Great love story with historical detail

I first read this when I was 16 and loved it back then. A second read in my fifties I still enjoyed it but found the nature of women being 2nd class citizens very frustrating, whilst historically accurate it was very hard to listen to! Still a great read though

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Wonderful

No words this was exquisite. Extremely well read , probably the best medieval histfic audiobook out there.

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Fantastic storytelling

Sometimes when your favourite book is transferred to audio, it is ruined by the narrator. Not with this book. Beautifully read and a gorgeous story, I can't rate this highly enough.

Don't hesitate, get listening, you won't regret it.

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A wonderful book, perfectly read.

I first read Katherine when i was 14/15 and immediately fell in love with historical fiction. I devoured all of Anya Setons books but nothing quite came close to Katherine in terms of enjoyment. Maybe, growing up near Kenilworth i felt the book had more relevance to me? But, whatever the case, the book stayed firmly my favourite and one that i go back to every few years. When i initially discovered that it was on Audible, i was wary - having read the book so many times myself, i felt that the characters had already found their voices inside my head and that hearing someone else's version wouldn't quite live up to expectation. I needn't have worried. Diana Bishop does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and, if anything, i discovered parts of the book that had almost slipped by unnoticed in my own readings. I couldn't devour the book quick enough but at the same time just didn't want it to end. I've just downloaded My Theodosia to listen to next, i enjoyed reading it years ago but now, having discovered more about her father, Aaron Burr and his relationship with Alexander Hamilton, i'm sure the book will have a new relevance. I just hope that the reader is equal to Diane!!!

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A wonderful historical novel on a true story

I have read this book and now have listened too. It is based on the true story of John of gaunt and his mistress, Katherine Swynford. Inevitably there are assumptions and inaccuracies but the tale is flowing and well constructed. It is narrated skill fully. I recommend and will almost certainly listen again!

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Medieval romance and royal history

If you could sum up Katherine in three words, what would they be?

Fascinating
Historical
Romance

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It is a very long work to get through, there were sections I found less interesting personally (when the story moves away from Katherine and her family to matters more national), but the author is telling the story as a whole, of the woman AND her world.

Have you listened to any of Diana Bishop’s other performances? How does this one compare?

None

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

Not at this length, it is a tale to be told over many sittings.

Any additional comments?

Fictionalised account of the very real progenitors of the Tudors - medieval romance and royal history

Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, a prince, sired ridiculous numbers of future royal connections through their long-standing love affair and later marriage. I never knew the details of either their history or connections to the Tudors, so was intrigued to learn of it, even in fictionalised form.

This book itself is noteworthy as a feature on many 'must read' lists. Though very long, it moves quickly on audiobook, with a young Katherine soon turning from enamoured teenaged courtier to wife, mother and later lover of the prince.

I enjoyed seeing the story through Katherine's eyes, and learning more of her early English world. There is detail of the royal court, the rulers, the jousts, and everyday medieval life.

Recently I read The Pillars of the Earth on audiobook and found this didn't compare well to the romance of Aliena and Jack, though that is just my opinion. The author has history to keep to.

It's a fascinating look at a faraway time and a very important coupling, the background to the country's later royal lineage.

The audiobook is well-narrated by a reader who conveys the younger and older woman well.

This will be enjoyed by those interested in English history and illicit loves.

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Favourite read

Would you consider the audio edition of Katherine to be better than the print version?

No but just as good and I listened more to the details.

Which character – as performed by Diana Bishop – was your favourite?

katherine

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both

Any additional comments?

I have read this book 5 times and now listened to it. probably this is because Ilive near Lincoln and can picture many of the places. interesting to note that even then there was a north south divide !

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1 person found this helpful

Magnificent!

A wonderful tale. Beautifully portrayed by a clear and colourful delivery- really lovely story & performance…

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An interesting medieval love story

I loved the story...from how it started and ended. It didn't sound like it was ending in the middle of the parts, and kept you want to know more. Interesting details of the life and events during the time, it made me time travel! As Christian Grey was a picture of a 'perfect man,' made me picture Katherine as the counterpart woman.



Narrator was good in the changing of voices and the French lines, although I don't understand them (no translation as well).

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A gripping novel

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

The gripping storyline made for a enjoyable listening with a good voice too

What other book might you compare Katherine to, and why?

Could have been a Philiipa Gregory novel. Not a historic novel but thrilling anyway!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

All!

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and I cried. It is emotional and fun too. It starting in a convent then in the royal courts with a lot beside!

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