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Book Review: "Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc" by Mark Twain

Updated: Dec 30, 2021

ABOUT + INSIGHT

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"Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc" by Mark Twain is an amazing record of Joan’s short life. The story is vividly narrated by her servant & friend, Sieur Loius de Conte. He describes her humble, innocent beginning up to her amazing valor as France’s commander-in-chief & to her nobility, boldness, and martyrdom. The love for her savior and master, Jesus Christ, is especially notable in this story. Truly a dramatic and heart-touching biography. I highly recommend this of all of Joan’s biographies.

I also love how this book is creatively narrated by her servant, Sieur Louis de Conte... Mark Twain's alter ego, especially since they have the same initials. Sieur Louis de Conte = Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Chapters may seem lengthy, but I guarantee you it is for the reader's full enjoyment.


AGE-APPROPRIATE

Ages 13 & up, grades 7-9.


ADDITIONAL DETAILS

PRAISE

"This book truly is the best ever written by Mark Twain. I believe it should be required reading in all of our schools. Twain is able to show the transformation of a young girl into a powerful leader of a nation's entire army. We are able to see that transformation and her abilities grow as she becomes a great leader. This is an especially good book for young girls to read, as it shows that leadership ability is in us all and you should fight for your dreams. I will be buying multiple copies for use in our community school."

- ckelley, from Dover Thrift


"This novel was Mark Twain's last completed work which he considered to be the best of all his books. He claimed that he had spent twelve years in its research and two in writing. One of his key sources of research was Jules Quicherat's Proces de Condamnation et de Rehabilitation de Jeanne d'Arc


As a historical novel, this is one of those that let me learn a great deal about the historical background and the historical character(s) while keeping me emotionally engaged with the plot. It was not a fast read, but by the time I finished reading, I felt glad that I had picked up the book.


As already mentioned in numerous other reviews, Twain's deep fascination with and affection for Joan of Arc shines through the entire novel. It's been pointed out that in writing this book, the author made a deliberate departure from his well-known comedic style, as he wanted readers to take it seriously. Be that as it may, I find that his innate sense of humor is all too readily discernible.


Joan's story is without question a compelling and poignant one. The fact that an illiterate teenage French peasant girl was able to make such a stunning impact on late middle-ages history of France and England, more specifically on the outcome of the infamous Hundred Years' War, is reason enough for history lovers to read this important account of her humble and glorious life."

- Alice Poon, from Goodreads



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