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A review by malglories
The Maid and the Queen: The Secret History of Joan of Arc by Nancy Goldstone
4.0
i would say that, if you're looking for a book to provide context for the world in which joan lived and the people who ruled it and surrounded her, this one is brilliant. goldstone analyzes joan's trajectory through the lens of yolande of aragon, stepmother and later mother-in-law to charles vii. it was honestly fascinating - i learned so much, connected so many dots that i didn't even realize were unconnected in my mind before. i just love the middle ages so much.
and i love joan so much.
however, i would also say this isn't the book to read if you want an in-depth analysis of joan, and also that the ending is rather lackluster and fails to connect all the brilliant analysis goldstone so carefully lays out throughout the book. the end of the hundred years' war is boring.
still. women <3
"for those who wonder after reading these pages how it is possible that the evidence of yolande's involvement in the story of joan of arc has never before been adequately explored, i can only respond that there is no more effective camouflage in history than to have been born a woman.”
and i love joan so much.
however, i would also say this isn't the book to read if you want an in-depth analysis of joan, and also that the ending is rather lackluster and fails to connect all the brilliant analysis goldstone so carefully lays out throughout the book. the end of the hundred years' war is boring.
still. women <3
"for those who wonder after reading these pages how it is possible that the evidence of yolande's involvement in the story of joan of arc has never before been adequately explored, i can only respond that there is no more effective camouflage in history than to have been born a woman.”