Katherine by Anya Seton see more by Anya Seton Philippa Gregory see more by Philippa Gregory Studio Chicago Review PressLabel Chicago Review Press

Closer Look List Price: £12.99 From: Chicago Review Press From: Chicago Review Press Salesrank: 346832 Released: 2004-03 You Save: £ (%)! Lowest New Price: Click Here  Pages: 512 Format: Paperback Customer Rating: Also Shop International: (Not all items available internationally)          Customer Reviews: Katherine This book was a bit sad. There's lots of historical detail, which I hope is accurate. It gives an interesting picture of life in the 14th century. Sheila Clarke I enjoyed what I read. I enjoyed this read for the most part - just did not make it to the end. It's quite a long book and I felt it just dragged on a bit too much for me, and I was beginning to lose interest at around the halfway mark and began longing to start something else. I think I've only ever read one other title by Anya Seton years ago, (Dragonwyck I think) and chose this due to its gorgeous and captivating cover. (at least the edition I purchased) I did feel what I read was very well written. However, my preferred amount of pages for any good book is between 280 and 350 pages, but these are becoming increasingly difficult to find - hence why these days I'm frequently having to choose books that are considerably longer than I would normally buy. I've noticed that books are becoming ever longer and longer... As this was nearly 600 pages coupled with rather small print, I thought I'd done pretty well by reaching around 350 or so. I've kept a Marker in place, and so who knows; I may go back to it one day! A real classic One of the very best historical novels ever. This is a story you never forget of an ordinary woman who became the ancester of kings. Brilliantly and atmospherically told, the era comes alive and a must read for all historical fiction lovers. Very good, but at times a little annoying As a woman of the 21st century I believe in the equality of the sexes. However, Anya Seton's novel 'Katherine' was set at a time before these sensibilities existed. It is a beautifully and passionately written novel. However, the love story itself posed a problem for me. Like most readers of Seton's novel I wistfully turned from page to page getting lost in its romantic and idealised storyline. Yet,I could not help but feel a certain dislike for the male protagonist;John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster. He appeared selfish at times, politically ambitious and generally ignorant of his supposted ' true heart' (Katherine) and her needs.I don't want to spoil the plot, but if you read the book I'm sure you will encounter many such examples. Most of the time in the book when the duke was away Katherine spent her time brooding, awaiting for his return.It seemed to me that she had little place in his life, apart for a bit on the side, as one would say, which she was. Similarly, her life revolved around her 'lord John', and admittedly the more positive aspect of caring for her children, his and theirs. However, Later in the novel it must be noted that Katherine did become more independent and the duke more supservient. Yet, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Katherine for the first half of the book, she seemed to go from one hostile world to another, from her failed marriage to a country knight to the mistress of a duke, and the resentment this position brought with it. If she lived in the 21st century I'm sure she would have been a sucessful and independent woman unfortunately,Katherine she was forced to live under the social constraints of her time. A beautiful love story First read this book as a teenager and loved it! The amount of research Anya Seton puts into her research is astounding, but thank heavens she does - through her books history becomes accessible to the ordinary citizen. In this way people and their life stories live on forever, which is a very comforting thought for everyday people like myself! This book makes you feel like you ARE Katherine, breathing good old 14th century air... Related Categories: >> >>Books >>Special Features >>Look Inside!