I think it's safe to say that most people out there have at least a general knowledge of who Joan of Arc is. Even if they don't know the specifics, they'll probably be able to acknowledge that they've heard of her. When I found out that The Maid was a partly historical, partly fictional look at the short life of this famous woman, I was intrigued. How do you tell the story of someone who didn't live long enough to recount it? I wondered how much liberty would be taken, and whether this would be a scrubbed version. By that, I mean that I once read a story of Joan of Arc that was missing her saints. Odd, really. Since she was deemed a woman chosen by God.

So far, I think I like this book. I THINK I like it, mainly because I'm not quite sure what's missing. The story of Jehanne's life so far has been interesting. I very much liked the fact that Cutter doesn't simply present her as a hero. Rather, she's a normal girl, with normal fears, who doubts often. It's only through strength of will and her deep belief, that she finally sets out on her mission. It's slightly sad to know that she won't be around for very long. This is actually a character, Jehanne that is, that I enjoy following along with.

I'm curious to see where this story goes next, since I essentially know what is supposed to happen. My one gripe, above all else, is the short and sharp way that these chapters are broken up. I'm left wondering why they couldn't be longer, since each one doesn't really seem to break up anything important. The "Parts" I understand. The chapters, not so much.

I look forward to seeing what all of you think!

So I turned this into a general discussion thread, since there hasn't been a lot of buzz around this book. It's okay! That happens sometimes :). We'll start fresh next month.

Has anyone finished? I found my interest waning a bit, but now I'm at the part where Joan of Arc actually fulfills the prophecy and my interest has peaked again. I'll probably finish this evening. It's just such a sad story. Interesting, to be sure, but how terrifying must it be to be so young and take on something so great? Belief makes us do amazing things.