Guest Reviewer Jaime reviews The Maid and The Queen by Nancy Goldstone

TITLE: The Maid and The Queen: The Secret History of Joan of Arc
AUTHOR: Nancy Goldstone
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The untold story of the extraordinary queen who championed Joan of Arc.

Politically astute, ambitious, and beautiful, Yolande of Aragon, queen of Sicily, was one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages. Caught in the complex dynastic battle of the Hundred Years War, Yolande championed the dauphin’s cause against the forces of England and Burgundy, drawing on her savvy, her statecraft, and her intimate network of spies. But the enemy seemed invincible. Just as French hopes dimmed, an astonishingly courageous young woman named Joan of Arc arrived from the farthest recesses of the kingdom, claiming she carried a divine message-a message that would change the course of history and ultimately lead to the coronation of Charles VII and the triumph of France.

Now, on the six hundredth anniversary of the birth of Joan of Arc, this fascinating book explores the relationship between these two remarkable women, and deepens our understanding of this dramatic period in history. How did an illiterate peasant girl gain access to the future king of France, earn his trust, and ultimately lead his forces into battle? Was it only the hand of God that moved Joan of Arc-or was it also Yolande of Aragon?

REVIEW:

It’s completely obvious Goldstone is a genius when it comes to telling tales of predominant historic figures, and this book is no exception. She captures the essence of Joan of Arc and Yolande of Aragon to a tee. The author’s work is flawless, and this well-written biography almost teaches us readers reminiscent to a textbook explaining who and why they are significant hundreds of years later. It’s tough enough to highlight one heroine, but the addition of a second in this book is just an extra sweet bonus of knowledge and talent that adds to history buffs’ must-read list. It’s paced perfectly so we don’t get confused with the overload of information, and the several illustrations throughout aid our creative thought and eases us through the enigmatic world which we have never explored previously. Many may not know the importance or the impact Joan of Arc has bestowed upon the world, but whether it was a curse or a blessing in disguise, her story is told beautifully and many will agree, unforgettable.

Disclaimer: The above review was written by a guest reviewer, is the opinion of that reviewer and not a paid review.