We all know a little bit about Joan of Arc - the brave teenage girl who took up a sword for God and country. Katherine J. Chen peels back the layers like an onion to discover the person behind the legend. Joan suffered an incredible amount of abuse as a child and teen from her father, brothers and villagers. The only person who cared for her was her older sister who died after being raped by foreign soldiers. This in part drove Joan to avenge her sister and help unite France by becoming a warrior. She was a giantess, physically strong and tough from years of abuse as well as being fascinated by weapons and war from an early age clearly a novelty. The Middle Ages was brutal with disease, war and violence ending most lives early and Joan soon sees that she has as much to fear from the politics of King's court as she does on the battlefield. It is amazing that she caught the attention of the Dauphin and ended up leading the French army into battle given her lack of education, noble birth and sex. This is a violent and brutal look at a time where kings and kingdoms were won, lost and ruled by church and state and one teenage girl risked it all for what she thought was her right. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

This is not a purely historical account of Joan of Arc. It's not a romanticized religious fervor. It is the story of an abused girl who just wanted to learn what her brothers learned. The story of a girl who could do nothing right in her father's eyes and was beaten for trying. It's a story of the loss of everything she loved because of war and her decision to revenge her sister's death. It's a story of a good and innocent person being used by unscrupulous politicals who think they can use her to further their cause. Being ejected from her family for standing up to her father, Joan follows her uncle's advice and goes to seek her own adventure, always intending to find the English soldiers who raped her sister and drove her to suicide. It is the story of a sad and lonely woman who just wanted to fight battles that would lead her to her perfect sister's killers. Sadly, we know the results of her efforts, the triumphs followed by the failures. The blame heaped upon the scapegoat for those who had used her. A deeply dark and sad account of the life and times of Joan of Arc.

I have always been interested in Joan of Arc and usually will read books, both fiction and non-fiction, about her life. This is a good novel about her pre-capture days, an origin story. I really liked the authors take on how her Mary Kay Andrews is a reliable source for a fun vacation companion book. This book is a great example. House flipping is a tricky business. Who knows what one will find when gutting for renovation? Perhaps a body? Throw in a reality TV show 9with obnoxious co-hosts and you have a pretty engaging read. Enjoy.early life formed her into a fighter. I also appreciated that the author remained true to the historical norms of the period. I enjoyed this and recommend it. It would be a good choice for book groups.
This is a review of an eGalley provided by NetGalley. It will be available in July of 2022.

I, admittedly, did not know much about Joan of Arc before picking up this book except for the vague spiritual/mythic version that I've seen in pop/religious culture? (I'm not particularly religious so I don't know how prevalent she is in mainstream religion sects ...)

This book, however, portrays a very realistic, angry, proud young woman who is trying to survive her trauma and prove herself to a society that deems her, and others like her expendable - as a poor, illiterate, woman, peasant, etc. during a time of war. It also follows the rise and fall of Joan of Arc - and with many historical reimaginings, it's always so distressing the further you get into the book because you know it does not end well and you are, as a reader, almost trapped? watching everything fall apart. (I felt this way about Kaikeyi too - wanting the best for Joan and Kaikeyi and knowing it's not going to happen because well .. history).

The second half was kind of confusing for me, but, again, I think that has more to do with me not really knowing the history/events of that era (re: hundred years war) and less to do with Chen's writing. Her writing is clearly well-informed, deliberate, and lovely! I also really loved her Author's Note where she describes how her relationship with Joan changed throughout the writing process - it emphasized the care and love that was clearly put into this book.

There are a lot of novels about Joan of Arc and her story is well known. This was just one that didn’t pull me into her world and her times.

A much more grounded and relatable version of Joan of Arc than usually shown. Chen stripes away the mythos and hagiography to present a relatable and all too human young woman. Present tense is used to show how events play out moment by moment rather than showing a large macro-political event. An interesting, fresh look at Joan of Arc.

Katherine J. Chen can really write wildly engaging novels. After being offered an advance copy of Joan, I accepted because I enjoyed her Mary B novel so much. I'm glad that I did because this pulled me in from the very beginning and didn't let go until I finished the last page.

This isn’t the Joan of Arc you’re going to read about in a history book, but that doesn’t make this any less enjoyable (I hope that makes sense) as the story and writing are solid and you’re with this Joan, eager to see more behind the sainthood.

I really was drawn into this and fully enjoyed it, even though it didn’t tick all my boxes for historical fiction about real people. I’m glad I read this and am absolutely looking forward to reading more by Ms. Chen.

I thoroughly enjoyed this take on Joan of Arc. I grew up (and still am) religious so that’s been my only perspective on this indomitable girl who took on the English army. But this secular perspective (as one reviewer described it) was refreshing and interesting, giving an earthiness to this otherworldly figure. I highlighted many passages in this story and would highly recommend this book to fans of grounded historical fiction.

Katherine J Chen's upcoming book Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc is a reimagined retelling of the short life of Joan of Arc. In her writing Chen focuses on the human side of Joan, one of historys most spectacular female warriors.

Before Joan of Arc became a ruthless leader in the French army she was a little girl with a difficult and heart wrenching childhood. In her remarkable life Joan displayed a unique combination of love and fierce determination. She was not afraid to take on her opponents on the battlefield or in political situations. Joan's feminist view made her the target of suspicion and hostile retribution. Joan of Arc left a powerful and unforgettable chronicle of bravery in history.

