Katherine cover art

Katherine

The classic historical romance

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Katherine

By: Anya Seton
Narrated by: Diana Bishop
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About this listen

Katherine comes to the court of Edward III at the age of 15. The naïve convent-educated orphan of a penniless knight is dazzled by the jousts and the entertainments of court. Nevertheless, Katherine is beautiful, and she turns the head of the King's favourite son John of Gaunt. But he is married, and she is soon to be betrothed. A few years later their paths cross again and this time their passion for each other cannot be denied or suppressed. Katherine becomes the prince's mistress, and discovers an extraordinary world of power, pleasure and passion.

©1954 Anya Seton (P)2009 ISIS Publishing Ltd Fiction Historical Fiction Romance Royalty

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All stars
Most relevant  
I'd never heard of Anya Seton and didn't really know what to expect of this audiobook, but all the positive reviews are well-deserved; the writing is strong, much more so than expected, much better than most the historical fiction these days, and the narrator did a lovely job. As another reviewer has said, more Anya Seton, please! I'd also add, please use this narrator again as well!

I'd highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, men and women alike - although the main character is a woman and there is a strong romantic thread to the story, the characters, settings, and politics of the time period are more the focus and are fascinating.

A new favourite...

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I've read this a number of times and the luxury of having it read to me was wonderful

Superb

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I first read Katherine when I was about 14. I've read countless books since, other historical novels and all of Anya Seton's books, but I always come back to this one. It is beautifully written and beautifully read and I would recommend it to anyone with a love of well researched and well read historical fiction.

Wonderful!

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this was my all time favourite book as a teen and I was pleased to find it again.

nostalgic

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I first read this book aged 14 and was swept away by it. I remember using all my pocket money to save up for other Anya Seton books, which were enjoyable but none of which came close to this one. I have read it many times since then, always entranced by the evocative writing and portrayal of Katherine. A beautiful book.

The performance here is good and has integrity but occasional blips in the sound and missing of a few words meant it received four stars not five. That said, I will doubtless listen to it again as it is like meeting up with an old friend.

One of my top five books

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I have read this book many years ago and saw this as an audiobook......what a treat

Beautiful historical romance

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I lived this book, didn't want to finish it but couldn't stop listening. What a story it is ! About real people and real events.

enthralling

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I read this book years ago so was happy to see it on here. Enjoyed it just as much!

Loved this

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I first read and loved this book as a teenager and was a little concerned as to whether revisiting it 40 years later was a good idea but I need not have worried as this is a historical novel that really stands the test of time. Anya Seton made the story of Katherine Swynford and her relationship with John of Gaunt really come alive and her recreation of the 14th century is still convincing. As a teenager I was immersed in the romance but this time round Katherine's spiritual journey seemed just as important to the story. The narrator did an excellent job and I was gripped throughout.

Revisiting an old favourite

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I have been a fan of historical fiction for some years now and have exhausted Phillipa Gregory's supply of books. Somehow I had missed Katherine until I saw it reviewed on Audible. I loved it. I couldn't wait for a long drive or the chance to do some boring household chores so that I could listen to this incredible story. A love story, it began when Katherine was young and naive, what a beautiful true story of a love that spanned some 30 years. Weaving through the extremely challenging times, illness plague, war. The true love of Richard of Gaunt the kings son, Katherine somehow steadfastly navigates her way through adultery, murder, cruelty and betrayal, she is the mother of some of Richard's children. Half way throught the book I went to Wikipedia to check what became of these children only to discover that they are the ancestors of most of the British Royal Family.



The end will leave you with a sigh.

You will want more but sadly Katherine is Anya Seton's greatest masterpiece there is no more.

A page turner, compelling, thankfully long.

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