Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc

By: Katherine J. Chen

Narrated by: Hannah Morrish

“This is not your grandmother’s St. Joan. . . . If every generation gets the Joan it deserves, ours could do worse than an ass-kicking, avenging angel fighting simply for the right to fight.”—The New York Times Book Review

WINNER OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY IN PARIS BOOK AWARD • “It is as if Chen has crept inside a statue and breathed a soul into it, re-creating Joan of Arc as a woman for our time.”—Hilary Mantel, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Booker Prize winner Wolf Hall

“A secular reimagining and feminist celebration of the life of Joan of Arc that transforms the legendary saint into a flawed yet undeniable young woman.”—USA Today

1412. France is mired in a losing war against England. Its people are starving. Its king is in hiding. From this chaos emerges a teenage girl who will turn the tide of battle and lead the French to victory, becoming an unlikely hero whose name will echo across the centuries.

In Katherine J. Chen’s hands, the myth and legend of Joan of Arc is transformed into a flesh-and-blood young woman: reckless, steel-willed, and brilliant. This meticulously researched novel is a sweeping narrative of her life, from a childhood steeped in both joy and violence, to her meteoric rise to fame at the head of the French army, where she navigates the perils of the battlefield and the equally treacherous politics of the royal court. Many are threatened by a woman who leads, and Joan draws wrath and suspicion from all corners, while her first taste of fame and glory leaves her vulnerable to her own powerful ambition.

With unforgettably vivid characters, transporting settings, and action-packed storytelling, Joan is a thrilling epic, a triumph of historical fiction, as well as a feminist celebration of one remarkable—and remarkably real—woman who left an indelible mark on history.

learned something

well written interesting read. I learned things about joan d'arc that I did not know. not sure about the veracity.

Fascinating, Beautifully written

It took me ages to finish this book because I simply did not want to reach the end. As a French reader, I felt like Joan was holding my hand and taking me for a stroll while telling me her own story . This book is not only fascinating, it is also very beautifully written as some passages are akin to lyrical poems . Now I have finally reached the end, and I'm going to visit Domrémy - la pucelle , Joan's birthplace because I just don't want the stroll to stop yet.

Well narrated, intriguing historical novel!

This novel was well written and developed. The characters are relatable and the text is engaging. A great listen all the way through.

Biased

The storytelling crafted is interesting, and helps you feel that you are there with the characters. I have enjoyed listening to the story. But the author completely removes a critical element to Joan’s life, namely her faith. It portrays all those that believe in God as weak, and says that Joan doesn’t believe in God. The author’s own biases show through the narrative of Joan’s supposed thoughts about God. The author portrays Joan as using God as a gimmick to motivate people.

Overall the author does a good job of storytelling. The narrator is good as well. Just remember that this is a book of fiction based loosely on history.

Joan is absolutely worth your time and attention

Joan reads like an epic of old, it is lyrical and philosophical, and depicts people larger than could ever have been. And yet, they were(?)

I dreaded the end, knowing history. But I should have been more trusting, the ending was as good as it could have been.