Scan barcode
gossamerwingedgazelle's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I loved it! I can't speak for historical accuracy, but the characters were interesting and the plot moved right along. Definitely worth reading.
jennicajackson's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
emilyhei's review
5.0
Thomas Cromwell could have taken a path in life that led to nothing good, instead his ambition to do well for himself by serving Cardinal Wolsey. When Henry VII decides he wants his marriage to Katherine to end in divorce so he can marry Anne Boleyn, everything shifts. Henry's most loyal advisors are now falling while others are whispering their own agenda into Henry's ear. Cromwell finds himself in a unique position that could change the course of history.
Fantastic story, full of rich history and the cutthroat world of the Tudors. I wouldn't say he is a character you necessarily like, but he has a presence and a watchful eye that leads to him thinking he is next to the axe to working every angle to ensure he has his interests are protected. Fascinating, can't wait to read the next book.
Fantastic story, full of rich history and the cutthroat world of the Tudors. I wouldn't say he is a character you necessarily like, but he has a presence and a watchful eye that leads to him thinking he is next to the axe to working every angle to ensure he has his interests are protected. Fascinating, can't wait to read the next book.
threegoodrats's review against another edition
2.0
oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition
Omg what a slog. Enjoyable, but it really did take me about 200 pages to get into it fully. Not light reading by any stretch lol.
There’s no denying the sheer weight of plot; it demands attention, not least because everyone is called Thomas or Henry or Jane or Mary. Cromwell is simply ‘he’ which can get a bit confusing when he’s having a conversation with six other men. Mantell’s writing style is a tricky one for me to get behind. There were some stylistic choices I’m not sure I agree with (sudden swaps to second person PoV; the use of indirect speech muddying the waters.) it’s certainly an accomplishment; despite my troubles, I was still invested. I recognise that my lack of knowledge about this time period and historical characters might put me at a disadvantage: the novel does not hold your hand, it powers through. I was definitely left in the dust when it came to various political plot points. Could scrape together an idea, but perhaps the richness of the story was lost on me a little.
There’s no denying the sheer weight of plot; it demands attention, not least because everyone is called Thomas or Henry or Jane or Mary. Cromwell is simply ‘he’ which can get a bit confusing when he’s having a conversation with six other men. Mantell’s writing style is a tricky one for me to get behind. There were some stylistic choices I’m not sure I agree with (sudden swaps to second person PoV; the use of indirect speech muddying the waters.) it’s certainly an accomplishment; despite my troubles, I was still invested. I recognise that my lack of knowledge about this time period and historical characters might put me at a disadvantage: the novel does not hold your hand, it powers through. I was definitely left in the dust when it came to various political plot points. Could scrape together an idea, but perhaps the richness of the story was lost on me a little.
testaroscia's review against another edition
5.0
Diving into this a second time to prepare for the third and last installment that has just been published. It probably re-kindled my interest in historical novels as I see myself returning to the genre much more than I used to. And the best part is that, second time round, you are not furiously trying to commit to memory the bewildering number of characters.
gracebirdly's review against another edition
2.0
Did not finish this one. I got halfway through and I still don’t know what it’s about.
emeraldgarnet's review against another edition
4.0
"But Christendom was overturned for the Boleyn marriage..." (Part Six - Chapter II - The Map of Christendom, 1534-1535)
Wolf Hall shows another perspective on the Reformation. We see events through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, someone who was at times close to the King yet was neither royal nor a noble.
Mantel's writing conveys the tension and suspicion that was rampant during Henry VIII's reign and where one day a person could be at the top of the heap yet soon end up ostracised and even facing execution. We see Jane Seymour's quiet nature, the Boleyn family's ambition and Thomas More's obstinance. All the while, however, we remain aware that these characterisations suit Thomas Cromwell's prejudices and biases rather than what may have happened in reality. These portrayals, therefore, tell us more about Cromwell than they do about the other characters.
At times Mantel's writing is difficult to understand especially, as some other reviewers have noted, with the use of 'he'.
Nonetheless, I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Wolf Hall shows another perspective on the Reformation. We see events through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, someone who was at times close to the King yet was neither royal nor a noble.
Mantel's writing conveys the tension and suspicion that was rampant during Henry VIII's reign and where one day a person could be at the top of the heap yet soon end up ostracised and even facing execution. We see Jane Seymour's quiet nature, the Boleyn family's ambition and Thomas More's obstinance. All the while, however, we remain aware that these characterisations suit Thomas Cromwell's prejudices and biases rather than what may have happened in reality. These portrayals, therefore, tell us more about Cromwell than they do about the other characters.
At times Mantel's writing is difficult to understand especially, as some other reviewers have noted, with the use of 'he'.
Nonetheless, I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
red_november's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0