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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This is a totally new take on the English Reformation, casting Thomas Cromwell as not only the main character, but an actual human being! It’s fast paced and fascinating, but you might want to have some previous knowledge of the issues and people before diving in.
Initially confusing as to which character is speaking, after you get used to the author’s style it is very interesting and informative.
For some reason, Mantel loves to use pronouns without antecedents, making the story hard to follow. Although her research is impeccable and I love this period of history, I would much rather read Phillipa Gregory.
Even if you have little or no interest in 16th-century British history, this tale will grip you like few others do. Mantel is a master writer, who has crafted a compelling story of political intrigue, greed, and corruption.
And fabulously written!
I love historical fiction that tells the real story behind names that we know, but really know nothing about. Hillary Mantel is one of the finest writers there is. It was just so delicious to absorb every word she wrote. Trite to say, but I felt as if I were there in every scene.
A well written historical fiction novel. A good read especially of Henry VIII era.
It’s a little dark and brooding. But that’s it’s char: it’s another side of the more typical Tudor costume dramas.
I am addicted to all things Henry VIII, so this book is right up my alley. However, I was surprised that it was such a page-turner. I finished it in a week, and have recommended it to many of my friends.
Excellent book and meticulously researched.
Very clever plots and characters. Didn’t think I would like it but I really did. Worth the time it takes to read for sure.
I couldn’t get into the book. I may try again later.
Wonderful, evocative portrait of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII, and Anne Boleyn. Loved every page.
While I loved reading about the Tudor court’s history from Cromwell’s perspective, I found this book to be extremely hard to follow. Her use of pronouns is confounding (I had to read a paragraph several times to figure out who “he” was more than once), and flashbacks would occur with no warning. It tooo me a long time to slog through this, but I persevered because I love the topic. Still deciding if I’m going to attempt Bring Up the Bodies.
I love history and this historical novel was richly written. The insight into the characters of the time kept me drawn into the book until the end.
One of my all time favorites
One of my favorite books of all time. A must read for lovers of historical fiction.
Waas a terrific historical read, very happy to read it and another book by the same author
One of the best books I’ve read
Tragic but true