The Story

This book covers the final, heartbreaking chapter of Joan's life. The high of seeing the Dauphin crowned King Charles VII at Reims is short-lived. The military campaigns stall, political support evaporates, and Joan is captured by the Burgundians. France then guides us through her imprisonment, the politically motivated trial, and her execution. The focus isn't on the fire itself, but on the exhausting psychological chess match of the trial, where churchmen tried to break her spirit and twist her simple faith into heresy.

Why You Should Read It

France’s genius is making Joan feel like a person, not a statue. We see her confusion as her former allies abandon her, her fierce intelligence during the trial, and her very human moments of fear and doubt. He doesn't paint her judges as cartoon villains, but as men trapped in a system, which makes the injustice even more chilling. Reading this feels less like studying history and more like witnessing a tragedy unfold in slow motion, where the outcome is inevitable but the courage on display is still staggering.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven historical drama. If you want pure battle glory, look elsewhere. But if you're fascinated by the messy intersection of faith, politics, and a single extraordinary individual, this is a masterclass. It’s a heavy read, but a profoundly moving one that stays with you long after you close the book.