his contempt, his mocking laughter, and
the rank hostility of all
the men who came after. Though assailed
by their derision, I prevailed.
My vision never faltered. I
stood in front of them unafraid,
unaltered, until gradually
their privilege and their power
began to fade and weaken like
a flower in the time of drought."
Here's another brilliant novel in verse from David Elliott. The story of Joan of Arc is told in the 'voices' of the people and objects in her life. Those voices are incredibly diverse, and resounding.
The author notes, before you read it:
"Much of what we read about Joan of Arc comes from the transcripts of her two trials. The first, The Trial of Condemnation, convened in 1431, found Joan guilty of "relapsed heresy" and famously burned her at the stake. The second, the Trail of Nullification, held some twenty-four years after her death, effectively revoked the findings of the first. In both cases, the politics of the Middle Ages guaranteed their outcomes before they started."
Using poetic forms that evoke the writings of the time, Mr. Elliott gives voice to Joan as she prepares for being burned at the stake.
" ... What
more the dying know it seems I
am about to learn. For when the
sun is at its highest, a lusting torch
will touch the pyre. The flames will rise.
And I will burn. But I have always
been afire. With youth. With faith. With
truth. And with desire."
It is an auspicious introduction to the Maid of Orleans. I read it months ago, but wanted to wait until closer to its publication date to tell you about it. I can tell you there is nothing about it that I found forgettable. The words are compelling, the story is heartbreaking and awe-inspiring, the voices strong, and Joan's first person voice emphatic. The author writes a credible and brilliant story, using only the very best of words chosen for sharing in poetic verse.
The voices are many ... the saints, those who bore witness to her life and work, her family, the politicians who accused and those who defended her, the fire, and many other objects of circumstance. There are quotations included that come directly from the two trials. Those who read it will make connections from Joan's time to their own contemporary ones. It is sure to provide for moments of careful thought and, perhaps, discussion of issues that are relevant to their own lives.
Joan's story is brought into clear light, and elevates the sadness that surrounded her death. It is an exceptional portrait of a woman of history, and the fire within that brought her to the fire without.
The author's note explains his process for finding Joan's voice and choosing the poetic forms that would tell her story. Finally, he lists each of the entries in a list of the forms he chose for the telling.
"But I made no such confession.
It seems to me my only real
transgression was to invade and
triumph in the sacred land of
men., a woman in their landscape
was a repugnant, mortal sin,
unless she were a loving wife
or kneeling nun or knowing
prostitute. They would have hated
me far less if I had been a
girl of ill repute instead of
what I was and who I am: a
girl who dared to live the life of
a brave and honest man."
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