A review by kaylielongley
The Book of Joan by Lidia Yuknavitch

3.0

This is a modern retelling of Joan of Arc, but it is so much more, combining mythological, historical, and science-fiction. Sometime in the future, earth's "sanctuary" has resulted in sentient, sexless beings, resulting in some disturbing (dis)advantages of the female form, including bodily harm and rape. Such reading is meant to disturb. Despite the damages, attraction and love still exist from protag Christine's POV. "Christ" tells the story of Joan via skin-grafting, symbolizing a reclaim to her personal power. Christine and Joan's interlocking energies (and narratives) reveal common truths on humanity: We are stardust, and we (are) matter. Certainly, there are some unnecessary superficial sci-fi elements, like a being who can bend walls. And there are ample allusions to savior complexes, but Christine and Joan's understanding of choosing love over power crept up on me, demanding a future re-read.