New novel portrays modern heroine inspired by St. Joan of Arc

Sarah Robsdottir's latest young adult novel, "Joan of Arkansas," published by Voyage Comics and Publishing in 2025, explores the struggles of a modern-day heroine reminiscent of St. Joan of Arc. The book follows Joanie Smith, a 16-year-old high school student from Little Rock, Arkansas, as she navigates challenges including poverty and community ostracism.

Robsdottir draws inspiration from her admiration for St. Joan of Arc. The author sets the story in Little Rock due to its significance as the capital of Arkansas and its relevance to the opioid crisis affecting many small southern American cities. "I set the story in Little Rock because it’s the capital of Arkansas, and I was really in love with the title Joan of Arkansas," Robsdottir said. She added that the title evokes "a modern-day St. Joan of Arc."

The novel also carries a pro-life message through Joanie's backstory. Her mother, Maggie, is a recovering heroin addict who almost aborted Joanie but was dissuaded by Joanie's grandmother.

A subplot features Dr. Rio, a former nun turned principal and homeless shelter manager, who grapples with her views on abortion amidst her work with impoverished communities. "It’s an unwanted feeling similar to the revulsion she (Dr. Rio) has felt for (shelter occupant) Misty and kids like her over the years," reflects Dr. Rio's internal conflict.

While Dr. Rio eventually reverts to a pro-life stance, Robsdottir highlights her complexity: “I didn’t intend Dr. Rio’s character to represent or symbolize any one group of people specifically... I think it’s important that characters aren’t boring archetypes; that they aren’t ‘good’ or ‘bad’ but complex creatures on a journey.”

"Joan of Arkansas" marks Robsdottir's second young adult novel following "Brave Water" in 2022. Both works emphasize perseverance amid adversity and aim to inspire readers toward heroic lives akin to their protagonists.

"I wrote this story to shed light on the most pressing human rights/social justice issue of our day," Robsdottir stated, aiming not for judgment but inspiration through parallels between Joanie and St. Joan.

Mike Mastromatteo contributed this review from Toronto.