Rather than being a biography of Joan of Arc, this was more a history of France in the first half of the 15th Century, and what role Joan of Arc played in it. This slightly different approach was very enjoyable, if quite difficult to follow and read, as it put the (very famous) story in historical context. For example, Helen Castor explains that, from a historical standpoint, it does not matter whether or not Joan's visions were really divine, a figment of her imagination, or otherwise; what mattered was that she, and those who followed and supported her, knew that they were divine. Castor also adds a wonderful humanity to the famous figure, especially in the last few months of her life.