Revisiting an old favourite

I first read and loved this book as a teenager and was a little concerned as to whether revisiting it 40 years later was a good idea but I need not have worried as this is a historical novel that really stands the test of time. Anya Seton made the story of Katherine Swynford and her relationship with John of Gaunt really come alive and her recreation of the 14th century is still convincing. As a teenager I was immersed in the romance but this time round Katherine's spiritual journey seemed just as important to the story. The narrator did an excellent job and I was gripped throughout.

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A page turner, compelling, thankfully long.

I have been a fan of historical fiction for some years now and have exhausted Phillipa Gregory's supply of books. Somehow I had missed Katherine until I saw it reviewed on Audible. I loved it. I couldn't wait for a long drive or the chance to do some boring household chores so that I could listen to this incredible story. A love story, it began when Katherine was young and naive, what a beautiful true story of a love that spanned some 30 years. Weaving through the extremely challenging times, illness plague, war. The true love of Richard of Gaunt the kings son, Katherine somehow steadfastly navigates her way through adultery, murder, cruelty and betrayal, she is the mother of some of Richard's children. Half way throught the book I went to Wikipedia to check what became of these children only to discover that they are the ancestors of most of the British Royal Family.



The end will leave you with a sigh.

You will want more but sadly Katherine is Anya Seton's greatest masterpiece there is no more.

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1 person found this helpful

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beautifully heartbreaking story which wrenches at the heart knowing that this actually happened to these people !

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Engaging, both as history of a woman & the realm

This story, deeply personal of the mistress and then wife of John of Gaunt, Katherine Swynford, whose company we are continually in, is yet equally informative about the history of the second half of the fourteenth century, including the Black Death, the 100 years war, the Peasants' Revolt, and the Royal House of Plantagenet. We get good insight into the society, high and low, of those times. The book is good, and the reader takes us on with variety of voice and manner, and maintains engagement throughout. Highly recommended.

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Very entertaining

Full of history, I did not want it to end. Delightful, I shall listen to it again as one of my favourites.

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excellent

I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter of this book. Fascinating and well written. Narrator good too

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A lovely listen

A different side of history. Really enjoyed this. It's also prompted me to go back and look up some bits of history.

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Fabulous

One of my favourite books brought to life by Diana Bishop’s wonderful narration. If only there were more of Anya Setons books on audible .

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Superb rendering of a much-loved historical novel

What made the experience of listening to Katherine the most enjoyable?

Katherine is a moving and powerful evocation of the turbulent 14th century in England. Hearing it spoken by an accomplished reader made it all live vividly in my mind and I realised afresh what an engaging writer Seton was.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Katherine herself. A recent biography has indicated how little is really known about her. Seton did a brilliant job of bringing her vulnerability and charm to life, as well as highlighting her moral conflict, making of her a thoroughly sympathetic character.

What about Diana Bishop’s performance did you like?

This was an intelligent, measured reading that let the drama unfold without being obtrusive, plus subtle shifts in her voice to indicate the different characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The sections that deal with the devastation of the Black Death are fraught with tragedy but it is the personal sorrows that gripped me most: Katherine's loss of her daughter Blanchette; her troubled relationship with Hugh, her social isolation, her eventual rehabilitation are all movingly depicted.

Any additional comments?

John of Gaunt, as sympathetically delineated here, is easily one of the most attractive heroes ever!

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4 people found this helpful

Wonderful

What did you like most about Katherine?

So good I have listened to it 5 times

Who was your favorite character and why?

John of gaunt.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Peasants revolt

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Nope. It was fab

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2 people found this helpful