Truly amazing.

Those two words sum it up perfectly when it comes to Joan's life.

Joan has led a life that is filled with extraordinary achievements and experiences.

From a young age, she showed remarkable determination and drive, always striving to reach for the stars.

She has overcome numerous obstacles and challenges along the way, emerging stronger and more resilient each time.

Her story is one that inspires others to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance.

Joan's life is definitely one to be recognized and celebrated.

It serves as a shining example of what is possible when one has the courage to follow their heart and the tenacity to never give up.

We can all learn from her remarkable journey and be inspired to make a difference in our own lives.

Joan of Arc has always been a presence in my life, through my Catholic upbringing, my love for history, and a few misinterpreted films. However, I never truly knew the details of her captivating and puzzling story.

Amazingly, this teenage girl was at the center of war, politics, faith, nationalism, religion, injustice, sanity, and madness. She is the only person the Catholic Church condemned as a heretic and later canonized as a saint. But who was she really?

Spoto gathers an astonishing amount of trial transcripts, letters, and recollections to form a portrait that may raise more mysteries than it solves. Generations have projected their own ideals onto The Maid. People of deep faith, leftists, conservatives, feminists, and others have all claimed her as one of their own.

My Catholic upbringing couldn't help but notice the parallels to the Passion of Christ. A humble peasant girl from a small village, who proclaims her connection to God, rises with a large following. Joan is ultimately abandoned and betrayed to a religious tribunal that condemns her and hands her over to secular authorities for a gruesome execution.

Spoto, a theologian, walks a fine line, sometimes dismissing the reactions of her contemporaries to her holiness while respecting her visions and the purity of her faith. I may not have had all my questions answered, but I did leave with a profound respect for The Maid. She lived only to age 19, but she changed the history of Europe and forced the Church to reevaluate and change their opinion of her in the most significant way.

I have a deep affection for this biography of Joan of Arc.

The author places great emphasis on context and culture when interpreting the information regarding Joan's life.

This approach provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of her story.

I truly valued his in-depth analysis of Joan's trial.

It shed light on the complex political and religious forces at play during that time.

Moreover, his exploration of her unwavering faith was both inspiring and thought-provoking.

It made me realize the power of belief and how it can drive a person to achieve extraordinary things.

Overall, this biography is a great read.

It not only tells the story of a remarkable historical figure but also offers valuable insights into the society and times in which she lived.

I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in history, religion, or the human spirit.

Hauntingly Familiar


Recently, I came across one of the best books I've ever read. I had very limited knowledge about Joan, but being a lover of historical novels, I decided to explore the late medieval period. This novel didn't just describe the lives of the people, their moralities, and the political implications of the church-versus-royalty conflict. It delved deep into the actual conversations that took place during the inquisition. Reading her words and those of the men in charge of her prosecution was truly extraordinary. I was so engrossed in the book that I couldn't stop talking about it to my friends and relatives while I was reading. Kudos to Mr. Spoto for this remarkable piece of work! It's a must-read for anyone interested in history, literature, or both.

Inspiring and heartbreaking.

I'm truly amazed at the sheer volume of first-hand information available about her.

The transcripts of her trial, along with the eye witness accounts, have managed to bring Joan's life into such sharp focus.

It's as if we are able to step back in time and witness her story unfold right before our eyes.

This is a highly recommended read for anyone with an interest in history or a desire to be moved by a powerful and poignant tale.

Once you pick up this book, you simply won't be able to put it down.

The details and the emotions contained within these pages will keep you engaged from start to finish.

It's a literary masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

Joan of Arc is a figure who has intrigued and fascinated people for centuries.

Her life was filled with drama and controversy. She claimed to have received visions from God, which led her to believe that she was chosen to lead the French army against the English during the Hundred Years' War.

Despite her young age and lack of military experience, Joan convinced the Dauphin to allow her to accompany the army.

She achieved several significant victories, which earned her the respect and admiration of many.

However, her success also made her many enemies. She was eventually captured by the English, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake.

Whether you believe that Joan of Arc was a religious fanatic or a divinely inspired prophet, there is no denying that she was a remarkable young woman.

Her courage, determination, and unwavering faith in God make her a symbol of inspiration for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Even today, more than 500 years after her death, Joan of Arc continues to be a source of fascination and debate.

We did this as a read-aloud.

To be honest, I'm not so sure that was a good idea.

I, for one, absolutely loved it!

However, the kids didn't seem to share the same enthusiasm.

I think the level of vocabulary was a bit above the heads of my "tweens."

Joan is truly the most inspiring person I have ever learned about.

She was unwavering in her faith.

