Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

By: Mark Twain

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 14 hrs

Publisher's summary

Joan of Arc's life and her accomplishments, as seen through the eyes of her childhood friend, are described with irony and brilliant insight into human nature. This was Twain's last book and he considered it to be his best.

©1991 Audio book Contractors, LLC (P)2014 Audio Book Contractors, LLC

One of the most important books ever written

Without a doubt, God inspired Joan of Arc, and also without a doubt, God inspired Mark Twain to write this book. What an amazing life and a tragic end. Of course, a life such as Joan led must be sealed by her death to preserve her testimony and protect her faithfulness for all time and eternity. What an example of faithfulness. The only other book I have listened to on par with this kind of faith is "God's Smuggler" by Brother Andrew. Amazing stories. Wonderful narrator as well.

An easy read

All along the story, from the point of view of Joan's friend, we come with, but reading the ending was hard. I took a month pause before going to the final chapters.

Splendid history through master storytelling

I was pleased to discover this book by Mark Twain; I had not known about it until recently. Writing as if he was translating the memoirs of Louis De Conte, Joan of Arc's page and secretary, Twain weaves her history and legend together in a beautiful story. And, he does it complete with the humor, satire, and biting commentary you would expect from Twain. The narrator, Grover Gardner, plays the part of eyewitness convincingly. One of the best read books I've heard in a while.

entertaining and inspirational

I struggled a bit with the many details which I am otherwise unfamiliar with. But I enjoyed the human aspect of the story and recommend the book

A enjoyable recount of an inspiring figure

A recounting of the life of Joan of Arc by master story teller Mark Twain, who adds more personality and attachment than a professor recounting history could. The narrative is presented in a clear, entertaining and personal way, we follow Joan throughout her journey through the eyes of a friend.

From her simple upbringing in a village, she was clever, rational, caring and devout. Given a mission from God this simple girl would lead the French army to many victories only to be betrayed and unjustly persecuted.

It does a good job showing how a girl of 17 manage to convince a king and officers to let her lead troops. Then shows how her actions and deeds inspired her troops and eventually a country. Yet never forgetting to remind us that she is just young girl given an extraordinary responsibility.

While necessary, the military campaign covered is long and is the weakest part as I wanted to just get through it. Personally I found the trials at the end the gem of the book and her life. We see how this uneducated girl, without any counsel, put through physical and mental extremes is able to survive and outwit numerous attacks on her character and action. Despite multiple trails with the opposition using tricks, deceit and extreme prejudice actions that is mind boggling to believe. With history as foresight we get to see what was really going on.

If your curious about Joan of Arc, like European history, trials, period pieces or personal journey of an inspiring figure, give it a read.

Pleasantly Surprised: Mark Twain’s Serious Treatment of Joan of Arc

Didn’t know if Twain would write on this subject sarcastically, comically, or whimsically. Was pleasantly surprised he wrote of Joan of Arc with great respect. Expertly narrated. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Really excellent!

I was very surprised to learn this book was written by Mark Twain given the subject matter.. But I found it absolutely entrancing.
I guess i never paid attention in history class, because I knew next to nothing about Joan of Arc before I listened to this book. What a story!

This was a wonderful book of a true historical character, written with much detail. Reads more like a novel than a history book.
Just lovely.
I am a huge Twain fan, but this is certainly my favorite and I see why many consider it his best. I am one of those.

Grover Gardner does an excellent job as narrator. I remember complaining a bit about his voice in the first book I listened to him narrate. But I have changed my mind on him and become a fan of his, too. Great job Grover!

Captivating

The narration in this audiobook was my absolute favorite. The subtle changes in his tone were perfectly applied to each character without being overdone once. The story of Joan of Arc will live with me forever.

Two great historical figures

What made the experience of listening to Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc the most enjoyable?

Mark Twain's writing. He is such a well known writer I had never realized how GOOD he actually was.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc?

Only one?? I would guess the final trial when she broke in fear of the stake and burning.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

One of the reasons i like audio books is the ability to hear foreign words and phrases. The narrator did a great job with the French adding to the richness of an already rich story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I never wanted it to end.

Any additional comments?

Twain is a humorist and he was able to bring some humor into this great tradgedy of perhaps the first feminist . Joan was indeed a saint. And I loved Twain wrote it for his wife who was, to me a previously unheard of person.

Don't rush it!

With Mark Twain it is the language, and by listening at 95% speed, the rushed and frantic quality of the narration was completely eliminated.