermine what she sees as the male-oriented authority of the Church.
Determined to prevent suppression of the controversial writings, Alexander smuggles them back to California, where she is pursued by the Vatican, the Egyptian and U.S. governments, the media and Miles Havers, a ruthless computer software mogul who collects religious artifacts.
Well written and riveting. I could hardly put this book down!
In December 1999, archeologist Catherine Alexander discovers in the Sinai desert six papyrus scrolls written in ancient Greek by a female leader of the early Christian church. The scrolls' reference to a Seventh Scroll, in which the secret to eternal life is supposedly revealed, convinces Alexander that her findings could revolutionize Christianity and undermine what she sees as the male-oriented authority of the Church.
Determined to prevent suppression of the controversial writings, Alexander smuggles them back to California, where she is pursued by the Vatican, the Egyptian and U.S. governments, the media and Miles Havers, a ruthless computer software mogul who collects religious artifacts.
Well written and riveting. I could hardly put this book down!
November 22, 2008
Excellent - couldn't put down. Takes place in Dec. 1999, during the "millennium hoopla". Archeologist Catherine Alexander has found some ancient religious scrolls that could change the way the world views Christianity. She feels that it is her mission in life to spread the messages these scrolls contain, but she's got the U.S. government, the Egyptian gov., the Vatican, and a powerful, millionaire computer mogul all after her! Can she find the help and the answers she needs from the Internet?
I loved this book, but I read it right duirng the big Y2K scare - and that plays a part in the book. I'm not sure if I'd still enjoy it as much today or not
I loved this book, but I read it right duirng the big Y2K scare - and that plays a part in the book. I'm not sure if I'd still enjoy it as much today or not
July 13, 2014
Although the plotline intrigued me, I had trouble getting interested in this book. I found the plot and character development to be lacking. The main character seemed lacking substance, rather than an educated woman of assuredness. I did not finish it. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.
Read
August 10, 2011I absolutely adore all her books. I have read them all and even in different languages, they are all great books.
January 20, 2021
Not my usual fare, but it was so interesting that I use kept reading. It reminds me of a Dan Brown novel, as they run from police, FBI, rich man w/ thugs, and of course the Church people. An Archeologist finds a piece of an ancient scroll, one of the words is Jesus in Greek. She fears that the rest will be destroyed so runs off to translate herself, so she can give it to the world. Fast paced and interesting.
October 14, 2020
Emocionante! cada novela que leo de Barbara Wood corrobora la adicción que siento a entrar a sus aventuras, casi me siento parte de la historia que está tan entramada entre la ficción y los datos históricos. Acompañando a Catherine por su periplo desde Egipto, Nueva York, San Francisco, Los Angeles y terminar en Roma. Perseguida por el tiempo y un enemigo que a costa de todo quiere obtener lo que para Catherine es su mayor descubrimiento arqueológico y que además le ayudaría a reinvindicar el honor y renombre de su madre. Momentos de tensión, de romance, de peligro y sobre todo de descubrimientos que ponen en duda fé, amor y lealtad de los protagonistas. Fascinante!!!
March 26, 2025
Admiro mucho a esta escritora y como casi todos sus libros me encantó.
Read
May 7, 2013Well I managed to read to the end for the simple reason that once started I try to finish a book. It is a long time since a book left me with such a feeling of dis satisfaction. Truly a book of myth, belaboured to the end. Totally unconvincing. Definately not a pleasure to read.
Will avoid Babara Wood like the plague in future.
Will avoid Babara Wood like the plague in future.
Read
February 1, 2009preposterous, pathetic, and poorly written
April 13, 2010
Fast-paced action with a really different theme. I think Dan Brown must have read this book before he wrote The DaVinci Code!
April 12, 2009
I very much enjoyed this book, lots of good twists and a fascinating story. One of my favorites.
October 19, 2024
La prophétesse de Barbara Wood, présentation
1999, Catherine est archéologue. Elle doit retrouver le 7ème manuscrit. Elle a dû changer d’identité. son apparence. Elle doit vivre cachée pour rester en vie.
Retour 22 jours avant, le 14 décembre, Catherine est au Caire pour effectuer des fouilles, pour trouver un puits et les informations sur la prophétesse Meriam.
