Customer Reviews

Wolf Hall

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Author Hilary Mantel gives the reader a new take on that oft told tale of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn by showing it through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, who despite humble beginnings was able to raise himself very high while aiding Henry VIII to rid himself of Katherine of Aragon in "The King's Great Matter", as well as his involvement in the Reformation and destruction of the monasteries and abbeys (to his own great gain). I think most of us have read enough about Henry and his six wives and know the basics, as well as enough reviewers have come before me so I don't need to rehash it all again. I'm just here to give my two cents on the book.

While I did enjoy a fresh take on this period, seeing it through the eyes of Cromwell, as well as seeing him interact with his wife, children and other family members, I did find the present tense very distracting and I had a difficult time getting started. Frankly, I picked up (and finished) four different books in between periods working on this one - although one covering the same period helped me a great deal as it served as a *refresher course* on who and what Cromwell was.

I found I couldn't read it during the work week at the end of the day when my brain was tired as well as on weekends when it was getting too close to bedtime - I put it down and read something lighter. That said, by the time I hit page 150 or so I was enjoying it a great deal and eventually I wasn't bothered the present tense at all, nor the excessive use of referring to Cromwell as "he" (it will drive you nuts at first).

I've seen this book described as a "rich meaty stew" and that's pretty much how I approached it, I took it in small bites over several weeks instead of gorging myself all at once and getting heartburn (reader burnout). Or you can look at it like you're climbing a mountain - you have to stop to rest and acclimate yourself, as well as slowing down to savor the shifting scenery as it changes from the alpine meadows and flowers to the starker views of the alpine tundra above the tree line. And wow towards the end when I reached the summit and saw the beauty of it all below me.

I loved the characterizations of the Boleyns, especially Anne, Mary and George (and oooh, his witchy wife Jane Rochford), anytime they were in a room things really moved along. I really enjoyed Cromwell's dry wit and I'll share some of my favorites here,

Cromwell's family asking him about Anne Boleyn,

"They say she is graceful. Dances well."
"We did not dance."
Mercy says, "But what do you think? A friend to the gospel?"
He shrugs. "We did not pray."
"Are her teeth good?"
"For God's sake woman: when she sinks them into me, I'll let you know."

Mary Boleyn,

"Anne has very long legs. By the time he comes to her secret part he will be bankrupt. The French wars will be cheap, in comparison."

Discussing Anne's virtue (or lack of) with Wyatt,

"...Besides, the king is no judge of maidenheads. He admits as much. With Katherine, it took him twenty years to puzzle out his brother had been there before him."

Final thoughts - if you're a first time novice reader on this period this is not the book for you - you need to come into this knowing who is who and who did what to whom. If it's been a few years and you're feeling rusty, find something else first and give yourself a refresher course. Lastly, do not be afraid to put the book down and take a breather and pick it up again later. If it isn't the book for you don't be afraid to just stop, prestigious literary award or not. Not every book is going to be for every person and life is too short. 4/5 stars.

Thanks to Henry Holt and Company for my copy of this book.

Mantel has written a well-researched novel that truly gives the atmosphere of the 16th century England, its beliefs, ideas, worldview.

Over the years I've read many biographies about Henry VIII and his wives. It is an intriguing period, and
I never get tired of a new point of view. Wolf Hall, a novel, brings yet another, and one which puts the
reader into the scene, with Cromwell leading the way. Some of the characters of the period who up until now we've only known superficially, are given voice and feelings, and as a result, a new dimension has been added.

This is a delightful read that I found difficult to put down. Through the person of Cromwell we are not only able to see him as a three dimensional person, but also to understand a great deal more of the political quagmire that characterized the English court. Cromwell is insightful, steely, and a master at court intrigue. This book is well deserving of the Booker Mann prize.

Wolf Hall is, quite simply, a literary tour de force. Although much has been written about the momentous political and religious upheavals that marked Henry VIII's tumultuous reign, Hilary Mantel manages to deliver a refreshingly original version of these events as seen through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, Henry's most trusted advisor and confidant. Cromwell's background as a man of humble origins who has carved out a stellar reputation as a lawyer, businessman, diplomat and political strategist makes him an ideal choice to spearhead Henry's bitter power struggle against the Church. While the historical terrain may be quite familiar, what really sets this book apart is Martel's superb attention to detail and a remarkably intimate present tense narration that draws the reader right into the story. Admitedly, this intimacy can sometimes lead to confusion, especially since Martel consistently identifies Cromwell simply as "he," even when the antecedent would seem to suggest that a different character is being referred to. On the whole, however, this technique is highly effective. We are made to experience events just as Cromwell himself does and are privy to his innermost thoughts and opinions. This, in turn, helps us to better understand the complex political climate in which these events are played out. It also gives us an opportunity to explore not only the public persona but also the private life of this enigmatic historical figure. What emerges is not the conventional portrait of Cromwell as an intellectual bully but that of a multi-faceted, charismatic man, full of personal ambition yet sympathetic to the plights of others. In Martel's skillful hands, Cromwell is transformed from a one-dimensional political animal into a highly believable flesh and blood character who is more a humanist than a villain.

