In the ruthless arena of King Henry VIII’s court, only one man dares to gamble his life to win the king’s favor and ascend to the heights of political powerEngland in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the king dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years, and marry Anne Boleyn. The pope and most of Europe … most of Europe opposes him. The quest for the king’s freedom destroys his adviser, the brilliant Cardinal Wolsey, and leaves a power vacuum.
Into this impasse steps Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell is a wholly original man, a charmer and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people and a demon of energy: he is also a consummate politician, hardened by his personal losses, implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of his triumph?
In inimitable style, Hilary Mantel presents a picture of a half-made society on the cusp of change, where individuals fight or embrace their fate with passion and courage. With a vast array of characters, overflowing with incident, the novel re-creates an era when the personal and political are separated by a hairbreadth, where success brings unlimited power but a single failure means death.
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Exploring the mind of Thomas Cromwell…a great read.
I’ve put off reading Ms. Mantle’s tomes as I’d heard they were cumbersome to get through. But our book club picked this, so I was obliged. What a surprise, I loved the book, the story of Cromwell and his work for Henry VIII, the intrigue and danger at court. I would say if you don’t know a lot of Tudor history you might get confused. I’ve studied the Tudors since I was a teenager, so I had no problem. Also, referring to Cromwell as simply ‘he’ most of the time is unnecessary and also confusing. Still, a powerful read. I’m reading the sequel now.
I really enjoyed tracing Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power. The book was interesting, especially watching the main character’s thought process. However, after the King weds Anne Boleyn, the story progression slows down and it’s hard to see where things are headed or what they’re moving towards. I understand the book is the first of three so that explains the slow down a bit. I also wasn’t really sure why the book is entitled Wolf Hall because Cromwell does not live at an estate by that name, and the Seymours who do live there are barely mentioned and even then only in the latter part of the book. Obviously, Jane Seymour becomes a more important player shortly etc. but that’s not what is front and center in this particular book.
excellent.
Everyone raved about this book. I thought a fictional account of Cromwell and his rise to power would be a good change of pace. I found it hard to follow, not the story, but by the stylistic writing choice. I really, really tried but it was painful to finish it.
The best book I read in the year it came out. ? 2013? The PBS series only captures the half of it. Magnificent accomplishment. And twice as good as the Sequel “Bring out the Bones”, which was amazing also!
An informative account of the men and the times in that time in history. I keep waiting for her to write the next part of that history. It’s like reading fiction except it’s factural
An outstanding book that I recommend without hesitation. Beautifully written, as is the sequel. Where, where, where is book 3 of the trilogy?
Having initially struggled with Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series, but after persistence becoming hooked, I was hoping the same thing would happen with Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies. It didn’t quite, but the talent of the author is beyond doubt, and the world she creates is believable and fascinating. The stories bring to life icons of history and put a human face to ruthless people trying to survive in a brutal era.
Book did not flow for me. I found it dull for such a great subject
Not one of my favorites. ..hard to read and to finish
Unforgettable. Brilliant character development. Beautifully written.
Thought provoking. Grew to love the author’s literary style. Inspired study of the period.
Bring Up The Bodies (No. 2 in series) is equally good. I wish she would finish the trilogy!!!
This is a spectacular book combining a writing style that leaves you wishing there were more writers of this caliber and characters that are so well drawn you feel like you know them personally.
The research that has gone into this book must have been enormous and it shows. The time period is depicted to perfection and the historical detail jumps vividly from from the page. Often writers in this genre have a tendency to write in an almost fantasy fashion but that is not the case here.
I had the hardback edition of the book as I am a hopeless romantic when it comes to reading and I still like the feel of a real book. The cover, layout and presentation were superb and the editing flawless, this is a book I am proud to own and have on my shelves.
The story and plot are woven beautifully through this incredible book. When you do finally turn the last page it is with regret. I was lucky enough to have the next book to, “Bringing up The Bodies” however I can imagine readers disappointment before this was released having to wait for the sequel.
The book has won several awards and deservedly so. It is of a quality that sets it way above the average read and makes it something more, something truly special.
If you want to read the full review you can find that on my book blog at (link – removed).
Utter genius in writing, such an original, encompassing voice.
I was totally absorbed in and by this book. Mantel’s writing brought the dark times, the cold rooms, the cold fear, the cold calculation of all those in Henry’s Court.
I found this difficult to read. Not bad, just not my style.
Too long and pretty boring
Anti-Catholic