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Book Review of The Book of Joan

The Book of Joan
reviewed on + 1440 more book reviews


This is a retelling of Joan of Arc in a different setting in a different time.  The earth has been beset by wars, so many that the surface has become radioactive.   People, the rich and the corporate leaders, of course, have fled the surface moving onto a platform called CIEL.  These people are now hairless, sexless with pale white bodies.  They live by a rigid set of rules in a police-like environment.  The charismatic leader of CIEL is Jean de Men whose armies punish any who violate the rules.

The stage is thus set for emergence of a rebel who has an strange force within that propels her into leadership.  Joan of Dirt, modeled after Joan of Arc, becomes a figure rebels with whom rebels can identify.  She and her friend, Leone, work together  opposing Jean de Men and his armies.

This post apocalyptic novel seems is often depressing as Joan and Leone lose group after group to the superior forces of Jean de Men.  Their technology and resources are overwhelming and sometimes only Joan and Leone survive.  How does Joan survive being burned at the stake?  Read the novel to see.  The ending is surprising in some ways although Joan's life essentially models that of Joan of Arc.  Interesting and thought provoking read.