Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc

By: Katherine J. Chen

Narrated by: Hannah Morrish

Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

“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

Critic reviews

“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

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.

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.

Fascinating heroine

I’ve always known something of Joan of Arc. This book gave her tremendous depth, and such insight into why she may have been how she was. The king at the end says something like “Do you think anyone will remember you?” Thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Great novel! Authentic and inspiring.

I enjoyed this book immensely. Very inspiring, beautiful prose, but not too sentimental. Great imagination by the author.

Bravery

I learned a great deal more about this historical person through this book and how she developed into the person she became.

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.

Strong historical fiction

I learned a lot. Was interesting, colorful and heartwarming. I recommend it for historical fiction readers

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.