Lieutenant Nun offers a fascinating glimpse into the audacious life of Catalina de Erauso, blending historical intrigue with themes of gender identity. While some readers appreciate the adventurous narrative and its transgender context, others find the authenticity of the account debatable. The book raises questions about identity and historical narrative authenticity.

Readers who enjoy Lieutenant Nun are intrigued by historical adventures, gender identity exploration, and cross-dressing narratives. Fans of The Memoirs of Herculine Barbin or Pope Joan will appreciate its blend of history and personal transformation, set against a vibrant 17th-century backdrop.

Lieutenant Nun: The True Story of a Cross-Dressing, Transatlantic Adventurer Who Escaped From a Spanish Convent in 1599 and Lived as a Man by Michele Stepto and Gabri Stepto explores the remarkable life of Catalina de Erauso, who escaped from a convent, adopted a male identity, and embarked on adventurous journeys across the Atlantic, challenging gender norms and societal expectations of the 17th century.

Adventurous / Mysterious / Gritty / Inspirational / Suspenseful

- Catalina de Erauso, also known as the "Lieutenant Nun," was a Basque noblewoman who chose to live part of her life disguised as a man and became a soldier in the Spanish colonial forces in South America.
- Catalina de Erauso was one of the first known transgender figures in European history; she lived in the 17th century and eventually gained special permission from the Pope to dress as a man.
- Lieutenant Nun: Memoir of a Basque Transvestite in the New World is an autobiographical account that offers a rare glimpse into the gender and colonial dynamics of the 17th century.

**Catalina de Erauso**  
The author and narrator who escapes a convent, disguises herself as a man, and travels South America, engaging in various adventures and conflicts while embracing a masculine identity.  
  
**Miguel de Erauso**  
Catalina's brother who unknowingly meets and bonds with her while they are both in the military in South America, contributing to key narrative developments.  
  
**Bishop Agustín de Carvajal**  
The senior bishop of Guamanga to whom Catalina confesses her true identity, affecting a major turning point in her life and story.  
  
**Doña Beatriz de Cárdenas**  
A woman of rank who interacts with Catalina through her frequent purchases and forward behavior, adding a layer of humor with her advances.  
  
**The Cid**  
A formidable opponent known for his physical prowess and silent demeanor, his encounter with Catalina leads to significant consequences in her story.

Catalina de Erauso

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Lieutenant Nun reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Lieutenant Nun | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Lieutenant Nun and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Lieutenant Nun Summary and Study Guide

Background

Lieutenant Nun Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Lieutenant Nun Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Lieutenant Nun Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Lieutenant Nun Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

Lieutenant Nun Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-26

Lieutenant Nun Chapters 20-26 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Lieutenant Nun Key Figures

theme

Themes

Lieutenant Nun Themes

Index of Terms

Lieutenant Nun Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Lieutenant Nun Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Lieutenant Nun Essay Topics

Lieutenant Nun

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Lieutenant Nun?

Reading Age

Book Details