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Summary: Well-researched page-turner; it belongs on every bookshelf.
Review: This work is well-written, factual, and breathes such life into the characters and time in which they lived (15th-century England) that the reader becomes so engrossed as to actually feel drawn into the everyday existence and "romance" of the Medieval World, its history, philosophy, religion, intrigue, etc.It is one of the best books I've ever read, and I heartily agree with other reviewers. I don't know how many copies I've given away to the "literate uninformed" and I don't know how many times I've read it, but I developed an incredible crush on John of Gaunt--enough to research his life--and was thrilled that he committed the unheard of sin of marrying his longtime mistress,Katherine. It was no wonder that the Church fathers damned her to hell; she was beautiful, intelligent, and a woman for the ages. While I was teaching medieval history to my 6th grade students, I used much of the factual information as reference during my lectures (also authenticating Miss Seton's research). She vividly describes events, places and people to such a degree that history came alive and vital. I loved every minute of the many times I read and reread "Katherine" and I will no doubt read it again very soon. I have never found another book that I identified with so closely, and everytime I find someone who has not been exposed to Anya Seton and her works, I descend upon them with a vengence. Why hasn't "Katherine" been made into a film? It has all the characteristics of a smash hit: great plot, real people, romance, intrigue, excitement, and visual splendor. Mr.Spielberg where are you?
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Summary: A must read
Review: I cannot begin to discribe how much I love this book. I have read this book over and over again, it never fails to entertain. The history is well researched, and beautifully put together.The trying romance is beautiful. I love Anya Seton's novels and have nearly read all of them. I encourage everybody to pick this book up!
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Summary: My favorite annual re-read
Review: As a big fan of Anya Seton, Katherine is one of my favorite books. I re-read my tattered first edition (from my mother) once each year, and find it remarkably well researched and an enthralling story. I have tried to find information about John and Katherine on line without much luck-I find it amazing that Ms. Seton found so much information in the 50's. I spent the summer re-reading some other Seton favorites: The Winthrop Woman, about Elizabeth Winthrop and the first New England settlers and Avalon, about Dark Ages England. Both are terrific adventure stories about strong women with fascinating period detail. I am excited to be able to buy a copy that is in good shape.
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Summary: Best book I've ever read
Review: I first read this book when I was seventeen years old. I couldn't put it down then and I still can't. I've read it several times and purchased it several times because I haven't yet learned not to loan it out. I must have had at least six copies over time but am again down to one. This makes me nervous because I can't stand the thought of being without it. Anya Seton is unsurpassed when it comes to historical novels. They are thoroughly researched and totally engrossing. Of all her novels, though, this is absolutely the best. "Katherine" must be read and reread and reread and reread....
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Summary: This is definitely the most memorable book I have ever read.
Review: I first read Katherine 25 years ago after reading Green Darkness and discovering what a fine author Anya Seton was. Everyone in my family (5) has now read the book and we'd be re-reading it if my daughter hadn't left it on a train in Belgium! I have been looking for a copy ever since. It really gives one the flavor of 14th century England and makes one feel perhaps he or she was there in a past life. A real jewel.
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Summary: Absolutely stunning adaptation of historcial events!
Review: From the opening chapter, I was enthralled! What a masterful storyteller Ms. Seton is. I can absolutely believe that the events happened just exactly as she has laid them out! A flawed, handsome princely hero that I fell completely in love with, and the beautiful, captivating commoner that he loved beyond reason. I have read this one at least 15 times and I have never once been bored or tempted to skip pages. I love it!
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Summary: An evocative novel of 14th Century England
Review: Like many of your reviewers, I too fell in love with Katherine at an early age. I was lucky enough to receive a 1st Edition as a present from my mother ( I recommend every one to read the full edtion - some reprints have bits missing ) - and have read it nearly 30 times since then! It is so well written that you can almost smell and feel the characters and wouldn't we all love to meet John of Gaunt! If readers want to follow Katherine after her marriage to John of Gaunt in another novel can I suggest "My Lord John" by Georgette Heyer. I can also recommend "The Vizard Mask" by Diana Norman if you love historical novels - this is simply one of the best books I have ever read.
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Summary: One of the finest historical novels ever written
Review: I fell in love with this book the first time I read it, more than 40 years ago, as a teenager who hated history and never dreamed the past could be so exciting and romantic. I must have cried my way through three boxes of tissues before I finished it. I still have my falling-apart first edition hardbound copy, and I reread it once a year. If only more writers could recreate history and make the reader care about the people who made it, we might be a wiser and kinder civilization now. Anya Seton was a master, one of a kind, and I'm glad she lived and wrote every time I pick up "Katherine" again for another venture into her 14th century world.
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Summary: You'll keep this book forever!
Review: I still have my paperback copy of Katherine, falling apart, old and yellow. It's such a wonderful and well-told story I can't bear to part with it. I re-read it periodically, and will pass it on to my daughter. I'm going to buy the hardbound copy for my library. This is a keeper!
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Summary: Still the best after all these years
Review: This book holds a special place among the women in my family. My mother and my two sisters and I read it at various times, probably starting 25 or 30 years ago. We passed it back and forth between us. It was a hard copy edition, and ultimately one of my sisters had to slip it into a lovely leather book cover because the book itself was falling apart. We have pursued the notion of getting it re-bound; that's how strongly we feel about this book. I've just spent the weekend at my sister's home, and I re-read it, probably for the fifth time. I wept and cried. I hope Ms. Seton still lives and reads all these wonderful reviews. Even after all these years, the story is still fresh, and it doesn't matter how old you are when you read it-- it's a grand story.
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