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Joan

The stunning new feminist reimagining of Joan of Arc
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( 9,199 ratings, 1,518 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Joan by Katherine J. Chen is a vivid reimagining of the life of Joan of Arc, exploring her path from an obscure childhood in a turbulent France to becoming a legendary warrior and revered icon. The novel delves into her personal struggles, fortitude, and the mystique surrounding her destiny, offering readers a fresh perspective on the enduring legacy of this historical figure. In the genre of historical fiction, it combines rich storytelling with an intimate glimpse into Joan's courage and spiritual journey.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this work if you are intrigued by vibrant reimaginings of historical figures, particularly those delving into the complexities and inner strength of legendary women. The novel offers a rich tapestry of character development and emotional depth, providing a fresh perspective on a well-known historical story. Perfect for fans of historical fiction who appreciate detailed settings and powerful narratives.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Girl. Warrior. Heretic. Saint? A stunning feminist reimagining of the life of Joan of Arc, perfect for fans of Cecily and Alison Weir.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A stunning feminist reimagining of the life of Joan of Arc - perfect for fans of Cecily, Ariadne and Matrix

"It is as if the author has crept inside a statue and breathed a soul into it, re-creating Joan of Arc as a woman for our time" - Hilary Mantel, twice Booker Prize-winning author of The Mirror & the Light

"A glorious, sweeping novel . . . Richly imagined, poignant and inspiring" - Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne

"Chen earns the comparison [to Mantel] thanks to her vivid, visceral and boldly immediate storytelling . . . a hypnotic heroine for our time" - Telegraph

"Chen's Joan roars off the page. If you liked Ariadne, then this has to be your next read" - Red Magazine

"Brilliant . . . Chen [presents] Joan as a beguiling, fully human mix of wariness and confidence, and fiercely protective of those she loves" - Guardian

Times Best Historical Novels of July 2022 Pick

The Week Best Novels of 2022 Pick

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Girl. Warrior. Heretic. Saint?

France is mired in a losing war against England. Its people are starving. Its king is in hiding. Yet out of the chaos, an unlikely heroine emerges.

Reckless, steel-willed and brilliant, Joan has survived a childhood steeped in both joy and violence to claim an extraordinary - and fragile - position at the head of the French army. The battlefield and the royal court are full of dangers and Joan finds herself under suspicion from all sides - as well as under threat from her own ambition.

With unforgettably vivid characters and propulsive storytelling, Joan is a thrilling epic, a triumph of historical fiction, and a feminist celebration of one remarkable - and remarkably real - woman who left an indelible mark on history.

PRAISE FOR JOAN

"Measured, austere, profoundly physical. I loved it" - Jo Baker, author of Longbourn

"Pacy but lyrical, which takes great skill . . . Joan possesses a mystical, spiritual quality that gleams within the dirt and brutality of war, while her kindness and compassion shine through. I loved the writing, the imagery, the feeling of authenticity: this novel will stay with me for a long time" - Elizabeth Chadwick, bestselling author

"This masterly and intense portrait creates a convincing three-dimensional character from the young peasant woman gifted with visions who, in her short life, followed her destiny to fight for the disputed French crown, even at the cost of her life. A highly immersive read" - Anne O'Brien, bestselling author of The Royal Game

"In Katherine J. Chen's capable hands, Joan becomes fully flesh and achingly real" - Lisa Wingate

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Katherine J. Chen's Joan has been praised for its richly imagined and inspiring portrayal, offering a poignant re-creation of Joan of Arc as a relatable and modern figure. The novel has been described as having mythic power akin to a fairytale and is noted for its vivid, visceral storytelling. Many reviewers have highlighted Joan's character as scrappy, determined, and a fitting heroine for contemporary times.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399706155

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 April 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Paperback

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Katherine J. Chen is the author of the novel Mary B. Her work has been published in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Literary Hub, and in the historical fiction anthology Stories from Suffragette City. She is a graduate of Princeton University and received her MFA from Boston University, where she was a senior teaching fellow and awarded the Florence Engel Randall Fiction Prize.

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