We don't run across too many books written in verse, so when I saw this, I snatched it up!
The text halo was my first clue it was a book in verse, as I critique partnered for a verse writer who created many similar type poem shapes with the words of her verse -- sword, circle, halo, candle flame, tunic, castle, arrow, pitchfork, etc.
Elliott uses transcripts of Joan of Arc's two trials, of Condemnation and Nullification, to paint the last few hours of her life, before surrendering to the flames at the stake. The quotes from her were interesting.
I also learned she jumped from a tower, apparently a suicide attempt, which she survived but which also seriously undermined her claim at her first trial of hearing the voices of Angels.
TEACHING NOTE: Elliott also identifies the types of poems in the back. Teachers may not have time in the curriculum to teach the whole book. However, it could be used as a modern resource for some of the older forms of poetry, which so frequently lose student interest due to older, denser writing styles and obscure, no longer common references.
They include ballade, rondeau, rondel, rondelet, sestina, triolet and villanelle. Unfortunately, the publisher has not provided a teaching guide, which is why I'm not recommending it in For Educators. If you do create a teaching resource for this book, and would like to share, I'd love to hear from you!
An interesting, quick read.
