Young Joan - Softcover

Dana, Barbara

3.73

180 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 006440661X ISBN 13: 9780064406611

Publisher: HarperTeen, 1997

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In thisnovel we meet the young farm girl Joan before she becomes Joan of Arc, and witness her struggles to understand the extraordinary task she has been given by her saints. Told in her voice, it is a remarkable story of acceptance and spiritual courage. ‘A beautifully crafted fictional portrait of Joan of Arc, from her first visions until she leaves on her historic mission. . . . A convincing, unforgettable—and non-doctrinaire re-creation.’ —The Kirkus Reviews. This edition, abridged by the author, marks its first appearance in paperback. ‘Wise and profoundly moving . . . captivating and timeless.’—The Los Angeles Times Book Review. ‘Barbara Dana’s recreation of Joan of Arc’s early life, before she commanded an army, is entirely involving and convincing. Making no concessions to the twentieth century, Dana portrays a Joan true to her time.’—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.

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About the Author:

Barbara Dana is the author of several previous novels for children and young adults, including Zucchini and Necessary Parties, which was made into a sucessful television drama.She lives with her husband, actor-director-author Alan Arkin, in New York City.

From Kirkus Reviews:

A beautifully crafted fictional portrait of Joan of Arc, from her first visions until she leaves on her historic mission. Joan's own revealing narrative voice is the center of interest here: wholly trusting in God's goodness and the wisdom of her guiding saints; loving the world's beauty and treasuring other creatures, especially the animals on her father's farm; concerned for family, friends--and enemies; quiet, obedient, but eloquently persuasive; genuine in her humility, regarding any good she does as God's. Joan recounts the temporal and spiritual events that prepare her, by almost imperceptible degrees, for her role. Though she's not considered remarkable in her village, she's already recognized as having a gift for healing; and though family and neighbors create a loving, supportive community, the threat of violence from marauding Burgundians is unremitting. Adopting a spare style whose simplicity effectively suggests Joan's intelligence and naivet‚, Dana follows the growth of Joan's governing idea through poignantly poetic exchanges with her voices. There is a great deal of repetition, but it allows the reader's perception to deepen along with Joan's own sense of her purpose. An epilogue, still in Joan's voice (from beyond the fire) completes the story; though the novel seems carefully researched, a note differentiating fact from fiction would have been welcome. A convincing, unforgettable--and nondoctrinaire-- re-creation. (Fiction. 11+) -- Copyright �1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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