Jeanne The Woman In Red


Fiction - Historical - Personage
201 Pages
Reviewed on 12/15/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Isabelle B.L is an author and TEFL teacher based in France. She was born in Australia to Sicilian parents. Her short pieces can be found in various anthologies and literary journals worldwide. She especially loves short fiction and prose poetry.

About Jeanne The Woman In Red:

During my time in New Caledonia, I discovered a historical figure who defended the rights of workers and inhabitants exploited by Colonial powers and who ardently fought for feminist debate and action. I wished to visit her tomb and pay my respects. Sadly, I discovered she had been buried in a common grave. With the help of a local historian, we were able to find family and with the help of administration, pinpoint the site where her remains were transferred as the first cemetery had closed down. Three years later, after much research spanning continents, Jeanne was finally recognised with a plaque and a proper tomb and I completed the book inspired by her life and which includes texts written by Jeanne. I wanted to resurrect Jeanne from oblivion and give her the recognition she deserves. For more information and to visualize the plaque, please visit her Wikipedia page by typing: Jeanne Tunica Y Casas in the search engine.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Jeanne: The Woman in Red by Isabelle B.L portrays Jeanne Tunica y Casas' life of activism as she navigates grief over the loss of her husband, Paco. Her defiance of societal norms marks her journey from a passionate advocate for social justice to her solitude in a sterile nursing home. Jeanne's firm convictions against injustice and her relentless pursuit of equality define her past, including her roles in the New Caledonian Communist Party and resistance movements. Memories of love, activism, and ideological clashes, from World War I to her personal life, assassination attempts, and ostracization, shape her resilient character. Her past battles against control echo in her current loss of autonomy. Amid fading memories, Jeanne's unwavering spirit and yearning for meaningful connections endure, illustrating a life marked by principled defiance and a quest for justice to the very end.

What a gorgeous tribute that Isabelle B.L pays to the real Jeanne Tunica y Casas in Jeanne: The Woman in Red. I knew nothing of the main character, but the author brought her to life and into my scope by the end of the book. As a “girl dad,” it is extremely important to me to find literature that encourages my daughters to do what is right for all, not just for themselves, by showing them women who did not just talk the talk. The story continues at a slow simmer throughout and is definitely in the realm of literary fiction, particularly as the narrative leans toward symbolism. I loved the microcosm of power dynamics and the intertwining of 'now' and 'then' with a full-circle feel. It's easy to forget in Jeanne's incredible activism that she is a mother, and her past involves choosing between conflicting loves and navigating the turmoil of war-torn relationships. Her daughter, Myriam, crafted a separate life, finding solace in quiet domesticity, distancing herself from the tumultuous past, and drawing parallels between their chosen paths. Overall, a heartening story founded on the truth. Very highly recommended.

Essien Asian

Jeanne Tunica Y Casas sits back in the nursing home that has become her permanent residence. She watches with a certain detachment as her fellow residents succumb to their advancement in years. She knows she will soon join them but, before that moment comes, she reminisces on the high points and disappointments in her life that led her to this point in time. In Jeanne: The Woman In Red by Isabella B.L, the author crafts a riveting story around a facet of Jeanne Tunica Y Casas’s life, using the enigmatic woman’s letters and documents. Known for her work as a fighter for equal rights for both indigenous people and women, the letters show us a softer side which is dominated by her love for her partner of several years and the interesting dynamics of their relationship.

The use of flashbacks gives the story the feel of a tragic romance. Jeanne’s explanation of the circumstances that led to her leaving her marriage for Paco is certain to give the reader reason to contemplate if the end justifies the means, especially after considering her daughter's point of view on the matter. Her justifications for her preference for the Communist way of life are sections worth reading
more about. However, what touched me the most about this book was her approach to her impending demise; she maintained that determination to go out on her terms to the very end. Isabella B.L blends fact and fiction impressively to make Jeanne: The Woman In Red an interesting reading experience.

K.C. Finn

Jeanne: The Woman In Red is penned by author Isabelle B.L in the historical fiction, adventure, cultural issues, and inspirational subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Based on a true story, the work is a gripping homage to the unsung hero, Jeanne Tunica Y Casas, a woman of remarkable courage who fought against colonial powers in New Caledonia. Inspired by Jeanne's life, Isabelle weaves a narrative that spans continents and decades, delving into the complex layers of her character. Jeanne's journey is one of rebellion, love, and sacrifice, making her a feminist icon and a symbol of resistance against oppression.

Author Isabelle B.L has crafted a unique work that teems with wonder on every page and feels like you’re constantly uncovering a hidden gem of history. As the author combines personal touches of storytelling with Jeanne's own writings and documents, a wonderful balance between fact and fiction emerges to offer a well-researched tale that never lets up on action and intrigue. The flashbacks and documentation sections are a fantastic structural touch, allowing readers to witness the events of the 1930s and 40s through Jeanne's eyes and feel her very real presence in this bold novelization of her life story and achievements. The novel not only resurrects Jeanne from obscurity but also serves as a testament to the spirit, guts, and empowerment of women who dared to challenge the status quo. Overall, I would highly recommend Jeanne: The Woman In Red as a powerful tribute to forgotten heroes that fans of evocative historical fiction will adore.

Luwi Nyakansaila

Isabelle B.L presents Jeanne: The Woman In Red, a memoir inspired by the life of Jeanne Tunica Y Casas. The book blends fiction and nonfiction narration to tell the story of Jeanne's life. Now old and frail, Jeanne spends her last days in a nursing home, grieving her beloved Paco, reflecting on her journey, and continuous fight against class divisions, racism, and exploitation. Jeanne was born in 1894 in Graissessec, France, where she saw firsthand how miners were ill-treated, and when she grew older, she made it her mission to teach her students about equality. Jeanne wrote poems, letters, and articles, painted, spoke about unity, condemned violence, promoted women's rights, and spread the word of communism. Her passion consumed her life, ultimately costing her marriage and relationship with her daughter, and putting her life in danger. However, Jeanne never gave up fighting for change, hoping her work would never die but live on in others.

Jeanne: The Woman In Red is a powerful story that tackles various social issues that affect the poor and vulnerable. It is disheartening to see that even in our generation, issues like inequality and injustice continue to persist in our communities, workplaces, and religious circles. Isabelle B.L creatively narrates Jeanne's story while discussing different social issues, allowing readers to see each problem from Jeanne's perspective. The book provides readers with an opportunity to connect with Jeanne on a human level, giving them a glimpse into her mind and filling the gaps in her life with inspirational moments of reflection. Jeanne's bravery and persistence are consistent throughout, making her an inspirational figure. I enjoyed reading this book because it inspires me to strive for more and make a positive change in the world.