Anya Seton is one of the original and most successful writers of historical fiction, and this is probably her best known. I first read this in high school, and loved it, and on re-reading it now I'm pleased to report that it's still holding up just fine.

This is a grand sweeping romance between Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of Edward III. It's a little heavier than I'd like on the bodice-ripping, but the setting still contains a good picture about what people wore, or ate, or how they traveled, and so forth. And the writing style is really excellent. This was first published in 1954, sixty years ago. One of the great advantages of historical fiction is that the time setting is so far away from us that it will always have an aura of romance, but will never seem dated.

Readers may be curious about whether England's current Queen, Elizabeth II, is descended from Katherine. Yes, she is, though separated by 19 generations. In fact, it is through the children Katherine bore to the Duke that Elizabeth Windsor can trace her ancestry for 28 generations all the way back to William the Conqueror.

But that's just one person's opinion. Future readers, what do YOU think of this book?

Mailed to Meg72 for her Women in Fiction Virtual Book Book

What a big book! But I think I am going to enjoy it :-)

I had no clue about the true scandalous lives of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, so this was a very interesting read. It is a big book, full of lively and terrifying details about the Middle Ages and I would not want to be a woman in those times. The power of religion and the fanatical views of what a woman should be is just too ghastly!

Enjoy the re-read :-)))

And here it is! :)
A book with a history of its own, as it was owned by Marisa in 1954... maybe she was its first reader.
I am looking forward to re-read this novel, as it brings back good memories of my teen years... Thanks for sharing! :)