Novel Puts Joan of Arc’s Heroic Struggle Into Modern Context

Novel puts Joan of Arc’s heroic struggle into modern context

"Joan" of Arkansas in this story is Joanie Smith, a 16-year-old unpopular high school student who overcomes a range of hardships to find grace and redemption for herself and those dear to her.

Joan of Arc's heroic struggle brought into modern context through novel

The title of Sarah Robsdottir’s new young adult novel, “Joan of Arkansas,” reminds one of the clever word plays some writers employ to draw attention to their creations. While the choice of title can be seen as a literary conceit, in Robsdottir’s case it’s more of a salute to the author’s life-long regard for St. Joan of Arc, who became one of the first of female saints worthy of emulation and inspiration. “Joan” of Arkansas in this story is Joa…

'Joan of Arkansas' puts French saint's heroic struggle into modern context - Biweekly Newspaper for the Diocese of Richmond %

“Joan of Arkansas” Sarah Robsdottir, Voyage Comics and Publishing (2025) 370 pages, $14.99   The title of Sarah Robsdottir’s new young adult novel, “Joan of Arkansas,” reminds one of the clever word plays some writers employ to draw attention to their creations. While the choice of title can be seen as a literary conceit, in Robsdottir’s case it’s more of a salute to the author’s life-long regard for St. Joan of Arc, who became one of the first …