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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Consulting, 2007