The Book of Joan

by Lidia Yuknavitch
The Book of Joan cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical:
  • ID: 1176
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • ISBN: 9780887509513
  • Published: 1994-01-01
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99

Set in a world ravaged by climate disaster, 'The Book of Joan' reimagines the life of Joan of Arc as a futuristic legend. The novel delves into themes of environmental collapse, gender, and the power of storytelling, offering a unique blend of science fiction and historical allegory. The protagonist, Joan, is a complex figure whose story is both personal and universal, resonating with contemporary concerns about power and survival. The narrative is rich with poetic language and vivid imagery, creating a world that is both terrifying and beautiful. /n/n The book explores the intersection of myth and reality, questioning how stories shape our understanding of the past and future. Joan's journey is one of defiance and transformation, making her a compelling figure in a world on the brink of collapse. The novel's exploration of gender and identity adds depth to the dystopian setting, making it a thought-provoking read that challenges readers to consider the role of legends in our own time.

Reviews
The London Magazine · 2025-09-27
riveting 4.50

Yuknavitch's writing is described as muscular, creative, and ultra-sensual, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

The reviewer is captivated by Yuknavitch's unique writing style, which they describe as muscular, creative, and ultra-sensual. The novel is praised for its ability to stay with the reader long after finishing it, much like the skin grafts mentioned in the story. They find the narrative riveting from start to finish, highlighting the author's ability to create a compelling and immersive reading experience. The reviewer appreciates the depth and richness of the prose, making it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    The novel is a riveting read from start to finish.

    Yuknavitch's style is muscular, creative and ultra-sensual.

    Like the skin grafts, it stays on your skin.

The Guardian · 2018-01-24
thought-provoking 4.00

The book explores the brutality of the 21st century despite technological advances. It is a stark and thought-provoking exploration of humanity's regression.

The reviewer finds that 'The Book of Joan' presents a bleak yet compelling vision of the future. They highlight how the novel critiques the 21st century's return to pre-modern brutality, despite its technological advancements. The narrative is powerful and unsettling, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society. The reviewer appreciates the novel's boldness and its unflinching look at human nature. However, they also note that the book's bleakness might not be for everyone, making it a challenging but rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    One premise of The Book of Joan is that the 21st century, for all its technological advances, has returned us to pre-modern levels of brutality.

    The novel is a stark and thought-provoking exploration of humanity's regression.

    It is a bleak yet compelling vision of the future.

Real Change News · 2017-12-06
disappointing 2.50

Despite being a national bestseller, the reviewer was not won over by the dystopian cli-fi narrative.

The reviewer expresses disappointment with 'The Book of Joan,' noting that it did not live up to its hype as a national bestseller. They find the dystopian cli-fi narrative unconvincing and feel that the book falls short of expectations. While they acknowledge the novel's popularity, they believe it lacks the depth and originality to fully engage the reader. The reviewer suggests that the book's themes and execution may not resonate with everyone, making it a divisive read.

Quick quotes

    Lidia Yuknavitch's 'Joan of Arc' dystopian cli-fi is a national bestseller but our reviewer wasn't won over.

    The reviewer expresses disappointment with 'The Book of Joan,' noting that it did not live up to its hype.

    They find the dystopian cli-fi narrative unconvincing and feel that the book falls short of expectations.

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