I was completely riveted while listening to this (audio book). It was so engaging that I had to take the last disk into the car with me just to finish it.

Spoto truly does a remarkable job of vividly describing the cultural and religious context in which Joan lived. Although I can understand that some might have issues with his handling of Joan's spirituality and the visions or voices she claimed to have had, I, on the other hand, found it to be extremely powerful and insightful. Whatever those experiences "really" were, it is obvious that Joan believed fervently in her visions, and that unwavering belief spurred her to accomplish amazing feats.

The strength of her conviction is truly awe-inspiring. It makes one wonder what one could achieve with such unwavering faith.

Perhaps Spoto could have written from a more secular view-point, but I, for one, really appreciated his handling of Joan's spirituality. It added depth and authenticity to the story, allowing the reader to better understand the complex and multi-faceted nature of Joan of Arc.

Overall, this audio book was a captivating and thought-provoking experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in history, spirituality, or the power of belief.

4.25 stars - English Ebook

This English ebook has received a rating of 4.25 stars, which is quite an impressive score.

It indicates that the ebook has been well-received by a significant number of readers.

The quality of the content, the writing style, and the overall presentation must have contributed to this high rating.

Although a detailed review will follow later, it's already clear that this ebook has something to offer.

Perhaps it provides valuable information, engaging stories, or useful tips and tricks.

Readers who are interested in the subject matter or simply looking for a good English ebook to read might want to give this one a try.

With its 4.25-star rating, it has the potential to be a great addition to any ebook collection.

Stay tuned for the upcoming review to learn more about the specific features and strengths of this English ebook.

Joan of Arc is an iconic figure in history, and her sensitive biography is a captivating read.

The author, being a theologian, brings a unique perspective to the story. They handle Joan's religious impact with great respect, delving into the profound influence her faith had on her life and actions.

Joan's unwavering belief in God and her使命感 led her to extraordinary feats. She fearlessly led the French army into battle, inspiring hope and courage in the hearts of her countrymen.

Her story is not only one of military success but also of spiritual strength. Through her, we see the power of faith to move mountains and change the course of history.

This biography offers a detailed and nuanced look at Joan of Arc, painting a vivid picture of her as a complex and remarkable individual. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, religion, or the human spirit.

I was truly astonished by the extent to which I liked this book.

I had previously attempted to read Mark Twain's "Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc," but unfortunately, I couldn't manage to get through it.

However, this particular book had a certain charm that captivated me from the very beginning.

The reason I liked it so much was that it did an outstanding job of narrating her story.

It presented a vivid picture of Joan, allowing the reader to envision her life and experiences without overwhelming them with excessive details that might have made the reading process tedious.

The author managed to strike a perfect balance, making the story engaging and accessible to a wide range of readers.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Joan of Arc or simply looking for an interesting and well-written historical account.

It has definitely left a lasting impression on me and I look forward to exploring more works by this author in the future.

A significant amount of research has been conducted.

Although it is evident that the author has put in the effort to do his research, the story of Joan still remains rather difficult for me to fully believe. There is an air of mystery surrounding Joan that seems to be inescapable. She will likely always be a figure who elicits a sense of curiosity and enigma. Despite my reservations about the story, I find myself still desiring to restore books by this author. There is something about his writing style or the themes he explores that keeps drawing me in. Perhaps it is the hope that through further exploration of his works, I will gain a better understanding of the mysterious Joan and the world she inhabits.

A Fascinating Book!

This is truly a remarkable book that has the power to captivate readers from the very first page. The author has masterfully crafted a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The characters are well-developed and come to life on the pages, making it easy for the reader to become invested in their journey. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to find out what happens next.

Not only is the story itself captivating, but the writing style is also a joy to read. The author's use of language is descriptive and vivid, painting a clear picture in the reader's mind. The book is also well-paced, with just the right amount of action and dialogue to keep the story flowing smoothly.

Overall, this is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read. It is a fascinating and enjoyable book that will leave you wanting more.

The first book that I have read about Joan truly intrigued me.

The author's writing style was engaging, which made it a pleasant read. However, I felt that there were certain areas where I would have preferred more details.

