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Title details for Joan by Katherine J. Chen - Available

Joan

A Novel of Joan of Arc

by Katherine J. Chen
Hannah Morrish
Audiobook
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1 of 1 copy available
“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.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    July 5, 2022

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780593605974
      • File size: 406508 KB
      • Duration: 14:06:53

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Hannah Morrish's staggering performance as Joan enhances Chen's wonderful novel. We all know the story of Joan of Arc, the French teenager who led the Dauphin's army to victories before being burned at the stake as a heretic. Morrish is English, not French, but it doesn't matter a whit; her mastery of expressing class and emotion is stunning. Joan, who is taller than most men, becomes a scrappy fighter to defend herself against her abusive father, and she is fiercely loyal to her older sister. Morrish adopts an accent for Joan that incorporates her unsophisticated background and finds pacing that exhibits her passion and warrior soul. She also develops a plethora of character voices for soldiers, townspeople, and noblemen; the Dauphin's ambition to be king in spite of his lack of leadership qualities is clearly apparent. A.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      September 1, 2022

      Chen (Mary B.) follows the rise and fall of one of the most influential women in history. Joan of Arc is often remembered as a great saint of the Church, but Chen humanized the legendary figure. Losing a decades-long war with England, France in 1412 has starving citizens and a king in hiding. Young Joan, the daughter of an abusive father, but with a strong will, rises up to lead the French army. Her strong leadership, while lauded, is also her downfall, and it will be remembered for centuries to come. Through meticulous research, Chen has crafted a gripping novel of political intrigue that brings the secular Joan of Arc to life, growing from a headstrong girl into a woman who stands in her own right. VERDICT Frequent readers of historical fiction will enjoy this well-researched novel, beautifully read by Hannah Moorish who deftly handles the often-conflicting emotions of a young woman thrust into power. A perfect addition to any historical fiction collection.--Elyssa Everling

      Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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