No ifs, ands, or buts.

She was faithful to God above all else.

Her faith gave her the confidence to stand against all odds and literally all evil.

She single-handedly saved France, yet was promptly forgotten by those she brought to power.

Left to be tortured and executed by the enemy, she remained resolute.

"If you tore my limbs and threatened me so far as death, I would never say anything other than what I have already."

This is what she said when they threatened torture, and the man charged with torturing left without touching her.

Two weeks later, she would say, "What I said and maintained at my trial, I still assert now...And if I were to be condemned, and I saw the fire set, the wood prepared, and the executioner ready to throw me into the flames, even in the midst of the fire I would say nothing other than what I have previously said. And what I have sworn I will maintain even to my death."

So, what did she say through a year of imprisonment and interrogation? "I look only to God."

She was faithful. She obeyed God at all costs. She feared no one. She was faithful!!

Spoto gives such a vivid picture of this sweet, young (teen-age!), obedient servant of God that I cried more than once.

If you haven't studied Joan of Arc, you are truly missing out!! I can't wait to see Demille's movie about her. :0)

It's highly doubtful that I'll be able to finish this.

The material is being presented in an extremely dry and unappealing fashion. As I try to read it, I find my mind constantly wandering off into endless distractions.

I really hate to think that I've been spoiled by those fast-paced historical fiction novels. But surely, among all the countless authors out there, someone must have written something that is far more interesting and engaging about such a major historical figure.

It seems almost impossible that there isn't a more captivating account available. Maybe I just need to keep looking and hope to stumble upon that one piece of writing that will truly bring this historical figure to life and make me eager to learn more about their story.

Fascinating.

I truly didn't know what I was ignorant of regarding Joan of Arc. Her story is far more intricate than the mere myths that float around in the ether.

Joan of Arc is an iconic figure, yet the real details of her life and the events that surrounded her are often overlooked or simplified.

She was a young girl who claimed to have received divine visions and led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War.

However, her story also involves political intrigue, religious persecution, and a trial that ultimately led to her execution.

By delving deeper into the true story of Joan of Arc, we can gain a greater appreciation for her courage, determination, and the impact she had on history.

It is essential to look beyond the myths and legends and explore the real events and circumstances that shaped her life.

Only then can we truly understand the significance of this remarkable woman.

3.5 stars. I truly relished the perspective that this book adopted. Before delving into this book, I didn't possess an extensive knowledge about Joan of Arc. However, even though this was essentially a concise summary of her life, I took great pleasure in the religious viewpoint from which the author penned. It was quite fascinating to see how the author incorporated religious elements into the narrative. I would have awarded it four stars if it had encompassed more in-depth discussion and examination. Nevertheless, what it did present, I thoroughly enjoyed. I was simply desiring more details and a more comprehensive exploration of Joan of Arc's life and the religious context surrounding her. Overall, it was an interesting read that left me with a greater appreciation for Joan of Arc and her story.

I guess it is titled the "mysterious life". However, what I truly desired was a fact-based history. The reason being that I know so little about Joan of Arc. And this account definitely was not what I was looking for. It seemed to me to be filled with nothing but speculation. Moreover, it was very overly religious. Nope, she wasn't crazy or hallucinating. Instead, she was simply deep in prayer.

Joan of Arc is a figure who has intrigued many throughout history. Her story is often surrounded by mystery and controversy. While some believe in her divine inspiration and the authenticity of her visions, others are more skeptical. In this particular piece, the author's approach seems to lean heavily towards a religious interpretation, which may not sit well with those seeking a more objective and historical analysis.

Perhaps a more comprehensive and well-researched study would be needed to truly understand the life and times of Joan of Arc. One that takes into account not only the religious aspects but also the political, social, and cultural context in which she lived. Only then can we hope to gain a more accurate and nuanced understanding of this remarkable woman.

Joan: The Mysterious Life of the Heretic Who Became a Saint

Donald Soto has delved deep and uncovered a vast amount of information regarding Jeanette d'Arc. Also known as The Maid, she was a young girl who emerged as a remarkable leader. Her mission was to set Charles VII as the King of France. Incredibly, she managed to bring an end to the long and arduous Hundred Year War between England and France. However, despite her heroic deeds, she was unjustly burned at the stake on false charges. Sadly, she never got to witness the fruits of her labor, the results of the mission that God had bestowed upon her. The voices and angels in her visions, sent by God, led to the birth of a new country, but also to her untimely death at approximately 19 years old. This account provides readers with the facts, presenting a true and accurate portrayal of Joan's life, rather than a fictionalized novel. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of this extraordinary figure.