My Amazon Reviews of the new-style Books
A welcome return of an old favourite! 22nd June 2017
This review is from: 'Catherine: One Love is Enough' (Catherine Series Book 1)
- Recently I have been buoyed by the fact that old favourites from the 1970s are being reintroduced to a whole new 21st century market and being concluded for the original audience who, unless they understood a second language, were unable to conclude the series they had loyally followed from the start. Telos publishing has given this gift to the many who still want to know what happened to Catherine and her Arnaud. They have promised a complete republication including the never before translated 7th and concluding chapter 'Dame de Montsalvy'. (Harper Collins did something similar with the final 7th volume of 'The Accursed Kings' (Les Rois Maudits)). I remember the Catherine books well and still have the originals which I have re-read in the intervening years; yet nothing was going to stop me from investing in the new versions for they promised previous, hitherto omitted material would be included. I make no secret of the fact that I have read the concluding book in two languages, the original French and the Polish translation because I was determined to discover the conclusion, I did the same with the 7th Accursed King and other series English speaking publishers abandoned, but the fact remains that if you start a book in a particular language you tailor yourself to that style and the nuances you grow familiar with. Reading a continuation in an alternative language with different nuances sheds a different light on the characters, they can become strangers - think of any old film you may love and then compare it to its remake! I was therefore, more than a little surprised that I experienced this estrangement on reading this republication which is why I cannot award it 5 stars. Remarkably it did not occur when the very welcome additional (unknown) material was added, that was indeed a bonus, it happened when I found that some of the originally beautifully translated grammar had been exchanged for 'modern' idiom, vernacular grammar. 'He was stood by the fireplace' was just one such example. I cannot, for the life of me see why 'was' had been added, simply 'he stood by the fireplace' is not only grammatically correct but is the language, the late great author Juliette Benzoni would have expected to see in any translation. Every time I came across this 'modernisation' (there were at least 50 instances before I stopped recording them) it ruined the read for me. In all fairness when I used the 'feedback' facility, Telos responded (yes, they did!) that they would not be continuing the style after Book 3 (book 2 had also already been published), they had, they said, introduced it as a means of appealing to a wider, younger audience. Somehow I can't see a younger audience relating to the price of these books! All in all though, it is a big boon to have these books back and I do hope they appeal to a younger audience. I cannot wait to get to Book 7 to see how it has been translated as a new translator will also influence the nuances and to see if it will fit seamlessly into a well-beloved series. It is such a shame that Madame Benzoni did not live to see the triumphal conclusion to her 'œuvre'. I am full of admiration for Telos taking on this project and hope it proves a 'great journey' for them also.
Did I or didn't I? October 2015
This review is from: 'Catherine' (Catherine Series Book 2) which I either forgot to review on Amazon, or deliberately did not do so, or it may have been removed, we'll never know. This version is from my own general book review page on this site. I will start by saying that although the appalling vernacular still reared its ugly head in this book, it didn't occur too frequently, although each time I came across an example I did react and as a result the pleasure of re-reading a much loved novel was spoiled (again). I have sent feedback to the publishers and they have assured me that they will not continue with the style in the remaining books - I wonder how many complaints they have actually had? Ah well - back to Catherine and her brush with Jeanne d'Arc. I wish there had been more about Joan of Arc, but rather it was the fictional characters skirting around her existence rather then actually interacting with her - maybe too sacrilegious to write fiction about a saint? I am glad to have been reacquainted with the story as it is a good one and it is so long since I read the books the last time that much of the content seems new and fresh which is great! I don't like the cover of this one - seemingly a little sensationalism is now required to entice new readers, not unlike when the paperback of 'Angélique and the Ghosts' appeared. Looking forward to the next episode!
