Big Books of 2026
Joan of Arc

Questions About Joan of Arc

by Mark Twain

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Joan of Arc, please sign up.

Answered Questions (3)

Is this book a novel or a work of nonfiction?
P It's fiction, but Twain obviously did his research because it portrays the story of Joan of Arc consistent with the recorded historical facts. The twi…moreIt's fiction, but Twain obviously did his research because it portrays the story of Joan of Arc consistent with the recorded historical facts. The twist is Twain's usual sarcastic - in a humorous way - depiction of how unfairly Joan was treated in the end by her 'betters', i.e., the deceitful and cowardly members of the Church and their determination to vitiate her. This, despite the fact that she actually was responsible for awaking in the French the resolve to finally throw the English out of France.(less)
flag
Is this book a novel or a non fiction book?
Simon This is a complicated question to answer. Joan herself was certainly a nonfictional character, and Twain moslty holds true to the best historical acco…moreThis is a complicated question to answer. Joan herself was certainly a nonfictional character, and Twain moslty holds true to the best historical accounts of her story. However, whether you want to consider dragons, fairies, and prophecies "non-fiction" or not is up to you.(less)
flag
I have always been fascinated with Joan of Ark and had no idea that there were more historical information available about her. According to this book Mark Twain took his information directly from the memoirs of Joan's Page/secretary. They played even as children, so he knew her from the very beginning, and was with her up until the day she died. Im very excited to be reading this!! Wonder if it will be a good read!?
Joe It seems that the narrator was (semi) fictional. Someone with a similar name was Joan's page, but was not really there from her childhood. Nonetheless…moreIt seems that the narrator was (semi) fictional. Someone with a similar name was Joan's page, but was not really there from her childhood. Nonetheless, the story is based on sworn testimony of numerous eyewitnesses, probably the most completely documented life of any person in the middle ages. Twain's narrator is a useful tool for presenting the story, and does not distort the amazing truth of Joan's life and deeds.(less)
flag

Unanswered Questions (1)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more