Avis La prophétesse de Barbara Wood
Catherine Alexander est archéologue. Elle est en Egypte pour effecteur des fouilles. Son chantier est très proche de celui de la construction d’un complexe hôtelier. Lors d’un dynamitage, elle fait tout stopper car elle découvre un élément historique. Elle va mener des fouilles plus approfondies dans une galerie et trouvera un panier qui renferme des papyrus. Cela se sait très vite et Catherine décide de quitter l’Egypte, en catimini et de ramener clandestinement aux Etats-Unis ces papyrus pour les étudier.
Catherine se retrouve très vite en danger. Son meilleur ami est assassiné. Elle ne trouve son salut qu’en la présence d’un homme qu’elle a rencontré en Egypte. C’est un prêtre. Catherine commence à éprouver des sentiments et une attirance physique pour cet homme. Mais elle éprouve aussi une répulsion pour ce qu’il représente car Catherine n’a plus la foi, depuis la mort de sa mère, femme très érudite dont les travaux ont tous été vilipendés par les hautes instances dont l’Eglise.
Catherine et Michaël vont donc parcourir les Etats-Unis dans une véritable chasse à la femme. Elle est soupçonnée par la police, le FBI. Miles, un homme très riche, veut mettre la main sur ces papyrus et il a engagé toutes les actions et les ressources afin que cela lui soit donné, même si Catherine doit en mourir. L’Eglise est également sur le coup car cela anéantirait tout ce qu’elle prêche depuis des siècles et l’Evangile. Mais Catherine veut étudier les papyrus, retrouver ce fameux septième papyrus qui donnerait la vie éternelle et surtout réhabiliter sa mère.
Toutes les communications Internet sont surveillées, donc toutes les recherches effectuées par Catherine et Michaël. Cela permet de donner à ses poursuivants toutes ses positions au fur et à mesure de ses fuites. Ses achats via carte bancaire donnent également ses positions. Malgré tout, ils arriveront à avoir toujours un peu d’avance en étant extrêmement prudents. Cela leur permettra d’étudier ces six papyrus écrits en grec, de connaître la vie et la quête d’une femme, Sabina, qui semble avoir vécu avant l’arrivée de Jésus et qui a des messages à transmettre. Elle a parcouru le monde à la recherche du Sauveur, un Juste, qu’elle a rencontré lorsqu’elle était enfant à Antioche. Au cours de son périple, de ses rencontres, elle va rencontrer des personnes qui lui permettront d’avancer d’un point de vue spirituel, humain et en tant que femme, même si elle expérimentera des expériences très difficiles. Le lecteur apprend que les femmes avaient énormément de pouvoir. Elles étaient les égales des hommes. Mais cela va à l’encontre de ce que prêche l’Eglise depuis des décennies qui veut éviter tout chaos.
Barbara Wood sait mêler les faits historiques avec des faits actuels. En effet, Le roman La prophétesse se situe à l’aube des années 2000 et cette fameuse apocalypse annoncée avec le passage au niveau millénaire. Le roman est très entraînant, les personnages bien travaillés, notamment la relation entre Catherine et Michaël. Catherine s’est toujours plus ou moins méfié. Qui est cet homme, ce prêtre, qui transporte avec lui des cannes de combat ? Elle apprendra réellement qui il est et ce qu’il fait. Il aura un rôle de protecteur vis-à-vis d’elle. Outre l’attirance physique, ils sauront échanger sur leurs traumatismes. Cette quête est rondement menée et mêle toutes les actions nécessaires pour indiquer l’urgence, la quête. Même si j’ai eu beaucoup de plaisir à lire ce roman, ce n’est pas forcément un coup de coeur.
1999, Catherine est archéologue. Elle doit retrouver le 7ème manuscrit. Elle a dû changer d’identité. son apparence. Elle doit vivre cachée pour rester en vie.
Retour 22 jours avant, le 14 décembre, Catherine est au Caire pour effectuer des fouilles, pour trouver un puits et les informations sur la prophétesse Meriam.
Avis La prophétesse de Barbara Wood
Catherine Alexander est archéologue. Elle est en Egypte pour effecteur des fouilles. Son chantier est très proche de celui de la construction d’un complexe hôtelier. Lors d’un dynamitage, elle fait tout stopper car elle découvre un élément historique. Elle va mener des fouilles plus approfondies dans une galerie et trouvera un panier qui renferme des papyrus. Cela se sait très vite et Catherine décide de quitter l’Egypte, en catimini et de ramener clandestinement aux Etats-Unis ces papyrus pour les étudier.
