Joan: A Novel About Joan of Arc

The myth and legend of Joan of Arc is transformed into a flesh-and-blood young woman in Katherine J. Chen's hands: reckless, steel-willed, and brilliant. 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 head of the French army, where she navigates the perils of the battlefield and the equally treacherous politics of the royal court. "It is as if Chen has crept inside a statue and breathed a soul into it, re-creating Joan of Arc as a woman for our time," remarks Hilary Mantel, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Booker Prize winner Wolf Hall.

In 1412, France is mired in a losing war against England, its people starving and its king in hiding. From this chaos emerges a teenage girl who will turn the tide of battle and lead the French to victory, becoming an unlikely hero whose name will echo across the centuries. Many are threatened by a woman who leads, and Joan draws wrath and suspicion from all corners, while her first taste of fame and glory leaves her vulnerable to her own powerful ambition.

This novel is a "secular reimagining and feminist celebration of the life of Joan of Arc," as described by USA Today, that transforms the legendary saint into a flawed yet undeniable young woman. With unforgettably vivid characters, transporting settings, and action-packed storytelling, Joan is a thrilling epic, a triumph of historical fiction, as well as a feminist celebration of one remarkable—and remarkably real—woman who left an indelible mark on history.

As The New York Times Book Review states, "If every generation gets the Joan it deserves, ours could do worse than an ass-kicking, avenging angel fighting simply for the right to fight." This work has been recognized with the American Library in Paris Book Award, further cementing its status as a captivating and significant exploration of one of history's most iconic figures.

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