A list of 7 Novels about Joan of Arc

  1. Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain

    Narrated from the perspective of Louis de Conte, Joan’s fictional page and secretary, this novel presents a deeply reverent and intimate portrait of the Maid of Orléans. Twain, who considered this his masterpiece after years of meticulous research, sets aside his usual satirical tone to chronicle Joan’s journey with earnest admiration.

    Readers witness her unwavering faith, magnetic charisma, and strategic brilliance through the eyes of a devoted companion, making her historic triumphs and tragic fate feel personal and immediate.

  2. Joan: A Novel by Katherine J. Chen

    Katherine J. Chen strips away the layers of myth to portray a fiercely human and relatable Joan. This novel reimagines her not as a mystical saint, but as a tenacious and resourceful young woman forged by a brutal childhood. Chen’s Joan is driven by tangible fury and formidable will rather than divine voices alone.

    The narrative grounds her ascent in gritty realism, focusing on her raw talent, strategic mind, and the complex human relationships that defined her path from peasant girl to military commander.

  3. The Maid by Kimberly Cutter

    In this vivid and atmospheric novel, Kimberly Cutter masterfully blends historical detail with emotional depth to explore the spiritual and psychological dimensions of Joan’s calling. Cutter’s Joan is a compelling figure, at once vulnerable in her youth and absolutely certain in her divine mission.

    The novel delves into her internal struggles with doubt, fear, and the overwhelming weight of her destiny, creating a powerful and believable portrait of a young woman whose otherworldly conviction changed the course of history.

  4. Blood Red, Sister Rose by Thomas Keneally

    From the author of Schindler's List, this novel offers a compelling and thoroughly humanized account of Joan of Arc. Keneally demystifies the legend, presenting a pragmatic and intelligent young woman whose piety is matched by her shrewd understanding of politics and war.

    The narrative focuses on the raw, often brutal realities of 15th-century France and portrays Joan as a credible, flesh-and-blood leader who inspired a nation through sheer force of will and character, rather than just miracles.

  5. The Commander: A Novel of Joan of Arc by Pamela Marcantel

    This novel concentrates on a frequently overlooked aspect of Joan's story: her remarkable skill as a military leader. Pamela Marcantel provides a detailed, action-oriented account of Joan’s campaigns, from lifting the siege of Orléans to her eventual capture.

    The narrative highlights her tactical ingenuity, her ability to inspire battle-hardened soldiers, and the political machinations she navigated within the French court. It is a compelling read for those interested in Joan the strategist and warrior.

  6. The Book of Joan by Lidia Yuknavitch

    A radical, genre-bending reimagining of the Joan of Arc story, this dystopian novel recasts the heroine as a futuristic eco-warrior. In a world ravaged by war and environmental collapse, Joan of Arc is a child-rebel whose story is rediscovered and becomes a symbol of resistance against a tyrannical corporate regime.

    Lidia Yuknavitch uses the original legend as a powerful framework to explore themes of gender, sacrifice, the body, and storytelling, proving the enduring relevance of Joan’s archetype.

  7. Joan of Arc by Michael Morpurgo

    Told from the unique and charming perspective of a skylark, this novel makes Joan’s story accessible while retaining its emotional power. The bird narrator follows Joan from her childhood in Domrémy through her historic battles and tragic end, offering a unique vantage point on her life.

    Morpurgo’s lyrical prose and poignant storytelling create a moving and memorable narrative that captures the innocence, courage, and heartbreak of Joan’s incredible journey.