Frankly, I don't understand why Twain wrote this book. What was he trying to accomplish? It is a serious book, with the exception of a few chapters dealing with Joan's friends. These sections seem to have been added simply because Twain had to be Twain and couldn't contain himself. For the most part, he sticks to the facts, with an occasional dragon or fairy thrown in for atmosphere. Although Twain was an athiest, he handle's Joan's faith sincerely.

I have always found it impossible to understand Joan of Arc. How could a 17-year-old girl convince an entire nation to follow her? She didn't leave behind a diary, the culture has changed dramatically, and the situation seems ludicrous. Perhaps Twain felt the same way and wrote the book in an attept to understand. I'm not convinced that he was successful.