Catherine se retrouve très vite en danger. Son meilleur ami est assassiné. Elle ne trouve son salut qu’en la présence d’un homme qu’elle a rencontré en Egypte. C’est un prêtre. Catherine commence à éprouver des sentiments et une attirance physique pour cet homme. Mais elle éprouve aussi une répulsion pour ce qu’il représente car Catherine n’a plus la foi, depuis la mort de sa mère, femme très érudite dont les travaux ont tous été vilipendés par les hautes instances dont l’Eglise.
Catherine et Michaël vont donc parcourir les Etats-Unis dans une véritable chasse à la femme. Elle est soupçonnée par la police, le FBI. Miles, un homme très riche, veut mettre la main sur ces papyrus et il a engagé toutes les actions et les ressources afin que cela lui soit donné, même si Catherine doit en mourir. L’Eglise est également sur le coup car cela anéantirait tout ce qu’elle prêche depuis des siècles et l’Evangile. Mais Catherine veut étudier les papyrus, retrouver ce fameux septième papyrus qui donnerait la vie éternelle et surtout réhabiliter sa mère.
Toutes les communications Internet sont surveillées, donc toutes les recherches effectuées par Catherine et Michaël. Cela permet de donner à ses poursuivants toutes ses positions au fur et à mesure de ses fuites. Ses achats via carte bancaire donnent également ses positions. Malgré tout, ils arriveront à avoir toujours un peu d’avance en étant extrêmement prudents. Cela leur permettra d’étudier ces six papyrus écrits en grec, de connaître la vie et la quête d’une femme, Sabina, qui semble avoir vécu avant l’arrivée de Jésus et qui a des messages à transmettre. Elle a parcouru le monde à la recherche du Sauveur, un Juste, qu’elle a rencontré lorsqu’elle était enfant à Antioche. Au cours de son périple, de ses rencontres, elle va rencontrer des personnes qui lui permettront d’avancer d’un point de vue spirituel, humain et en tant que femme, même si elle expérimentera des expériences très difficiles. Le lecteur apprend que les femmes avaient énormément de pouvoir. Elles étaient les égales des hommes. Mais cela va à l’encontre de ce que prêche l’Eglise depuis des décennies qui veut éviter tout chaos.
Barbara Wood sait mêler les faits historiques avec des faits actuels. En effet, Le roman La prophétesse se situe à l’aube des années 2000 et cette fameuse apocalypse annoncée avec le passage au niveau millénaire. Le roman est très entraînant, les personnages bien travaillés, notamment la relation entre Catherine et Michaël. Catherine s’est toujours plus ou moins méfié. Qui est cet homme, ce prêtre, qui transporte avec lui des cannes de combat ? Elle apprendra réellement qui il est et ce qu’il fait. Il aura un rôle de protecteur vis-à-vis d’elle. Outre l’attirance physique, ils sauront échanger sur leurs traumatismes. Cette quête est rondement menée et mêle toutes les actions nécessaires pour indiquer l’urgence, la quête. Même si j’ai eu beaucoup de plaisir à lire ce roman, ce n’est pas forcément un coup de coeur.
May 8, 2019
Kirkus Reviews
An entertaining suspense thriller, set during the last days of 1999 and featuring the discovery of ancient, explosive religious revelations in a series of scrolls. Wood has dealt previously with the spiritual odysseys of feisty females (The Dreaming, 1991, etc.), as well as with archaeological adventures. But this is also a tale of a pair on the run, and their adventures carry the story beyond its preachments, however worthy. Catherine Alexander, an enterprising archaeologist with feminist scores to settle- -principally with the Catholic Church--finds in her Sinai dig six ancient papyrus scrolls containing not only the name of Jesus but also pointing to the possibility of
women priests in the early church. To protect her finds from a greedy establishment, Catherine decides to smuggle them out of the country and enlists the help of her old friend Daniel, another archaeologist. To her dismay and puzzlement, it is a handsome young priest, Fr. Michael Garibaldi, who in turn comes to the pair's aid as a number of enemies close in. Among the pursuers eager for the scrolls: mega mouth Miles Havers, the ultimate collector, and his lethal hirelings; the Catholic Church; the Egyptian government; and then, following Daniel's death, the state police of California. There will be two murders, pursuits and escapes, and deadly games via cyberspace as Havers's brilliant computer expert gleefully surfs to find Catherine and the priest. Between alarms (and a bit of forbidden passion) and mutual confessions, Catherine translates the six scrolls--the account of a first century woman who had travelled the known world searching for · ·the Righteous One." Visits to a quiet cloister (and its secrets) in Vermont and a Vatican necropolis lead to the discovery of a revelatory Seventh Scroll. The religious message here- mainstream unitarian with a mere whiff of New Age--is benign and appealing, but the pace is set by that ' ' pair of daring adventurers running through cyberspace . . . defying death, going for the prize." Fox and hounds with uplift.
