Pretty good historical novel about another French maiden, Gabrielle, a friend of Jeanette (Joan) who follows her along in the events of her life, and is a healer. Worthwhile book for both young adults and adults, not so much for 12 and younger. ( )

I've lost count of how many times that I have read this book over the years. Growing up it was one of my absolute favorites which you can tell by looking at my well worn paperback copy. ( )

Pretty long for a juvenile. I got about 1/4 through and gave up - I'm just not a fan of the genre historical fiction and it takes a certain kind of special something to draw me in. Wish I could define what it is, but [b:Johnny Tremain|816870|Johnny Tremain|Esther Forbes|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320401845s/816870.jpg|2683165] had it and this doesn't.

This young adult novel is the tale of Gabrielle de Domremy who is a childhood friend of Joan of Arc. Gabrielle learns healing and midwifery from her mother, and follows Joan's army as a medic. She dresses as a boy, loves (chastely, of course) a soldier, and even follows Joan after she is captured and imprisoned until her death at the stake. Gabrielle is a courageous young woman, but a lover of peace and is the 'dove' to Joan's 'sword.'
As a person whose official education of history encompassed only the American Revolution to the Civil War, I was mildly interested in the historical Joan of Arc when I picked this book up at a garage sale. I was induced to finally read it by the Go Review That Book forum here on LT, and I am glad of it. The fictional tale of Gabrielle brought color and relatability to a centuries old historical figure. There is much commentary on the rightness or wrongness of war, as well as discussion of Joan's piety and saintliness. I was concerned that the reality of battle might be either too graphic for a young reader or mostly glossed over; however, Garden has managed to strike a balance between the two and write with both realism and mindfulness of her intended audience. This is a recommended read for young people, especially females, interested in historical events or personages. ( )

Very good, great novel about one of Joan of Arc's friends who follows her until her execution. ( )