I loved this novel, it was brilliant, intelligent, witty, sad, funny, utterly captivating: really created the world of Tudor England, King Henry's court, his courtiers and mostly gave a terrific portrayal and story to Cromwell. You cannot help rooting for him with his staggering intelligence, vast experience and his kindness towards those less fortunate while he ensnares those high-born wastrels with priveledged positions into his debt.
Nevertheless, if you are not passing familiar with the facts of Henry's 'Great Matter' and the players involved, then this novel will be very confusing because there is little offered in the way of explanations of who is who and what they are after. If you watch 'The Tudors' or have read any of the histories of Henry's wives, then you will love this fictional account of history through the eyes and mind of Thomas Cromwell.

Although historical fiction is one of the most popular and prevalent genres available to us today, it is rare that we find a book that goes beyond retelling familiar stories to actually making the past come alive. We are all familiar with the story of the famous Tudor monarch who's multiple marriages are a staple of book and film, but Wolf Hall make the alien universe of 16th century England come alive to us. I found, reading this book that I could smell, hear and experience a long lost world. Mantel dares to re-imagine the roles, experiences, and stories that we thought we knew and I found her version compelling. This book is not to be compared to popular historical fiction, it is serious reading based on tremendous research and it well repays the effort made to read it.

Title: Wolf Hall
Author: Hilary Mantel
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Source: Personal Copy
Pages: 657

In Wolf Hall Hilary Mantel brings her readers into the ruthless court of the famous Henry VIII. Mantel portray Thomas Cromwell and allows him to tell his story through the first person narrative. Thomas Cromwell a self made man, who rose from being abused by his blacksmith father to being the man standing beside Henry. Henry was focused and determined to annul his marriage to Katherine and marry Anne Boleyn. A young beautiful girl would bring no treaty, no land and no money to the crown. Despite his advisors wanting to marry him to a french princess, Henry had his own goals in mind. Anne Boleyn would be his wife and he would stop at nothing to ensure she would be his. Although, his legal team are not sure how to present Anne Boleyn as a credible match. Thomas Cromwell had a huge influence over Henry and through 'Wolf Hall' we are brought behind the scenes with Henry's legal team.

Wolf Hall is a large novel, meticulously researched and very well written. There are countless books written about the Tudors and I've never read anything like this before. The style is very distinct and enjoyable. However, at times it is confusing. I don't recommend this book if you don't have a firm knowledge about the Tudors. There are many Thomas' however, that is the fault of Tudor England. At times I had trouble with the flow of the novel. I believe it is due to that large size, I did try to pace myself but found myself not wanting to pick it up. It's the type of novel you can't pick up for 10 minutes you really need to devote time to reading it.

This book has many mixed reviews and I do see both perspectives. I think the style was different for many readers. Although, I did enjoy the novel it is not one of my favorite reads. I think Mantel is an amazing writer but I had a hard time remaining interested in the book. I kept wondering who 'he' was. I felt like I hardly ever came into contact with Anne or Henry. Main characters in Tudor England have minimal roles in the novel. The book reads more as a dialogue between the legal team. If you're wondering if you should read this, I recommend trying it. There were times when I loved the book, and other times I felt like I would never finish. If you do read it, pace yourself.

Let it be known beforehand, I have never fully understood the public's recent infatuation with the Tudors time period. I've never read "The Other Boleyn Girl," and I've only caught glances of the Tudors television series. Going into this book, I didn't have any preconceptions, and while I knew some basic characters of Henry's court by names, I didn't know much beyond that.

