“‘I believe God crafted the sound of a woman’s scream,’ she says, ‘to pierce the heart and test our humanity, whether we still have it or whether we have left it behind.’”
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Joan of Arc is one of the great feminist icons and holy figures in all of humanity. Katherine Chen tells us her story as if she were Arya Stark growing into Brienne of Tarth and I’m here for it. As a young girl she faces many hardships, including a father that despises her because she is not a boy. She spends as much time as she can outside of the home making friends, learning trades and collecting useful items. After she witnesses the death of a neighborhood boy she begins to grow up before her time hardening herself for an even harder life ahead.
Her wiles, her strengths and her pure heart bring her to the court of the Dauphin where she pledges her fealty and presses to become a knight. Although the story claims to be secular, the force of God propels her and the king forward in their decisions as they look for a way for the French to defeat the English. We hear as Joan really battles to become a woman outside her time, what she must sacrifice and how her legend grows. She was a very powerful political influence as well as a forceful soldier. There are several graphic battles described so fear not if historical fiction alone is not your thing, there is some serious action in this one. As with all stories of power, it’s a bit tough to watch the fall although we all know how this one ends in tragedy.
Thanks to Netgalley for advanced access to this one. All opinions above are my own.
Any new releases coming out today that you’re excited for?
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