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A review by jay_sy
Katherine by Anya Seton
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Katherine by Anya Seton is a historical fiction about Katherine Swynford who became the wife of John of Gaunt. I know that little was written about Katherine so I imagine Seton filled in a great deal of details about her, but I think she did a lovely job and the book was engaging.
The atmosphere was lovely and I loved all the details, whether it was about life at court, or about dealing with serfs. I liked seeing the interesting contrast between different households, and the comparison between the impoverished Swynford estate compared to the rich lands of Blanche.
The audiobook narrator does a really good job and even sings the songs. Some audiobook narrators who will lower their voices for male characters which can sound unnatural and I'm glad this narrator doesn't do that. However, some of the children's lisps was a little irritating.
Katherine is generally portrayed in a likable and sympathetic way. The story is written with so much drama and I found it very engaging.I was really sympathetic towards Katherine until her children got older and we reached the point of the peasant’s revolt. I know the peasants are rough and their methods are brutal, but I can’t help but sympathize for their plight. I found that as I continue to read, I didn’t particularly care for John of Gaunt. But I really enjoyed reading about Katherine’s spiritual journey and the solace she found with the anchoress and parson.
I'm certainly looking forward to reading more from Seton and I'm thrilled to have found this author. Overall, I'd give it a 4 out of 5
The atmosphere was lovely and I loved all the details, whether it was about life at court, or about dealing with serfs. I liked seeing the interesting contrast between different households, and the comparison between the impoverished Swynford estate compared to the rich lands of Blanche.
The audiobook narrator does a really good job and even sings the songs. Some audiobook narrators who will lower their voices for male characters which can sound unnatural and I'm glad this narrator doesn't do that. However, some of the children's lisps was a little irritating.
Katherine is generally portrayed in a likable and sympathetic way. The story is written with so much drama and I found it very engaging.
I'm certainly looking forward to reading more from Seton and I'm thrilled to have found this author. Overall, I'd give it a 4 out of 5