Award winning author, Katherine J Chen is the recipient of the Florence Engel Randall Fiction Prize. Chen's attention to detail and research beautifully bring the characters to life in the book. Through Chen's writing the reader can experience Joan's struggles and emotions. Historical fiction lovers will enjoy this exciting action packed adventure.

Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc is available July 5th. (4⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Thank you, Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley, for the pleasure of reviewing this look back in time through Katherine J. Chen.

I have always had an interest in Joan of Arc and know quite a bit of her history so this book was a wonderful read.Starting with Joan as a child through to her leading the French Army, what a woman! She stood up for what she thought was right whether it be to her abusive father or on the battlefield.
This book is no doubt a reimagining of Joan and what she stood for. A truly engaging and interesting read.

A great retelling of Joan of Arc. An engaging story with well developed characters. It was beautifully written by Katherine. This is a must read for historical fiction fans.

I highly recommend this book for fans of strong female protagonists and historical fiction. Joan is such a fascinating figure and Chen's retelling of her story is wonderful!

This was not about the Joan we learned in history class. According to the author this was Joan "reimagined." We see more of her on the human side, someone that's easier to know. While she is a different person than how we've come to know her, it does not take away anything from the story. Rather the novel enhances the young woman that lead an army. What was she thinking, how did she have the courage? A most enjoyable writing of a heroic woman, this was a well researched novel and as far as I'm concerned, well written. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is truly beautiful. It is a reinterpretation of one of the strongest women in history from a contemporary and more feminist perspective. Although the figure of Joan of Arc is that of a very devout person, the author of this novel explores different motivations of the strictly religious ones in Joan's acts. And I'm glad Chen has jumped on that line of speculation as it makes for a much more interesting literary subject.
Such a gripping read. The way the author writes about Joan's feelings and trauma is touching, and reveals the admiration and respect she has for her.
Lovely book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for a copy of the egalley in exchange for my honest review.

I was really excited to read the retold story of Joan of Arc, but unfortunately, I don’t think this one was for me.

In fact, I don’t think this retelling is going to be for the “layman” at all. I read a lot but sometimes I come across a writing style that I just can’t wrap my mind around, and this is one of them. It’s wordy, and maybe a little pretentious. A single movement can last an entire page, like an ear being pulled. It almost makes me feel underwater, and like I’m never going to finish the story.

I was hoping that it would be in the same vein as Circe and Kaikeyi, but I was disappointed.

I know that someone will love it, but I found it too long and in need of a final polish.

Katherine Chen creates an excellent re-imagining of Joan of Arc. This is one of the first historical fiction stories I've read about her. The plot kept moving and never lagged. Chen was able to dig deep and present Joan with her flaws, humanity and heart. The story follows from her childhood right up to the moment of her death and the reader is left to wonder whether the chain of events was due to her beliefs or whether she became too prideful/full of ego, which ultimately led to her murder. I recommend this book to anyone curious to learn more about this historical figure.

A well-researched and beautifully written historical fiction about Joan of Arc. I really enjoyed this deep dive into her life and her motivations. I was intrigued that she wasn't portrayed as the religious fanatic I had in my head based on my limited prior knowledge of Joan of Arc.

I enjoy reading historical novels about people, times, and places I'm unfamiliar with. Joan of Arc was familiar to me, but I had never read a book about her.
This novel begins in 1422 and takes you back to Joan's early years. I'm not sure if the term "tomboy" existed back then, but it fits Joan perfectly. She is an independent young spirit who is unloved by her parents since she is an ugly girl.
Joan's father is a vile, depraved individual. Joan, on the other hand, has a sense of decency and justice toward her, and she has regularly stood up to him. Long before she goes to battle, her life isn't easy. It does, however, prepare her for what is to follow.
Joan is depicted in the book as an extremely massive woman, larger than most males. And it wasn't one that was ruled by faith. In truth, she isn't particularly religious. "And she thought to herself, Faith didn't save her life, and I'd rather have the strength to see another day." She doesn't seem to have any visions. Others feel her abilities and qualities are a gift from God. She sees herself as a warrior first and foremost. Her pride is both a source of power and a source of weakness. "She is proud, bordering on arrogant," writes Chen in her Afterword. Despite his flaws, he is charismatic. Full of fury and capable of immense damage and death, but also loving, introspective, and optimistic about the future. To put it another way, he's still extremely human."

Very creative re-imagining of the life of Joan of Arc. The author's end notes were very helpful in discerning the factual from the fiction. Also, the author's research was amazingly thorough. My only criticism is that it was overly long.

At 63% (on first day - no not completed, but want to share my comments) and definitely 5 stars already. As a life-long Catholic, I’m often less than impressed with historical fiction in regards to religion. I was very apprehensive about requesting Joan; and then once approved not sure about wanting to start reading. So far, I’m very impressed. Not often that I feel so passionate about a book that I share first day comments.

Thank you to NetGalley for (a) again … introducing me to an author that I was not familiar and (b) the opportunity to review in exchange for honest comments.
And thank you to Katherine Chen; wow. I can’t even imagine the amount of research you have done. I’ve been meaning to skip to the end to see if there are author notes.
And thank you to the publisher.

Why are there not more reviews and more people reading Joan? Probably because it’s not going to end well. :(. I know this book is going to have my goodreads best of vote. I hope it’s in the running.

Finished now. Slightly disappointed with the remainder of the book. Still worth reading. Unfortunately I feel like I’m going to remove a star. Thinking on it. (4/30/22 - decided to remove a star. Yes. There are author notes.)