The Book of Joan

Book Review: The Book of Joan by Lidia Yuknavitch

The Book of Joan is a captivating and thought-provoking novel written by Lidia Yuknavitch, published in 2017 in New York. The book delves into themes of humanity, gender, power, and survival, set in a dystopian future where Earth has been ravaged by wars and environmental disasters.

The story is a futuristic reimagining of the Joan of Arc tale, set in a post-apocalyptic world where the last remaining humans are aboard a space station orbiting the planet. The protagonist, Joan, is a fearless and charismatic young woman who becomes a symbol of resistance against the oppressive ruler of the space station, Jean de Men.

Yuknavitch's writing style is raw, poetic, and evocative, drawing readers into a world that is both bleak and beautiful. The characters are complex and multifaceted, grappling with their own desires, fears, and vulnerabilities in the face of impending doom.

The novel explores the fluidity of gender and identity, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Joan herself is a gender-defying figure, embodying strength, courage, and defiance in a society that seeks to control and subjugate her.

One of the most striking aspects of The Book of Joan is Yuknavitch's vivid and visceral descriptions of the natural world and the human body. She explores the interconnectedness of all living things, highlighting the ways in which our bodies are both fragile and resilient, capable of both creation and destruction.

The book also delves into the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which people will go to maintain control over others. Jean de Men, the antagonist of the story, is a tyrant who rules through fear and manipulation, seeking to eradicate all traces of independence and resistance.

Throughout the novel, Yuknavitch weaves together themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and redemption, posing profound questions about what it means to be human in a world on the brink of extinction. The story is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, offering glimpses of beauty and connection amidst the chaos and devastation.

Reviews and Reception:

The Book of Joan has received critical acclaim for its bold and imaginative storytelling. The novel was praised for its lyrical prose, inventive world-building, and complex characters. Readers and critics alike were drawn to the book's exploration of gender, power, and the human experience in the face of adversity.

According to The New York Times, Yuknavitch's novel is "a raucous celebration, a searing condemnation, and fiercely imaginative retelling of Joan of Arc's transcendent life." The review lauded the book for its unflinching portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse and the indomitable spirit of its protagonist.

About the Author:

Lidia Yuknavitch is an American author known for her bold and genre-defying work. She has written several novels, including The Small Backs of Children and The Chronology of Water, as well as a memoir titled The Misfit's Manifesto. Yuknavitch's writing is characterized by its raw honesty, poetic language, and exploration of trauma, resilience, and the human body.

Yuknavitch's background as a writer, teacher, and activist informs her work, which often challenges societal norms and conventions. She is a fierce advocate for marginalized voices and a proponent of using art as a tool for social change and healing.

Conclusion:

The Book of Joan is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and explores profound questions about humanity, power, and survival. Lidia Yuknavitch's evocative prose and vivid imagination create a rich and immersive reading experience that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have finished the book.

With its themes of resistance, resilience, and redemption, The Book of Joan is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a book that challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about gender, power, and the nature of existence, inviting them to imagine new possibilities for the future of humanity.

The book "The Book of Joan" is a world bestseller by Yuknavitch Lidia, available in English in convenient EPUB, PDF, and FB2 formats. Read online or download. No ads, no frills - just a high-quality e-book. Available for purchase via Telegram bot.