Eva Runker examines 43 popular historical novels set in the Early Middle Ages for their portrayal of Christian life (Christianization, monasticism, marriage), and compares the findings with the results of research on the Early Middle Ages. As part of Medievalism in popular culture, these current, commercially highly successful novels provide access to history and literature for a broad audience. The novels paint a picture of the Middle Ages as being dark, scandalous and decorated with religion. The foreign backdrop and exotic plot appear familiar due to modern-thinking characters. The novels reflect characteristics of contemporary religiosity such as individualization, holistic approach, criticism of institutions, (self-)empowerment of women and the fragility of life paths.