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

Two things struck me when I started this book. 1) How STUNNING the cover is and 2) this is the fourth book I’ve read from Emily Maguire and I cannot get over how vast her range is.

RAPTURE is a rich delving into historical fiction with a feminist twist, following an incredibly imaginative telling of the historical myth about Pope Joan (cue lots of google rabbit holes). Taking place in the 9th century, there’s Agnes, whose love of learning sees her disguise herself as a man and rise through the ranks of the Vatican.

This is historical fiction done incredibly well. But what I loved most about it was Agnes character, so complex, richly drawn and fully brought to life. She’s living her life on her own terms (within the confines of the time) and beating men at their own game. But there’s also a near constant opposition between her outward appearance, her devotion and commitment to her faith and her inner emotional fallibilities and sensibilities as a human, and as a woman. There were so many sharp observations about all of these things that still feel so relevant today.

I could waffle on about how GREAT this book is forever - an insta caption does not do it justice. Loved it. Go get it. Thanks to @allenandunwin and @netgalley for sharing an early copy with me - it’s out now

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.

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.

*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 doesn’t get 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.

This is a very interesting book about Agnes and her life as a person whom she is not. She transforms herself and lives the life of a man in a time when women where to be wives, mothers or nuns. It is a very interesting story and read but I did find it a bit full on and hard to read at times. The concept of the story is different but it is well written and worth the read.

It is a good book to get your teeth stuck into and will keep you on your toes throughout. Well worth the read.

Thank you NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a beautifully written study of what it must have been like living in the early 1800's as a woman unable to choose your own life and being forced to live within the confines of a world where every choice is made for you by men. So Agnes dresses as a man and escapes into the world of monks to learn what she as a woman is denied.
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and I loved learning about this period of history. Emily puts the reader right into the story from the start. Loved it.

A delightful historical tale, Rapture (2024) by Emily Maguire begins in 1821 Mainz. Agnes is the daughter raised alone, by a man known by locals as the English Priest. Hers is an idyllic childhood, able to roam free in the local forest and taught to read by her father, who allows her personality to shine. When a young visiting Benedictine monk befriends Agnes, he further educates her and eventually moves her to a monastery so she can study the classic religious texts. A gentle engaging narrative that then reveals Agnes’s life and journeys as she becomes a learned and powerful figure. This literary historical fiction novel has some interesting themes at its core and yet, it is a truly congenial read with a four and a half star rating. With thanks to Allen & Unwin and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.

In her seventh novel, Rapture, Australian author Emily Maguire takes readers to ninth century Europe and a story that feels like it could almost be true. The story, of a woman who dresses as a man to enter a monastic order does have its roots in both reality and myth. Only in the case, the heights which Maguire’s protagonist reaches may start to stretch credulity.
Rapture opens in the city of Mainz in 821. Agnes is a young girl, raised by her father, a travelling preacher known as ‘the English Priest’ after the death of her mother in childbirth. Agnes is taught to read and write and also learns by hiding under the table when her father has guests. One of those guests, the Benedictine monk Randulf, treats her with respect, but also lusts after her. And after her father dies, Randulf suggests she dresses as a man and accompany him back to his monastery. Thus begins Agnes’ journey as John, a pious man to the world, her deception only known to Randulf who continues to carry a torch for her.
Rapture follows Agnes’ physical and spiritual journey across Europe to Athens and eventually to Rome and the offices of the Papacy. Agnes lives a devout life, eschewing temptation when it comes to her, but using her reactions to understand and teach the people around her. And it is her devotion and belief, her compassion for the poor, that makes her stand out among the debauchery and corruption of Rome more than anything else.
Agnes is a character both of her time and ahead of her time. But she is also intensely human. Despite her devotion to her calling she is still feels the stirrings of desire, desires which many of her fellow monks freely give themselves to. And interestingly, finds her connection to her faith strengthened when she accepts those desires rather than faking it.
Maguire effectively renders the medieval era in which Agnes lives – the sights, the smells the food, the people, the political ructions and wars. But she also explores the difficulties of literally being a woman in a man’s world. Of having to do better and be better than those around her. Agnes’ story may not be true but it is fascinating to consider the ramification for history if it was.

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