I sought this book, which was written in 1954, because I’d heard a radio interview with Anne O’Brien who’s just published a new book about Katherine Swynford called “The Scandalous Duchess”. Anne mentioned that Anya Seton’s novel was a source for her research. It’s many years since I’ve read anything by Anya Seton, who’s a doyenne of the historical romance, although she preferred them to be called biographical novels. “Katherine” kept me entranced for several evenings.
Katherine Swynford is a fascinating figure. In the 14th century she was the mistress of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and after he’d outlived two wives, they eventually married. Their children were “legitimated” and were ancestors of the current British royal family. Katherine’s sister was married to Geoffrey Chaucer, author of The Canterbury Tales.
I was intrigued by the suggestion that Katherine took comfort and and inspiration from meeting with Julian of Norwich. I’m not sure whether this is historical fact and will await Anne O’Brien’s novel with great interest. The library has it on order.
“The author skilfully uncovers
this tale of mediaeval lovers.”
Hello Ruth … Great to see this post, my friend Lorna and I read many of Anya Seaton’s books during our high school years … just wonderful!!
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Good to hear from you Marja. I think many of us enjoyed Anya Seton’s books as teenagers. They’ve lasted well and are still enjoyable.
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