Joan of Arc: A Life Transfigured by

The profoundly inspiring and fully documented saga of Joan of Arc, the young peasant girl whose "voices" moved her to rally the French nation and a reluctant king against British invaders in 1428, has fascinated artistic figures as diverse as William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Voltaire, George Bernard Shaw, Bertolt Brecht, Carl Dreyer, and Robert Bresson. Was she a divinely inspired saint? A schizophrenic? A demonically possessed heretic, as her persecutors and captors tried to prove? Every era must retell and reimagine the Maid of Orleans's extraordinary story in its own way, and in Joan of Arc: A Life Transfigured, the superb novelist and memoirist Kathryn Harrison gives us a Joan for our time—a shining exemplar of unshakable faith, extraordinary courage, and self-confidence during a brutally rigged ecclesiastical inquisition and in the face of her death by burning. Deftly weaving historical fact, myth, folklore, artistic representations, and centuries of scholarly and critical interpretation into a compelling narrative, she restores Joan of Arc to her rightful position as one of the greatest heroines in all of human history.

Reviews

Goodreads · 2025-09-03

thoughtful 4.30

The biography is praised for its perceptive and nuanced examination of Joan as both a religious and political figure, blending myth and symbolism to enrich understanding. It is regarded as one of the best biographies of Joan, offering deep reflections and extensive research.

This review appreciates Kathryn Harrison's nuanced approach to Joan of Arc, viewing her as a multifaceted figure shaped by her religious faith and political aspirations. The reviewer notes how Harrison explores the layers of myth and symbolism that have grown around Joan over centuries, offering a rich and complex portrait rather than a simplistic hagiography. The book is valued for its depth of research and the way it situates Joan’s story in a broader cultural and historical context. The reviewer also highlights Harrison’s insight into Joan’s trial and execution as a turning point in European history, connecting it to later witch hunts and societal attitudes towards women who challenged norms. The biography is described as an exceptional treat for readers interested in Joan’s life beyond the usual narratives, praised for its thoughtful reflections and engaging prose.

Quick quotes

Joan was examined as both a religious and political figure, her actions informed by inspiration from her god and wanting to be a successful commander.

Her trial, its verdict, and the publication of her example united for three centuries’ worth of zealous, often hysterical, witch hunts.

Harrison is a perceptive, eclectic thinker, and being able to savor four hundred pages of her research and reflections on Joan of Arc is an exceptional treat.

BookBrowse · Rita_H · 2025-09-03

inspiring 4.20

The book presents Joan as a timeless figure of faith and courage, blending historical fact with myth and folklore to restore her as a heroic exemplar. It is celebrated for its energetic narrative and thoughtful psychobiographical approach.

Rita_H highlights Kathryn Harrison's skill in portraying Joan of Arc as a figure both historically grounded and mythically powerful, relevant to contemporary audiences. The review emphasizes how Harrison weaves together various narrative strands—historical records, folklore, and artistic interpretations—to create a compelling and multifaceted portrait. Joan is depicted not only as a military leader but as a woman whose faith and courage transcend time, making her a shining example of resilience and self-confidence. The reviewer compares Harrison's work with other biographies of strong women, noting the author's focus on recovering Joan's full complexity against reductive historical portrayals often shaped by male writers. Harrison's approach is described as part of the psychobiography tradition, combining memorable writing with fresh insights into Joan’s character and historical significance, making this biography stand out in the genre.

Quick quotes

Harrison gives us a Joan for our time - a shining exemplar of unshakable faith, extraordinary courage, and self-confidence.

She restores Joan of Arc to her rightful position as one of the greatest heroines in all of human history.

Harrison joins the psychobiography school of life writing, doing so with memorable writing and an energetic approach.

Open Letters Monthly · 2025-09-03

evocative 4.10

The book is praised for its evocative and readable narrative that brings Joan's story vividly to life, though it blends historical fact with novelistic embellishments. It challenges modern readers to embrace the mysticism and ambiguity surrounding Joan's life and legacy.

This review appreciates Kathryn Harrison's creative approach to Joan of Arc's biography, highlighting how she brings the historical figure to life with vivid storytelling and rich detail. The reviewer notes that Harrison embraces the mystical and ecstatic elements of Joan's persona, which were very real to people of her time, rather than strictly adhering to modern rationalist perspectives. This approach makes the biography one of the best written on Joan in recent years, despite some readers potentially being frustrated by the blending of fact and legend. The book is described as highly engaging with no dull moments, effectively capturing the drama and complexity of Joan’s life and times. The reviewer also warns that readers who expect a purely scientific or strictly factual biography might find the novelistic flourishes and the embrace of period credulities challenging. However, those open to a nuanced and atmospheric portrayal will find the book rewarding. It is praised for its color, control, and the way it brings historical episodes vividly to life, making it a memorable reading experience.

Quick quotes

It's as evocative and readable as anything written in English about Joan in many years.

Joan of Arc could not, in fact, control the wind, nor could she heal the sick or raise the dead.

If you can overlook – or even come to enjoy – these novelistic flourishes, you'll be well-rewarded with one of the best biographies of 2014.

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