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A review by katykelly
Katherine by Anya Seton
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.