Joan of Arc by Mary Gordon - Book Report/Review Example

 Joan of Arc by Mary Gordon In 2000, one of the most interesting and considered to be a unique presentation of the life of the 15th century historical character Joan of Arc had been published. It is a work by a renowned novelist Mary Gordon released by the Penguin Group and published by the Viking Adult. The human person that is Joan of Arc was published on a hardcover of 208 pages in a factual yet creative manner that can be considered as an interesting read. Due to the interest that it can bring about to the readers, it is a privilege to be able present a review on the said published work. The work presented by Gordon can be considered both as a factual account and a literary work of art on the basis that it presents important data on the life of the girl that was Joan of Arc while it also makes the people see the totality of her perspectives. Basically when one read a biography, it is a collection of events that can be considered factual and historical but lacks empathy that can make the reader understand the person. Gordon on the other hand was able to convey the life of a hero being a normal person with her small battles to overcome. This can be considered as one of the points on the work being appealing to the readers. The biography started by the presentation of the motivation Joan of Arc in becoming a soldier. The introduction of the first chapter and page of the book presented her point of view and the reason for her actions and manifestations. Gordon pointed out that her family is of little influence to the heroine for her actions thus her story is directed to the highlights of her life (Gordon 2000, p.1-3). The details of a girl being born in a peasant family in 1412 in France to becoming one of the most important personality in the Hundred Years’ War is included in the fundamental fact that revolved around Joan of Arc. Although such important data can be considered as what had poised her as a young heroine, the point of view presented by Gordon used such details as a backdrop for the development of the person that she was (2000, p. 1-26). Basically, the biography had been presented as a story of an ordinary girl with an extra ordinary determination. Although being a saint and a heroine can make contemporary readers question the data’s reliability, Gordon presented the chronology of event in such a way that the readers of the contemporary era will not doubt it as beyond reality. The said events include the voices that motivated her to be on a mission to join the army. She left Domremy at 17 and joined the army of the local lord. Although her accomplishments are inclusive of the two years ending in her conviction and being burned at stake at 19, her accomplishments had been recognized as both saintly and heroic after several centuries (2000). The presentation of the life of Joan of Arc immediately created a background of the era she was in and her motivations. This includes the state and the different wars and conflicts that France is facing during the said era specifically that with the English land. The next important event then that Mary Gordon presented is the contribution and participation of the woman that was Joan of Arc in the objective to put Charles VII to the throne which was achieved after the success in battle (2000, p. 28-40, 47-70). These events were presented in a very detailed and clear manner to be able to be understood and even be able to feel the actual feeling of the person. Basically, if the work of Gordon was examined Joan can be viewed as a person of normal feats but in her time extraordinary. A great teacher of faith and strong will, Joan of Arch teaches the importance of both beliefs and actions. Upon completing is bound mission to save her country through by assisting to the crowning of a leader, Joan of Arc was perceived to have normal wanting of leading a life of peace with her family on Domremy (2000, p.72). The work of Gordon had been presented in a positive attributed of Joan of Arc. Although this is the case, her interaction with other people, in good terms and in conflicts, can be considered as another way and confirmation of her behavior apart from what people may think of her as a super human. Such conflicts include the disagreement with Charles at some point that can be considered to have led to some of her dilemmas in terms of her goals and actions. Basically, Gordon can be praised not only in the ability of presenting the life of Joan of Arc in the capability of both a scholar and academic writer and a creative novelist. In the said manner, she was able to touch a larger audience. This can attributed to the fact that it is rare that creative writing can be praised of academic value. Being a biography, the work of Gordon is expected to be more of academic value. Thus, this is an expectation in some degree. But it is also a fact that students of the era have the difficulty of empathizing in the events of the historical fact most especially due to the absence of such events in the present era. Gordon though had succeeded to incorporate her talent as a novelist to be able to stir a level of interest to the readers that can make them empathize and understand the points of views and perspectives of the character in history, in this case is Joan of Arc. There can be some questions in the manner that Gordon projected Joan, such as a reckless and self contradictory teenage girl which is in most situations overwhelmed by the goals that she is trying to achieve up to the point of forgetting her own self. It can be considered logical that Joan of Arc, a girl of very young age, too young for her feat can be often in unsure situations, Gordon can be questioned of her way of presenting her as she had known her. To some degree it can be considered creative and helpful in terms of achieving empathy, but to some degree it can be considered as being not credible. Although this is the case, Gordon has the habit of implying in her work of such short comings which can be considered humbling on her part and can also be perceived as a helpful manner for the audience to reach her as an author. Mary Gordon succeeded in conveying the life of Joan of Arc in a humble and simple manner. This is in comparison to other accounts prior to her work. She had achieved to present a modest and ordinary side of Joan of Arc through her own manner of presentation that readers can easily relate to. Another important accomplishment is the presentation of a historical character to the present era with little difficulty with regards to time constraints. Based in the study and review undertaken of the work of Mary Gordon in presenting the life of Joan of Arc, it can be considered, as both the creative writing groups and the academe have expressed, is a biography that deserves to be read. Reference: Gordon, M. (2000). Joan of Arc. NY: Penguin Live. Read More