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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
falcon_mae98's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sonygaystation's review against another edition
Hold at library was up and I couldn’t renew :(
lizzielou90's review against another edition
I was not enjoying it at all unfortunately
bibielle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
momoj8's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
audryt's review against another edition
3.0
Well-researched with a realistic setting, but I have trouble finishing books about vapid characters.
szeglin's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
emmule's review against another edition
5.0
excellent on every level; the detailed historical research, the characterization, the historical accuracy (where possible)…. john and katherine are portrayed so compellingly in this book, and even though their lives are not well documented, they will stick with me forever through this portrayal. even secondary characters are given their due and development, such as chaucer or some of the common folk like hawise. what a timeless epic! i will sorely miss reading this, definitely a new favorite of mine