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jmrprice's review against another edition
4.0
Dramatic and richly researched, there’s no wonder why Katherine is a classic historical novel. It’s a moving love story, but the history and characters take precedence. It’s definitely one of those works that keeps you up late at night - telling yourself just one more page....
zanhoven's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.25
It wasn't until I began reading this that I realised I am no longer interested in romance novels. However, this story was beautifully written. It had me invested in the characters and was beleivable. I liked how the characters were flawed and showed character growth.
medievalwitch's review
4.0
Though not entirely historically accurate, this fascinating romance was very obviously well researched and the world was very fleshed out and made real. It makes for compelling reading. If you love historical romance about real people and are intrigued by the 14th century, I'd say pick this up. But don't go into it expecting a classic romance experience. The situations these characters endure is and was very real and very dark. The setting and their reactions to it can at times, seem very foreign to our modern sensibilities, so they're not going to be 100% likable in the way a fictional romance hero or heroine can be. If you can stomach that, you're going to love this.
I listened to the audiobook read by Wanda McCaddon and she does a fabulous job.
I listened to the audiobook read by Wanda McCaddon and she does a fabulous job.
schofield24's review against another edition
4.0
This took me awhile to get through, probably because I came back from vacation before I finished it, but also because it was richly detailed. Really liked it.
billygene's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
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
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 :(