A review by xxstefaniereadsxx
Mistress of the Vatican: The True Story of Olimpia Maidalchini: The Secret Female Pope by Eleanor Herman

informative slow-paced

3.0

 This book is about Olimpia Maidalchini, who was the sister in law and (very) likely lover of the Pope, Innocent X. In all actuality, she was the Pope. She had her hand in policy making and entertaining both the church and nobles. She lined her pockets with church funds and bought expensive art works and commissions. I love Eleanor Herman, and am looking forward to reading more of her works. She does a great job with her research and her story telling. I liked this one, in particular, because I like learning about women in history.