What a fabulous re-read! 19th July 2017
This review is from: 'Belle Catherine' (Catherine Series Book 3) - what a fabulous re-read this was! First of all the totally unnecessary added vernacular of the preceding two volumes was not present and it was good, clean, grammatical, entertaining story-telling of a much loved character and her adventures. Either my memory is failing big-time or there is quite a lot of new material which I had not seen previously as I have only read the first six books in English. The seventh book I have read in both French and Polish but those languages have a different style and nuances so at this stage it is difficult to compare to the previous six other than to just follow the storyline to its conclusion. The real surprise in this new version of Belle Catherine is that I actually started warming to Arnaud, which must have been down to the additional information. If the next re-published books give us as much new information as this one, it will justify the rather expensive investment outlay.
Catherine earns her (Knight's) spurs! 26th July 2017
This review is from: 'Catherine - Her Great Journey' (Catherine Series Book 4) - whilst reading the fourth instalment of the re-
published 'Catherine' series I became acutely aware of the differences in the feel of these books from others I had read. Catherine is still a 'lady' and 'Arnaud' is her knight or vice versa if you prefer the romance of 'Knights and their ladies' but don't get me wrong, the emotions may have a tender fairy tale feel to the them, but this is decidedly no fairy tale with a 'happy ever after' ending (or at least not yet). This book gets us to that precipice where everyone is in imminent danger of falling over the edge …. Don't worry – no spoilers here, I want to write more about the whole emotional experience of reading this story. Originally the book in English was entitled (by translation) 'Catherine and Arnaud' which when you read this version will show that that's a bit of a misnomer especially as it implies a 'happy ever after'. Telos have taken an unprecedented step, researched the original titles and come up with 'Catherine: Her Great Journey'. And what a journey it is! In today's parlance 'journey' is so overused when its meaning is only that of someone coming of age or experiencing a rite of passage or discovering something from a different point of view than their own and being surprised at it! Here we see Catherine transitioning from Shopkeepers' daughter, Ducal plaything, Merchants' unwilling wife to take up her rightful place as the Dame (Countess) of Montsalvy. (Arnaud's mother would now cede the title and become the Dowager Countess of Montsalvy on her son and heir's marriage). The purpose of this book is also to transmit a feeling of 'wholeness' and endurance which once again throws the fairy tale feel-good factor to the winds as Catherine and Arnaud, at this stage of their existence realise they have to rebuild everything; their relationship, to secure their future for the sake of their son and the community at Montsalvy and above all to survive. Now having said at the end of a previous review that I was beginning to warm to Arnaud, the conclusion of this book has me seething at him again. Yes, he is the recipient of what he perceives to be a mighty blow and consequently immediately rips apart everything Catherine has been so desperate to repair and unite. What is Arnaud? Knight or Knave? I am reminded of the saying 'Faint heart never won fair lady' and I apply this to Arnaud with a sigh of desperation in my head! The original title of 'Catherine and Arnaud' really does not cover what happens in this book. I cannot wait to see what Book 5 brings as, once again, all the new material present in the reprints adds to the glorious tapestry that is Juliette Benzoni's 'Catherine.'
No, this really isn't the end for Catherine and her Arnaud ... yet! 13th May 2020
This review is from: 'Catherine: A Time for Love' (Catherine Series Book 5 ) 'Catherine: A Time for Love' has taken a long time to get here from her previous great journey (Book 4) and the publisher's blurb at the end of the book reminds us (those who read the books in the last century) that this 5th book was also to have been the final instalment in the series. Taking everything into account it was brave of the author to move the major characters to a completely different setting to those we had grown accustomed to travelling with them. Many were left behind and new members joined the group and we were re-united with two from the past, one an old and trusted friend and the other equally trusted but a surprise nevertheless. Good authors have a habit of keeping us on our toes but are always at least a couple of steps ahead of us. The epilogue of Book 5 does give us a 'Happy Ever After' scenario in the same way that J.K. Rowling rounded off HP7 by pairing the survivors and honouring the victims by naming the next generation after them, and brings us back to familiar territory (but you have to ask yourselves for how long?). There isn't a second generation here other than the two infants born to Catherine and Arnaud making their union a sweet, memorable and lasting thing until Catherine pleads with her husband not to return to his military obligations as peace has broken out in France uniting the Kingdom of France with the Duchy of Burgundy. That in itself is a very clever way of leaving the castle gate open to further adventures. There was much of this particular volume that I didn't remember so am not sure of the actual amount of new material added. Had this been the final adventure I would have been content with it ending where it did, but knowing there is another and then the 7th which met the same fate as at least three other series of French books, that of not being translated, makes me impatient to see how Book 6 picks up the threads and how Book 7 concludes the story. I do know its end, of course, but I would still like to read it in the English language!
