Like the passionate protagonist, this is a force to be reckoned with. 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. While some readers may question Chen’s reimagining of Joan’s character, she does a wonderful job depicting Joan’s soldier mentality and fierce heart. Chen incorporates a plethora of courtiers and clergy, knights, soldiers, and common folk into her vivid scenes, whether a village fair at Vaucouleurs or the daily struggles in war-torn France. Contrary to common depictions of Joan as a religious fanatic, Chen’s Joan is a secularized heroine whose relationship to God amounts to “bargaining” and whose very human nature sweeps her up in rivalries at court. As Joan grows up and becomes more skilled with weaponry, she seeks to fight for Charles VII, finally meeting him and working her way toward being the head of the French army. This deeply 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. Joan’s simple life is soon transformed by her encounter with major historical events after 17-year-old Charles VII, heir to the French throne, is removed from France’s line of succession by his father Charles VI and Henry V of England. If every generation gets the Joan it deserves, ours could do worse than an ass-kicking, avenging angel. 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. The story begins with Joan at 10, growing up in a large family in the French village of Domrémy and raised by her abusive father, Jacques. Unfortunately, Katherine Chen is unable to attend this year’s festival, but she will return via Zoom on November 2 for a virtual discussion of her new book. Chen ( Mary B) offers a smartly written rendition of the life of Joan of Arc (1412–1431). Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc (Penguin Random House, 2022).

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