So, that out of the way, how did I feel about the book? Firstly, I didn't have the issues some had with Mantel's writing style; I could follow the action fairly easily after getting acquainted to it in the first chapter, and, to be honest, it was refreshing to read this type of 3rd-person narrative. Mantel has a fantastic way of describing things beyond the simple metaphor. You often find yourself imagining you can truly feel the chill of the October London streets, or even hear the voices of those having been long deceased in Thomas Cromwell's Austin Friars home. She weaves a fantastic tapestry of words, one which is a delight to feel between your fingers. Beyond this, however, is where I feel the "story" weakens.

The novel is plot-heavy. I imagine most expected this coming into it, but for me, not having read widely in the historical fiction genre, and especially not when it concerns the Tudors, this focus of plot over characterization created a gap between myself and the protagonist, Thomas Cromwell, that I found myself unable to bridge by the time I closed the book on page 650. While Mantel weaves the plot effortlessly, court intrigues and whirlwind beheadings included, I didn't find myself truly caring for the trials and tribulations of Thomas or the other characters as much as I felt I should have. For example, while Mantel did a good job of conveying the confused nature of Henry VIII in scenes where he switches from one emotion to the next based on a few choice words from certain wise-men, it felt superficial, and without lasting feeling, certain of which I require to really love a book.

Overall, while full of expert prose, a finely paced plot, and a huge cast of characters, I just didn't find myself caring about these conniving people's of Henry's court enough to state that this is a book I will remember months from now. In the true litmus test of what makes a novel great to me, I ended the book without pausing to consider the exploits of the souls that populated it. Should it have won the Booker Prize? Well ... It left me feeling slightly hollow -- while caring somewhat about Cromwell and co., unfortunately, just not caring enough.

I will snap up any book with "Henry VIII" on the cover or in the blurb, so I bought this book right away. It's rather enjoyable, but it has irritating flaws and could have been so much better.

Wolf Hall is a novel about Thomas Cromwell - Cardinal Wolsey's legal advisor and later, Vicar-General and de facto chief councillor to King Henry and supremo of the government. One of the most interesting and controversial men of the Tudor Era. Was he a good man? Was he a bad man? A political reality or political expedient type, who could have helped Nicolo Machiavelli write "The Prince" if they had ever met in Italy.

Although very sympathetic, this book brings out very little of the man's character and achievements. It's a rounded character study. Cromwell is seen in his counting house, in his law offices, with the King, the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas More, the Emperor Charles' ambassador, Anne Boleyn and certainly with Cardinal Wolsey. He loves the Cardinal, and he loves his family. But I don't think it goes far enough and detailed enough into his young manhood in Italy and elsewhere. Teasing little flashbacks, but I couldn't see in them What Made Cromwell Cromwell. (And it would have been good for the novel to show him in action on the Italian battlefields or with the Florentine bankers, learning all those languages and how to survive that Medici and Borgia intrigue.)

That constant personal pronoun "he" kept throwing me out of the author's web of 16th century England and back into the 21st century present. Not good. I admit the paucity of description made my own imagination work to clothe the Cromwell family and servants, but I wanted a little more atmosphere to get into the book again after backtracking every fourth paragraph to find out if Cromwell or Cavendish had said the words "he" said.

I suspect Sir Thomas More was the 'antagonist' to Cromwell as 'protagonist'. The villian to his hero. The author did a good job contrasting them. Her version of More as a hair shirt wearing hypocrite and reactionary heretic hunting papist had some truth behind it, but it was very unsympathetic to More, who was doing his all to defend his religion. From what I've read of Thomas Cromwell, he was ruthless guy because that was taking care of 'business'. Like portrayals of the Cosa Nostra godfathers: he was protecting his 'people': his dons Wolsey and King Henry; his family and his employees and his clients. "Nothing personal," Cromwell seemed to say when he closed a monastery, whereas More subordinated his public duty to his personal religious zeal in snuffing out those who did not believe the official Roman way. The yin vs. yang is good stuff. I hope there will be a sequel, because the historical Cromwell had a fight on his hands with Gardiner and with Henry's own conservative "Catholic without the Pope" bent.

The title, I agree, is all wrong. Wolf Hall is Jane Seymour's father's estate. The Seymours are little involved in this story. The 'wolf' can't be Cromwell, because he is shown as a rational, practical family man. Henry? Norfolk? Perhaps, but the novel shows Henry as a milksop torn between his love of Anne and his love of Wolsey; and, though there are several references to Norfolk's threats to rend and tear, the Duke seems all bark.

It's worth one read as a library book; but not worth buying.

Books to read with this one: Thomas CromwellThe Cardinal and the Secretary: Thomas Wolsey and Thomas CromwellIn the Lion's CourtThomas MoreStatesman and Saint