Scan barcode
A review by nivek1385
Joan of Arc: A Life Transfigured by Kathryn Harrison
3.0
N.B. I received a free copy of this book through the First Reads program.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Not knowing the various intricacies of the historical Joan, I cannot comment on the veracity of the accuracy herein.
The book presents Joan as either a pre-feminist idol or a genuine God-sent warrior woman. At some points, it pushes more towards the former and hints that Joan just used the legend to her advantage in getting around a woman's station at that point in history. At other points, it seems to really express the idea that she is almost equivalent to Jesus and was sent by God to be the savior of France. It also presents Joan as not understanding the political maneuvering around and with her, which I'm not convinced was the case historically. She seems to have protected her own image and reputation with such fervor that it seems unlikely that she did not understand the politicking of La Pucelle. If she understood that much, surely she understood the general state of politics as well, at least to some degree.
I particularly thought it was interesting to not only explore the historical Joan in this, but also the fictional Joan. The author goes through popular portrayals of Joan in literature, film, television, stage, etc. at various points through the timeline of her life. She presents a historical narrative, and interweaves the various popular culture media entries throughout (while making sure to properly indicate what is fiction and what is from historical records).
I definitely recommend this to any fans of histories and biographies, anyone with special interest in Joan, and, because of the heaviness at times of the proto-feminism angle, to anyone interested in feminist-literature. I honestly think that that may be the selling point for this book: the proto-feminist message of Joan-of-Arc.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Not knowing the various intricacies of the historical Joan, I cannot comment on the veracity of the accuracy herein.
The book presents Joan as either a pre-feminist idol or a genuine God-sent warrior woman. At some points, it pushes more towards the former and hints that Joan just used the legend to her advantage in getting around a woman's station at that point in history. At other points, it seems to really express the idea that she is almost equivalent to Jesus and was sent by God to be the savior of France. It also presents Joan as not understanding the political maneuvering around and with her, which I'm not convinced was the case historically. She seems to have protected her own image and reputation with such fervor that it seems unlikely that she did not understand the politicking of La Pucelle. If she understood that much, surely she understood the general state of politics as well, at least to some degree.
I particularly thought it was interesting to not only explore the historical Joan in this, but also the fictional Joan. The author goes through popular portrayals of Joan in literature, film, television, stage, etc. at various points through the timeline of her life. She presents a historical narrative, and interweaves the various popular culture media entries throughout (while making sure to properly indicate what is fiction and what is from historical records).
I definitely recommend this to any fans of histories and biographies, anyone with special interest in Joan, and, because of the heaviness at times of the proto-feminism angle, to anyone interested in feminist-literature. I honestly think that that may be the selling point for this book: the proto-feminist message of Joan-of-Arc.