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Review:
Joan of Arc: the story of Jehanne Darc by Lili Wilkinson
Read by Jane Nolan. Hawthorn, Vic : Louis Braille Audio, 2006. (3 hours)
ISBN 1921104635 3 CDs
Ages 10+ Joan of Arc: the story of Jehanne Darc by Lili Wilkinson is a fascinating look at the life of the saint, Joan of Arc. It is told through narrations by memorable fictional characters like the young 16 year old girl who went to see the “witch” burn at the stake and through thoroughly researched non fiction accounts. The two descriptions mesh beautifully together and the reading is so well done that the listener is carried along effortlessly with both facts and fiction.

The listener gains an in-depth knowledge about the character of Joan who at the age of 19 was able to inspire an army to overcome the English by claiming that she heard voices from God. The personality of Joan is enthralling, and Nolan’s reading helps the listener to understand the forces that drove her, her intelligence and her fear of being burnt at the stake. Medieval life and warfare is vividly described and listeners will learn much about the Middle Ages from this sound recording. For example, the descriptions of what was eaten at a medieval feast at a king’s court are remarkable, as are the operations of the army and the role of women in the Middle Ages.

The reading by Jane Nolan is very clear and expressive. It is easy for the listener to distinguish between the different voices of the fictional characters and the factual descriptions and historical details from contemporary sources. The narration is so well done that the listener is unaware about how much historical fact is being absorbed. Conflicting theories about the source of Joan’s voices are recounted in an impartial voice, leaving listeners to make up their own minds.

The audio CD would be a very valuable addition for a class studying history, life in the middle ages, the role of women, or the life of a saint.

Pat Pledger






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