Think you know her? Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc

A Novel

by Katherine J. Chen

I love reading historical fiction so was beyond thrilled when the publisher offered me an ARC of this title. To be sure, this book did NOT disappoint.

Just about everyone knows the arc (apologies for the pun) of Joan’s story…but, who was she before she was burned at the stake? What led her to lead armies? What happened in Joan’s personal life (there were difficulties) that led to the path that she undertook?

In this novel, Joan, starting at age ten, and her time period are brought to remarkable life. Readers will be immersed in a time and place that will leave a deep impression. Joan, too, will be someone that the reader will be honored to know.

I recently heard the author interviewed on NPR. Look for this if you can. She speaks of how the story was characterized, why she ended it where she did, and how elements from her own life influenced her writing.

Lovers of historical fiction, this may be your book of 2022.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 Jul 2022

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“In this compelling novel, Katherine J. Chen presents her vision of Joan of Arc: one of courage, resilience, vulnerability and passion. This is a beautifully written novel that will have you thinking about this iconic woman in new and complex ways.”—Ms. Magazine

“An epic take on the life of Joan of Arc, Chen’s Joan reimagines the martyr as a secular, fierce, intelligent young warrior and woman, humanized and ripe for our time.”—Parade

“We all know the story of teenage Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake by the English, but this electrifying novel fleshes her out as a passionate young woman who defied convention (and then some!). A vivid and very real slice of historical fiction that tears along towards her fateful ending.” —Good Housekeeping (UK)