Gilles and Jeanne

Gilles de Rais, a 15th-century French nobleman and war hero, serves alongside Joan of Arc in the Hundred Years' War. The novel follows his transformation after Joan's execution, tracking his path from decorated military commander to a man grappling with darkness. Michel Tournier's narrative moves between historical record and psychological portrait, examining Gilles' relationship with Joan and his subsequent actions. The story spans the final years of Gilles' life as his wealth diminishes and his behavior becomes increasingly erratic. The events unfold in medieval France, bringing forth the period's religious fervor, political intrigue, and social hierarchies. Tournier reconstructs the world of French nobility while maintaining focus on his protagonist's descent. Through Gilles' story, Tournier explores themes of faith and faithlessness, the nature of good and evil, and how the loss of an ideal can reshape a person's entire being. The novel raises questions about the influence of saintly figures on those around them, and what remains in their absence.

Readers note that Michel Tournier's retelling of Joan of Arc's story through Gilles de Rais' perspective offers an intimate psychological portrait rather than a historical account. Readers appreciated: - The spare, poetic writing style - Fresh perspective on a familiar historical figure - Complex relationship dynamics - Portrayal of medieval France Common criticisms: - Too brief/superficial treatment of major events - Lack of historical accuracy - Abrupt ending - Limited development of side characters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (197 ratings) Amazon.fr: 4.2/5 (16 reviews) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (12 ratings) One reader called it "a haunting character study that prioritizes psychological truth over historical fact." Another noted that "the brevity works against full emotional impact." Multiple French reviews praised the lyrical prose but wished for more historical context and detail about Gilles' later life.

The Passion of New Eve by Angela Carter A post-apocalyptic tale explores gender transformation and religious symbolism through a journey that mirrors Gilles de Rais' descent into darkness.

Saint Joan by Bernard Shaw The dramatization of Joan of Arc's life presents the intersection of faith, power, and martyrdom in medieval France.

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco A medieval murder mystery set in a monastery combines historical detail with an examination of faith, heresy, and the nature of evil.

The Devils by Fyodor Dostoevsky Based on true events, this novel chronicles a provincial town's descent into chaos through political manipulation and religious fervor.

The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis This reimagining of Jesus's life explores the tension between divine destiny and human desire in a way that echoes Jeanne's spiritual journey.

🗡️ During her military campaigns, Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) rode with Gilles de Rais, who later became one of France's most notorious serial killers and the inspiration for the fairy tale "Bluebeard." 📚 Michel Tournier wrote this novella in 1983, creating a stark contrast between the saintly Joan and the monstrous Gilles, exploring how two people who fought for the same cause could end up with such different destinies. ⚜️ The real Gilles de Rais was a respected marshal of France and one of the wealthiest men in Europe before his eventual execution for the murder of dozens of children. 🎭 The book examines the theme of duality - how Gilles' devotion to Joan transforms into a twisted obsession after her death, leading him to seek a dark form of sainthood through evil acts. 📖 At just over 100 pages, Tournier manages to tell this complex historical story with remarkable economy, earning praise for his ability to blend historical fact with psychological insight.