Montsalvy in peril, besieged, abandoned; France at War, a traitor within ... 13th July 2020
This review is from: 'A Trap for Catherine' (Catherine Series Book 6 ) It really is wonderful to see these books republished once again and to know that the final and concluding part will follow this penultimate chapter of the saga - the publishers have confirmed this by listing Book 7 as 'forthcoming.' It's a lot better than the palpable silence that followed the original publishing of this book previously known as 'A Snare for Catherine.' Books 6 and 7, the publishers tell us, were never meant to be, but the author, Juliette Benzoni was persuaded to write two additional books owing the the popularity if the first 5. I for one am delighted because although the 5th could have had a natural ending this 'Trap for Catherine' threw us straight back into the maelstrom of medieval life with the inevitable separation, once again, of Catherine and Arnaud as historically, as a knight of France he will have been called to duty. So the trouble begins, and Montsalvy finds itself besieged, the town looks to Catherine as its leader to help and rescue them. Decisions are made, plans fashioned and action taken, never a moment's peace for Catherine not to mention the horrors of medieval banditry that she encounters first hand. She also has to face the King's displeasure and the knowledge that her husband has, not to put a fine point on it, put his foot in it again leaving her exposed and made to pick up the pieces. As the tension mounts again, after a brief sojourn of calm with her friend and 'banker' Catherine is summoned to her mother's deathbed a decision that is going to cost her dear, the outcome of which (those unintended consequences) should be resolved in Book 7, in the meantime we hang our own thoughts in the balance. A thoroughly rewarding re-read (in my case) as much was forgotten and we know that additional information was added, but so seamlessly that I could not tell where. When all 7 are published I shall hope to re-read the set and really enjoy them.
The Announcement 4th April 2021 - The Release date 1st June 2021
'The seventh and final book in the international best-selling Catherine series of historical romances, unabridged, and in the English language for the first time!' Telos Publishing
'Catherine's long quest to be reunited with her jealous, violet husband Arnaud plunges her into her most dangerous adventure yet. On an arduous journey that takes her through Lorraine, Luxembourg and Flanders, before she can finally return to her own domain of Montsalvy, she faces a succession of perilous challenges, including an assassination attempt on an imprisoned king; a harrowing physical ordeal at the hands of a band of brigands; a confrontation with an imposter posing as Joan of Arc; an encounter with her obsessed former lover, Duke Phillipe of Burgundy. Will her longed-for reconciliation with Arnaud ever come to pass; and what will be the final fate of the Lady of Montsalvy?
Telos Publishing is proud to present the first ever English-language translation of the seventh and final book in Juliette Benzoni's acclaimed, best-selling series of historical romance novels. (As seen on the reverse of the book cover)
The 3* Review and why:
Take your bow centre stage, noble Catherine, worthy champion of Montsalvy.
