Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Favourite Heroine

My long-time favourite is Katherine Swynford in Anya Seton’s novel ‘Katherine’. It’s based on the true 14th century story of the daughter of an obscure knight who became governess to the powerful John of Gaunt’s daughters. She fell in love with him (and captivated him too) and bore him four children (out of wedlock). It’s a testament to Katherine’s strength of character that she never wavered in her love and loyalty even when, for political reasons, John married the Infanta of Castille and was forced to put her aside. Katherine accepted her role, knew John could never marry her, but lovingly brought up their children. In the end the most powerful Duke in the realm went against all the medieval mores and DID marry his beloved mistress (and also had their four children legitimised). John and Katherine were soul-mates, and their story is one of love (eventually) conquering all. It’s a long time since I read the book, but just writing this short summary has made me reach for it from my bookshelf. I’ll have to read it again, admire Katherine’s courage and constancy and, like her, fall in love with John again!

4 comments:

  1. Paula...sounds like a wonderful read.

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  2. It's so nice when real life reads like fiction!

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  3. This sounds a good read, Paula. Wasn't it all these children that started The Wars of the Roses? Not sure about this period but it rings a bell in my head!

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  4. The legitimised Beaufort bastards certainly played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses and of course the infamous Henry Tudor was the son of Margaret Beaufort. But then Edward IV and Richard III were also great-grandsons of Katherine and John!

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