The comparison to Mantel is an apt one, I think. There are some who pick up historical fiction looking for something purporting to be narrative nonfiction, and then knock down a book for that want. But all history is an interpretation, as are the sources people want cited. What we have now is the ability to make further conjectures on the observation of society and the biases from which history was formulated. And so, I really don’t mind at all fiction that “reimagines”—rather pays attention to things obfuscated previously. In this case, rather than Joan being a divine being, she was blessed with good genetics and the way the world treated her, molded her into the person that could perform those deeds. Raw talent and materials were hers and she used them to great effect.

But even she, at seventeen, understand that her story means something greater because she can see many people have lived a life like her, and so are an untapped resource to make a nation and community and home well defended and protected. Joan continually reiterates this throughout and this reframing makes it very convincing (along with the idea that perhaps she wasn’t untouchable by God until favour left her). Which means that the country suffered because it didn’t know its people, most especially its women, as we do now. Which extrapolates the messaging into current times far more squarely than other inspirational stories, imo.

Much of this resonated with me because it’s down-to-earth. Coupled with the organic dialogue and great descriptions and scene framing, fluidity with time - honing in on only what is interesting with the young years of Joan’s rearing, and you’ve got an exceptional text. Obviously, if I want a text with citations I’ll go pick up a nonfiction account. Though, who knows if it would account for some of the biases as this does, ironically.