I loved the concept of those book? And at times the writing was beautiful, almost lyrical.
However, I found the plot was at time frustratingly slow and at others quick to the point of being cursory. I didn't connect with the characters, particularly grown Joan.
I'm sure others will have a better experience.

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Katherine Chen’s novel explores and examines the making of Joan of Arc during the era of the Hundred Years’ War. From the relentless and targeted childhood violence of her father, Jacques D’Arc, informing her stoicism, rage and determination to succeed, Joan’s image is transformed into a divinely appointed warrior becoming a favourite of the French king and his courtiers for a time. I was pleased to discover that the book does not cover Joan’s execution preferring to concentrate on the influence Joan wielded during her ascension. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend.

What a glorious, sweeping novel . . . Richly imagined, WOW, WOW, WOW. I absolutely loved this book. It completely blew my mind and I have not been able to stop thinking about it since I finished reading it! I devoured this in one sitting… Magnificent.

5/5 stars.

Joan is a wonderfully imagined and beautifully written feminist reimagining of the story of Joan of Arc, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

The novel is immersive from the start, filled with vivid imagery and gorgeous prose (I had so many highlights which I will definitely be sharing once the book is out!). The novel is full of important discussion surrounding ideas of religion, gender, class and the impact of war, but still manages to be intensely readable, and for the most part enjoyable, though heavy. I loved Joan as a character, and was rooting for her from the very first chapter. I also loved so many of the side characters we met over the course of the novel – I won’t go into details, but I really appreciated the positive relationships Joan experienced. Chen's writing is extraordinarily evocative – despite having no experience of 15th century rural France, or 21st century rural France, for that matter – I had such strong mental images throughout the novel, and came to feel as though I really knew this once-unfamiliar setting.

I often find that I struggle to review the books I really enjoyed, and Joan is no exception. It's easy to write paragraphs about a book you didn't like, but when you loved it, all you really want to do is sit and read it again, or see others love it. It's harder to articulate. Overall, Joan was an excellent foray into French history, retelling a relatively familiar story through an interesting and important feminist lens, and so if you enjoy historical fiction, or feminist retellings like Circe or Ariadne, I highly recommend Joan.

*eARC given to me by Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.*

Content warnings: death (including that of a family member), violence and gore, child abuse, abusive parent, animal death + torture, starvation, sexual assault, suicide.

I've always been fascinated by Joan of Arc. This well-researched, clever novel was completely refreshing, inspiring, and compelling. Fans of "Matrix" will love this read, as I did. Thanks for the ARC!

Joan had a lot going for it — a gorgeous cover and a remarkable, strong heroine. Historical fiction has the misconception of being chunky, slow, and too info-dumpy. Joan unfortunately, did not manage to repel these misconceptions. The writing had the tendency to wander and divert off the main topic in some areas, and it had me thinking, "Well, get to the point already!"

There were also moments of info-dumping. I do think it's vital to be given information and context especially as its historical fiction about real people, but ultimately the author did not present the information in a way that was enjoyable and captivating.

I dnfed this at around the 40% mark and just skimmed the rest of the pages because I found myself not really enjoying or even connecting with the characters. Hopefully other people will be able to enjoy this book more than I did.

I found this a fascinating book, not knowing much about Joan of Arc other than the obvious. I do love some historical fiction from the female perspective, and this ticked all the boxes for me. This re-imagining of the short life of Joan fleshed out her character and gave insights into French life in the early 1400s for both poor and rich. A good read.

Such an interesting romp through the short life of Joan of Arc. Partly fictional but the bones of the real life is there, but through the authors personal version of her and her family and the relationship with the king. The novel is full of personal stories about Joan, the beatings from her dad, her sisters misfortune, her prayers to God and those who sought to betray or kill her. The stories may not be true, but for this Joan, they are and she is real and well discovered and a great character to follow,