From Libraries Online
This novel is being tragically
overlooked. First published in 1954, its excellence has kept it going, but still more should be picking it up. The recent
"romantic" cover does it no justice and averts our male borrowers and those who believe it to be "just a romance". It is not.
The story is set in 14th Century Britain (with some oversea visits). It looks very closely, and accurately, at the Royal
Courts of this period. Anya Setons ability for detail is breathtaking. It is not a book for a bit of "light reading".
The book delves into the many facets of human nature - from naivety to love, bloodlust, torture, murder, tender compassion,
religious awareness, understanding, and corruption. It looks at Civil wars, uprisings, and forgiveness. Quite ingenious !
Follow the love of John of Gaunt and Katherine (this does not overwhelm the novel but cleverly holds it together). John
was the father to Henry IV.
Such an important part of our history, richly and wonderfully narrated. You will completely lose yourself in it once you
get past the first few pages which are not as strong a support as they should be to carry the weight of such a mighty tale
!
