THE VOICE AND THE LIGHT

A story of the early years of Joan of Arc which prefaced the drama of her martyrdom, this is unusual in its contrast of her mystic dedication against the peasant practicalities of her background, the vulgarities of the times. Here is Jeanne at thirteen, at the time of her first visions which led to her unshakeable belief in her mission,- physically ungainly, and often resentful of her calling which imposes demands beyond her years, and earns the disapprobation and suspicion of others. This follows her early attempts to go to the succor of her ""gentle Dauphin"" as her voices direct her to the nobleman Baudricourt to secure a horse and a companion at arms. Failing, she returns home, to the courtship of young Edward, but knowing that she is not destined to marry- she refuses him. Then at seventeen there is her return to Baudricourt, her persuasion of two of his men, the first steps toward the accomplishment of her mission.... Since this stops short of the high drama of her life, one questions whether it will reach a wide audience.