Play Book Tag discussion

The book of Joan is a dystopian novel that attempts to comment on environmentalism, feminism and sexuality. In some ways, it succeeds quite well, in other ways... it falls flat.

In the wake of multiple wars which leave Earth uninhabitable, humanity has moved onto a space station known as CIEL, run by a horrible tyrant known as Jean de Men. Environmental factors not fully understood, have created a sexless population, sterile and asexual in body, if not in mind. As a result, even simulating sexual intimacy has become a dangerous concept, outlawed by the police state. Of course, human nature asserts itself and this sparks a resistance group. Inspired by tales of a child warrior named Joan, a leader in the very wars that destroyed the planet.

I did find some chapters to be confusing, but that's no fault of the author. If I hadn't been listening to the audiobook version, I think it would have been clear. The only issue was an occasional shift between two first-person perspectives.

Overall, I thought that a lot of the concepts were fascinating and certainly worth conversation. Her points on environmentalism felt fully formed. However, there were parts in which the author didn't quite seem to hit her mark in sexuality and feminism.

The concept of a physically asexual society that is still young enough in their evolution to feel sexual urges brings up some great questions, but those questions can gets lost in the weeds. That is, the main narrator uses a lot of crude/sexualized language. I believe the author is trying to portray the obsession with sex that her characters have. That the unexpected and unwilling deprivation that they have no power to change, has caused a widespread mental crisis. However, it's also clearly used for shock value and at times it becomes a bit much, and I'm not at all sensitive to it. It just distracts from the concepts she's introducing, at a certain point.

There also are some feminist tones to the ending, which seem a bit forced in. As if the author couldn't quite decide how to say what she wanted to say, so she left the ending half-formed.

However, I'm glad I read it, because the prose is absolutely beautiful at times. I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for a paper copy, so that I can fully appreciate some of Yuknavitch's descriptions and philosophical passages. Again, I did appreciate the concepts - they have sparked my imagination and are a great starting point for conversation. I look forward to exploring some of Yuknavitch's other works in the future, as I have the feeling that there will be some gems. I just feel like she needed a bit more room to explore this particular story.

For those that may need specific trigger warnings, there are plenty of reviews which include them, but beware - they involve some pretty big spoilers. I'll just say there is graphic violence and leave it at that.

I've never heard of this book nor the author, but it certainly sounds intriguing. And ambitious. However, when you tell me the tyrant is Jean and a significant protagonist is Joan, it makes me wonder about the sanity of the editors . . .that would make me crazy in an audio book format, but even in writing, I think it would annoy me.

Great review.

Huh. Guess I'm gonna have to go check all my posts. Tried to answer this on mobile, but apparently it didn't go through.

It sounds like it would be frustrating, but it's really not. Jean de Men is clearly supposed to be more of a male name - it's pronounced more like "John". Think French accent. Not to mention, Jean de Men is always referred to by the full name. It's never just Jean.

Yes, great review!!
I also have not heard of this, but what an interesting premise. Reviews seem to be super extreme-mostly 1 or 5 stars. Luckily we see both sides with yours. Haven't decided if it's worth it for me yet, but thanks!

Interesting even that the "bad guy" is Jean de Men. Referencing Men straight up in his name... Obvious munch?

Joi wrote: "Yes, great review!!
I also have not heard of this, but what an interesting premise. Reviews seem to be super extreme-mostly 1 or 5 stars. Luckily we see both sides with yours. Haven't decided if it..."

Ha. Yeah. There are definitely aspects of this book that are very underdeveloped. I'll definitely try one of her other books eventually, I'm hoping that she improves over time, because there is definitely some strong points too!

I liked this, but it wasn’t mind blowing. Your review hit all my highs and lows with the book, too. It was kind of The Hunger Games meets The Giver meets Divergent, but with less of a YA feel. If that makes sense.

Tracy wrote: "I liked this, but it wasn’t mind blowing. Your review hit all my highs and lows with the book, too. It was kind of The Hunger Games meets The Giver meets Divergent, but with less of a YA feel. If t..."

Yeah. It's definitely one of those books I enjoyed reading, but wouldn't need to read again, if not for the fact that there were some beautiful passages I'd like to copy down. I'm not sure if I quite understand where you're going with that description, but that's likely because I've never read Divergent. I can certainly see some of the indirect comparisons you could make with The Hunger Games and the Giver though. Interesting take. I may have to read Divergent to see what you mean.

The dystopian setting, but also the general plot. It seems to be a favorite scenario in YA.