Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc

De: Katherine J. Chen

Narrado por: 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.

©2022 Katherine J. Chen (P)2022 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“An elegant and engaging work of historical fiction . . . Making [Joan of Arc] real requires imagination and empathy, and Chen brings both to the task. . . .” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Revolutionary . . . Chen masterfully transforms the two-dimensional martyr into a multifaceted woman and warrior.” —Booklist (starred review)

“A smartly written rendition of the life of Joan of Arc . . . Like the passionate protagonist, this [book] is a force to be reckoned with.” —Publishers Weekly

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.

learned something

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

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.

Transporting

The writer and narrator transports you into the story where you see, taste, smell and feel every word. This is why I buy audio books.

One of the best books of the year

Initially I thought perhaps this novel was too lyrical for me to enjoy as an audiobook as I tend to do better reading literary fiction with my eyes. Even though the narration is SUPERB, the first part was a slower pace - beautifully written, but less action as we explore the early years of Joan’s life. However, once the action picks up, it is page turning tension with incredible scenes of stunning heroism AND feminism that existed in a time before it was a word. It inspired me to search up all the players and revisit some of the history. It is true, Joan D’Arc will never die. Katherine Chen has written a stunning, epic story of a legend and hero for all time.

Fascinating Story

Well written and researched even though it is a fictional story it was captivating throughout. The narrator was perfect for this presentation.

Literary Fiction at its Best

Chin’s eloquent prose—narrated by Morrish’s silky, mesmerizing voice—make for a literary experience worthy of the highest praise. We all know how Joan’s story ends. Here are the personal, political, and emotional elements that come before. Simply stunning.

Incredible historical fiction masterpiece!

Katherine Chen made me feel like I was in the 15th Century..and every year Joan lived. Every day, every thought, to include those around her; family, peasants, nobility, her squire and pages, friends and comrads. The harshest and cruelest characters, men of the cloth, had made a living hell for centuries, putting the fear of God, money and power over entire countries and its people. Women like Joan, and men like her closest companions never feared their wrath. The narration was absolutely 💯 perfect for every character! I am going to listen to this book several more times as I am sure in my excitement, I missed opportunities for the perfect prose and writings by Katherine Chen. Thank you for this meaningful novel!

A masterful, moving portrayal beyond all my expectations

I had hoped to learn more about this woman, whom I knew in name only. Being woefully lacking in the knowledge of French history, I thought this might be a painless way to learn more about this time 100 years before the reign of Henry VIII. And it was that but so much more. Told through the eyes of Joan of Arc, it was viscerally real and immediate. Squalor, hardship, sacrifice, cruelty - all intimately felt. “Read” and revel in the authenticity of every vivid scene. I felt right by her side from beginning to end. Exhilarating. Amazing.
I will now see what else Katherine Chen has for me.

Interesting Version of History

I don't know how much of this version of Joan D'Arc's story is true, but it was a fascinating version of what might have been. This Joan is tough, a warrior and a leader. She had a hard life, was briefly a favorite of the king she helped crown, and died at a very young age.