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mmic's review
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This is a gorgeously written historical novel that goes hard on the history.
The prose is phenomenonal. The only qualm I have with the language is the excessive use of "he." It's sometimes difficult to understand which "he" is being referred to.
Unfortunately (for me), there isn't much plot to speak of. Mantel faithfully (I assume, I'm not a historian so I can't say for certain) follows the life path of Thomas Cromwell. That doesn't leave room for the usual beats we except from fiction story and as a result this book feels more like a biography than a novel.
The lack of a plot made the story drag in places, though the nature of the historical events was enough to keep me engaged to the end.
If you like historical novels, especially if they go hard on the history, this is a must read.
If you're not too keen on biographies or history, probably give it a pass.
The prose is phenomenonal. The only qualm I have with the language is the excessive use of "he." It's sometimes difficult to understand which "he" is being referred to.
Unfortunately (for me), there isn't much plot to speak of. Mantel faithfully (I assume, I'm not a historian so I can't say for certain) follows the life path of Thomas Cromwell. That doesn't leave room for the usual beats we except from fiction story and as a result this book feels more like a biography than a novel.
The lack of a plot made the story drag in places, though the nature of the historical events was enough to keep me engaged to the end.
If you like historical novels, especially if they go hard on the history, this is a must read.
If you're not too keen on biographies or history, probably give it a pass.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Blood, Child death, and Physical abuse
caidyn's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Second time around, I liked this better. I still struggled at first with the writing because it's so different than the writing I usually read. But, the story is good. I think it's very realistic fiction, especially with Cromwell's viewpoint. It's also interesting how he views Anne Boleyn. It definitely falls under the belief that Anne was conniving and only ever thought of her ambition and maybe didn't truly love Henry, but it's still a perspective that is interesting and valid for maybe how Cromwell did see Anne.
Anyways, it's a very interesting read and I can't wait to get to the sequel later this month because I remember liking it a lot better than this first one.
Original review:
This was a hard book to get into. The writing as well, facts straight, and story tight, but it was just the writing. Switching tense and always referring to Cromwell as "he". It was hard to follow at times in that way, but it was still a book I enjoyed for the history and unique point of view.
Anyways, it's a very interesting read and I can't wait to get to the sequel later this month because I remember liking it a lot better than this first one.
Original review:
This was a hard book to get into. The writing as well, facts straight, and story tight, but it was just the writing. Switching tense and always referring to Cromwell as "he". It was hard to follow at times in that way, but it was still a book I enjoyed for the history and unique point of view.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Grief
Moderate: Death and Child death
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