An entertaining suspense thriller, set during the last days of 1999 and featuring the discovery of ancient, explosive religious revelations in a series of scrolls. Wood has dealt previously with the spiritual odysseys of feisty females (The Dreaming, 1991, etc.), as well as with archaeological adventures. But this is also a tale of a pair on the run, and their adventures carry the story beyond its preachments, however worthy. Catherine Alexander, an enterprising archaeologist with feminist scores to settle- -principally with the Catholic Church--finds in her Sinai dig six ancient papyrus scrolls containing not only the name of Jesus but also pointing to the possibility of
women priests in the early church. To protect her finds from a greedy establishment, Catherine decides to smuggle them out of the country and enlists the help of her old friend Daniel, another archaeologist. To her dismay and puzzlement, it is a handsome young priest, Fr. Michael Garibaldi, who in turn comes to the pair's aid as a number of enemies close in. Among the pursuers eager for the scrolls: mega mouth Miles Havers, the ultimate collector, and his lethal hirelings; the Catholic Church; the Egyptian government; and then, following Daniel's death, the state police of California. There will be two murders, pursuits and escapes, and deadly games via cyberspace as Havers's brilliant computer expert gleefully surfs to find Catherine and the priest. Between alarms (and a bit of forbidden passion) and mutual confessions, Catherine translates the six scrolls--the account of a first century woman who had travelled the known world searching for · ·the Righteous One." Visits to a quiet cloister (and its secrets) in Vermont and a Vatican necropolis lead to the discovery of a revelatory Seventh Scroll. The religious message here- mainstream unitarian with a mere whiff of New Age--is benign and appealing, but the pace is set by that ' ' pair of daring adventurers running through cyberspace . . . defying death, going for the prize." Fox and hounds with uplift.
July 6, 2019
3.5* I had read several historical fiction titles by Wood in the past and enjoyed them. This one was more contemporary and I classified it as a feminist “science thriller” with an archaeologist on the run to protect and understand the ancient scrolls she had discovered, pursued by agents of a wealthy tech giant and those of the Church bent on obtaining the artifacts; one for personal greed and the other to protect the status quo.
The setting is the last few days before the millennium, a time of portents and fear of Armageddon. The book very much brought back memories of all the Y2K prep and procedures we had to develop to prevent predicted catastrophes (computer meltdowns! Communications screwups! Financial chaos!) that never happened.
The scrolls, if authentic, are by a very early follower of Jesus who also appeared to be priest and a woman, contradicting later patriarchal teachings that dismiss the agency of women in the church. The book besides the feminist revelations is full of religious thought-with the scrolls basically teaching that all religions are the same- with a never ending round of revelations of that Truth to the world. Deep thought.
There was one “Easter egg” that I found amusing: the archaeologist is in a computer store where there is a frenzy of people waiting for the release of a new operating system by the tech giant’s company. People are rushing to buy new games, etc to use with the new software. Many of the women are buying an interactive romance game called Butterfly3. Wood wrote a series of semi-erotic novels under the pseudonym Kathryn Harvey the first of which is called Butterfly
The setting is the last few days before the millennium, a time of portents and fear of Armageddon. The book very much brought back memories of all the Y2K prep and procedures we had to develop to prevent predicted catastrophes (computer meltdowns! Communications screwups! Financial chaos!) that never happened.
The scrolls, if authentic, are by a very early follower of Jesus who also appeared to be priest and a woman, contradicting later patriarchal teachings that dismiss the agency of women in the church. The book besides the feminist revelations is full of religious thought-with the scrolls basically teaching that all religions are the same- with a never ending round of revelations of that Truth to the world. Deep thought.