There are two noteworthy and joyous aspects to this seventh and final book in the 'Catherine' saga. The first, of course is the fact that this is the unabridged English translation of a book originally published in 1979, a full 42 years ago. No explanation has ever been given as to why this concluding book, which had a hugely faithful multitudinous global following, was subsequently 'cancelled.'*** The second and real highlight for me is the lack of the presence of Arnaud de Montsalvy except in very small doses, to remind us of his existence. The adventure continues apace and Catherine's circuitous route back to Montsalvy offers us the experience of sharing the highs and lows of her experiences and that of her two constant companions. We revisit a family member and are brought face to face with a saintly conundrum; a revered Flemish painter and a couple of rulers, a King and a Duke as she makes her way home. Other faces from the past cross her path one of which results in Catherine suffering the worst fate a woman can be subjected to and its consequent fruit, the decision she makes is taken out of her hands despite the violation; fate, however intervenes in a kinder if no less painful outcome. Then after a happy partial reunion comes her greatest ever challenge, the challenge that secures her future and the title of Dame de Montsalvy in perpetuity. There are also two disappointing aspects to this book, that there is no epilogue (rounding everything off) is a bit of a disappointment on a personal level. The conclusion of this book is more than satisfactory, but as we had already had an ending of sorts at the end of book 5 where the series should have finished (before being resurrected for two more chapters) and we know that the author had not been commissioned to write anything further it would have been the icing on the cake to have had a glimpse of the futures of the children; were there more to come? Sara, the faithful squires and how their lives turned out and whether or not Jan van Eyck made a final visit to his muse and did Uncle Matthieu ever get to meet his noble great niece and nephew? The other disappointment was the lack of evidence that this book had been proof-read. Unless it had and the wrong version was sent to the printers? I am fully aware that the sanctity of the content (especially the newly added information) needed to be preserved, especially in these days of instant global 'sharing'; but as the book had already been translated into every language under the sun, except, English it does all seem a little excessive. Each to their own of course!
*** Using today's parlance and meaning as well as the original meaning of 'we have no intention of commissioning any further books in the series' - cancelled (by the publishers!)
Covid Pandemic -2020/21
I have to say I had not anticipated this but it was a nice surprise nevertheless as luckily, Telos did not keep us waiting for too long to showcase the whole cover, for which many thanks!
Well you know how it is - 'don't ask, don't get' - so even at my age I can be perennially cheeky, ask and get a result (of sorts)!
Postscript from my general Book Reviews page :
Getting away from all that, I did enjoy reading the content and storyline of the first book and would never publicly denounce or decry it for the reasons the (current) publishers, known only to themselves, introduced to make the books appear more 'up to date' - me, I think its dumbing them down if we must use modern vernacular. I will lend the originals to my friends - not these new ones - no amount of glossy covers with 'Catherine' resembling Scarlett Johanssen more than her own person will make up for the 'editing.' But, there do seem to be some new additions or it's so long ago that I've forgotten the minutiae. It is a big outlay to end up being disappointed and I am*, but I will stress, only in the TREATMENT of the book, not its content. If I had brought the books to publication, I would have fought harder for a translation befitting that great author Juliette Benzoni. - October 2015
*From Book 3 up to Book 6 the language reverts back to the style of the original books, whether that is because there is less 'lost content' or because an effort has been made to make the insertion flow seamlessly is not a question I can answer. The end result of Book 7 is yet to be seen and critiqued, it will consist of a new translation by a partnership and will contain the entire story without the need for insertions - theoretically it should run smoothly ..... - April 2021
..... But, to my everlasting 'chagrin' the story in Book 7 did not run smoothly and the bi-translating partnership consisted of a hybrid of heavenly good English and appalling, nay, oh-so-appalling computer-translated sections that betray the origins of a non-English reader who seems to think that verbs should be placed at the end of sentences (Latin/German?) and hyphens shoved in anywhere to make things oh-so-more-meaningful. Translations of words not familiar with the English reader left untranslated and in their original language, with no 'note' attached to them and oh-so-incredibly-lazy translations e.g. using 'toilette' oh-so-incorrectly for 'freshening up' - don't believe me? Have a look here Word or .pdf - by the way, or should that be by-the-way, I sent my findings to feedback@telos.co.uk and to the co-translator, it's now over a month and no response from either of them! - 12th July 2021
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