It was also quite evident that the author had a religious bent, which added a unique perspective to the story.

Overall, despite its minor flaws, it was a very informative and interesting book about Joan's life.

It provided valuable insights into her character, her struggles, and her achievements.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Joan or in exploring the historical and religious context in which she lived.

I look forward to reading more books about her in the future.

A very interesting book indeed.

Joan of Arc's life was presented in a simple and straight-forward manner.

It is important to note that Donald Spoto, who holds a PhD in theology, makes his interpretation of Joan even more compelling and interesting.

One of the most fascinating points he makes is that Joan would not have achieved such fame if the English hadn't made a big fuss about her.

Spoto also includes extensive excerpts from the court transcripts.

Of course, it is essential to remember that they should be taken with a grain of salt at times, but they are still engaging.

I highly recommend this book as it is extremely informative and allows you to form your own conclusions regarding the authenticity of Joan of Arc.

It provides a detailed and thought-provoking account of her life and the events surrounding her.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about this remarkable figure, this book is well worth reading.

It offers unique insights and perspectives that will surely enhance your understanding of Joan of Arc.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the life of one of the most iconic figures in history.

Pick up this book and embark on a journey through time.

Inspiring Narrative of an Inspirational Life

Donald Soto presents a truly captivating account of Joan the Maid, also known as the Maid of Orléans or Saint Joan of Arc. His historical accuracy is remarkable, as he meticulously researches and presents the facts. What sets him apart is his bold decision to take Joan's spiritual experience at face value, rather than dismissing it due to anti-religious biases. In doing so, he effectively undermines the rationalistic critiques that have often been leveled against her.

However, it is Joan herself who truly shines through in this narrative. Her unwavering dedication to her mission, her practical approach to life, and the unjust treatment she endured are deeply moving. It is hard to imagine anyone in history who has been so unfairly slandered, tortured, and ultimately killed.

Joan's story is one of courage, faith, and sacrifice. It serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that even in the face of great adversity, we can stand up for what we believe in and make a difference. Donald Soto's masterful telling of her tale is a must-read for anyone interested in history, religion, or the human spirit.

The preface of this book presents a bold objective - to return to the original documentation of Joan's life (as her life was remarkably well-documented by her contemporaries) and rectify some errors that have infiltrated the narrative of her life, as commonly understood from earlier, somewhat inaccurate translations.

This is a worthy concept, and perhaps the book accomplishes this, although the author often refrains from specifying what those misunderstandings might be. (Personally, I appreciate this as I detest books that engage in tiresome academic disputes that I can't fathom.) Lacking the research or knowledge to judge, I'll accept that the book serves this purpose well.

However, the book falters in its assumption that the reader is a Christian and entirely willing to embrace (or at least be pressured into) the notion that the voices Joan heard were truly from God. This is overly argued throughout the text, resulting in a detriment to the book. There are also other instances where the author presumes the reader has a Christian (and perhaps even Catholic) background, and I found this inappropriate in a history book. It frequently seemed to read more like a theological history of Joan of Arc rather than a comprehensive historical account.

I have a great affection for Donald Spoto's style. He presents the story of Joan in a manner that captivates the reader and makes them fully engaged. The way he tells the tale allows her accomplishments and strength to shine through more vividly than ever before. It also reveals the profound depth of her sacrifice and suffering. This is truly a remarkable book that breathes life into its subject. The details and the narrative flow are such that one cannot help but be drawn into Joan's world and understand her journey on a deeper level. It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about this remarkable woman and her inspiring story.

The article is indeed very factual and interesting. It presents a wealth of information that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

However, the writing style is somewhat boring. The sentences are often too long and complex, making it difficult for the reader to follow the flow of the text.

To improve the article, the author could consider using shorter sentences and a more conversational tone. This would make the text more accessible and easier to read.

Additionally, the author could add some examples or anecdotes to illustrate the points being made. This would help to bring the text to life and make it more interesting for the reader.

Overall, with a few simple changes, the article could be transformed into a more engaging and enjoyable read.