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Author Kimberly Cutter recounts the short life of Jeanne d’Arc (Jehanne here), The Maid of Orléans and later canonized as Saint Joan of Arc. This is one of those too complicated bits of history to try to explain in a review, and Wik can most definitely do it better than I can.
Joan’s history is a fascinating one, and I’ve been eyeing novels on her for some time (Mark Twain considered his book on Joan his best work), so I was thrilled when this showed up on Net Galley. However, the book I read was very dry and the history itself is hard to follow – there seems to be an assumption the reader is well versed on the period. When I read a historical novel, I do so with the expectation that I will be educated and entertained at the same time, I don’t expect to have to *read up* on the historical events before I begin the book.
The chapters were very short for the most part and I found this distracted from the overall flow of the story. I also didn’t find any emotional connection with the characters, particularly Joan, nor did I pick up on any grand passion or religious fervor for her Godly mission. Overall, this was a dry and slightly disappointing read as it currently stands, but perhaps a bit of editing and fleshing out of characters can raise the bar a bit higher. 2.5/5 stars.
At Home With A Good Book and the Cat 
That’s too bad – I was looking forward to this one since there aren’t that many novels about Joan.
Too bad.. as Daphne said there isnt much out there on Joan Of Arc, even if her life was short, youd think some author out there would be fasinated enough to write a book even if it was embelished somewhat..they have done it on others..
The thought of dry historical fiction that I have to research myself is not a comforting one. I am curious about Joan of Arc, but maybe this is not the place to start for her.
I’m still looking for a good book on her as well. I understand Twain wrote one and considers it his best book. I did find an obscure one by Margaret Oliphant (19C) and have it on Kindle.
I also requested this from NetGalley.
I will probably still read it… it will just get moved lower on the TBR pile.
I have to say, I completely disagree with the review of this book. I thought it was absolutely brilliant and fascinating. This is truly one of my favorite historical novels ever. I loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough!
Hi Liz, I am glad to hear you enjoyed it more than I did. Always happy to agree to disagree on books and other things.
I agree with Liz. I didn’t find Cutter’s book dry at all. If anything I thought she employed a masterfully deft touch. She presents Jehanne as a real young woman, struggling with her call as well as her humanity. Jehanne’s not presented as a saint, blessedly delivered from temptations and above it all, but even when her doubts do present themselves, the Maid doesn’t waver from her task. Cutter could easily have dug too far inside. She didn’t. I highly recommend this book.
Haven’t read much about Joan and I was looking forward for this. Maybe I should start with another book…
My name is Virginia Frohlick, I am the founder and director of the Saint Joan of
Arc Center here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
I have been studying the life and times of Saint Joan for more than 40 years. Over
this period of time I have easily read 90 biographies and histories written by reputable
historians and theologians.
Ms. Cutter’s latest work of fiction entitled: “THE MAID” is technically well written
but and this is a huge ‘BUT’ the Joan she created for her novel NEVER EXISTED in real life!
Thanks very much for that input Virginia. Clearly I have more reading to do on Joan.
I loved this book! Joan was brought to life for me like never before. Sorry you didn’t enjoy it.