There was one “Easter egg” that I found amusing: the archaeologist is in a computer store where there is a frenzy of people waiting for the release of a new operating system by the tech giant’s company. People are rushing to buy new games, etc to use with the new software. Many of the women are buying an interactive romance game called Butterfly3. Wood wrote a series of semi-erotic novels under the pseudonym Kathryn Harvey the first of which is called Butterfly
July 30, 2025
When I first read this book a decade or two ago, it had a considerable impact. Reading it again all these years later, I realise it is a product of its time, in particular in terms of some of the New Age spiritual/religious ideas expressed by the "the prophetess" of the title. She is a woman of in search of the teacher she once heard preach, and whose historicity her parchment scrolls may be able to finally prove existed. It is the quest for these scrolls by 20th century archaeologist Catherine Alexander, and the competing interests of other parties, including the Catholic Church, which provides the action for the novel.
It's an intriguing story, and the ideas expressed by the prophetess, whether its Sabina of the past, or Catherine of the present, are still relevant to this day. Every so often it pays to revisit them, and I'm glad I did.
It's an intriguing story, and the ideas expressed by the prophetess, whether its Sabina of the past, or Catherine of the present, are still relevant to this day. Every so often it pays to revisit them, and I'm glad I did.
March 9, 2018
Catherine Alexander se ve envuelta en el descubrimiento de unos rollos de papiro en la península del Sinaí. Cree que hacen parte de algo que ha buscado desde hace tiempo, y hace lo que sea para protegerlos.
El libro es entretenido, sin embargo, se vuelve predecible y en cierta forma el final queda abierto, uno se queda con la duda de realmente qué rumbo toma la protagonista.
El libro es entretenido, sin embargo, se vuelve predecible y en cierta forma el final queda abierto, uno se queda con la duda de realmente qué rumbo toma la protagonista.
November 2, 2018
Really enjoyed this book! Historical fiction and a thriller in one. Reminded me a little of Dan Brown and a little of James Michener in terms of writing style, imagery, and story lines. This was one of those books I couldn’t wait to get back to when I had to put it down. Highly recommended if you’re into slightly religious historical fiction.
August 13, 2023
Rediscovered this Author
I was looking at some of my favorite Hard cover books collected over the years. One of my all time favs is the Blessing Stone by Barbara Wood. I searched for other books and found I own 3 or 4 more and I just added this one. Love the many varied subjects and lively, well written tales she spins. Her books have Heart & Soul. Thank You!
I was looking at some of my favorite Hard cover books collected over the years. One of my all time favs is the Blessing Stone by Barbara Wood. I searched for other books and found I own 3 or 4 more and I just added this one. Love the many varied subjects and lively, well written tales she spins. Her books have Heart & Soul. Thank You!
November 19, 2017
You know, this book wasn't too bad. It was a fun adventure, and it was fun to read.
For me personally is was a bit to religious for my liking. I can handle religious things, but this book is literally based around religion so I just got kinda... sick of it by the end.
Still though. A fun romp.
For me personally is was a bit to religious for my liking. I can handle religious things, but this book is literally based around religion so I just got kinda... sick of it by the end.
Still though. A fun romp.
June 26, 2021
Es un libro entretenido, lo que más me interesaba era saber que contenían los papiros y la relevancia que tenía la traducción, además de que encontré que tuvo un buen final, pero tampoco me encantó, me costó enganchar con los personajes y tuve un poco de conflicto con el romance.
October 13, 2018
Un libro muy entretenido de principio a fin
March 23, 2019
Sehr spannend. Toller Schreibstil. Einfach unglaublich gut
September 11, 2021
Full of suspense, history, myth, and legend. A wild ride around the world both in the past and at the turn of the millennium. A great read!
October 7, 2021
I have read this book three times...
and know that I will read it again in the future. I rarely read books more than once, but this book is different.
and know that I will read it again in the future. I rarely read books more than once, but this book is different.
May 31, 2022
El libro en general me gustó, es entretenido e interesante. Le doy 2 estrellas nada más porque me parece que le faltó amarrar mejor el final, hubo cosas que quedaron inconclusas y eso le restó peso.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews