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oracleofdusk's review against another edition
4.0
This is probably one of the better Tudor-period novels I've read (or attempted to read). I will say, the perspective takes a while to get to used to. Third person limited isn't that common (in my experience), and then there's the pronoun flare where we have to trust or assume that 'he' is Thomas Cromwell and not any of the many other men running around. But I think knowing that going into the read minimizes the inconvenience.
I will say, what I really enjoy in this novel is that Mantel minimized character combining. If you don't know what I'm talking about, think Showtime's The Tudors where the Duke of Suffolk had to do pretty much everything because the actor for the Duck of Norfolk didn't stick on for later seasons. This meant that the characters make more sense in terms of their actions/reactions/personalities/punishments. Also there's a fun sense of foreboding when certain names come up or Cromwell thinks of all the people he will outlive.
I will say, what I really enjoy in this novel is that Mantel minimized character combining. If you don't know what I'm talking about, think Showtime's The Tudors where the Duke of Suffolk had to do pretty much everything because the actor for the Duck of Norfolk didn't stick on for later seasons. This meant that the characters make more sense in terms of their actions/reactions/personalities/punishments. Also there's a fun sense of foreboding when certain names come up or Cromwell thinks of all the people he will outlive.
wormsinmysalad's review against another edition
2.0
Oof. This was not a good audio choice for me. The monologues went on, and on, and on...As interested as I was in each character, I found that most of them were unnecessarily weighing down the story. The plot simmered but never cooked. This was a disappointment.
mic_vic's review against another edition
3.0
Competently enough written, but the writing is a long way from good enough to overcome the slog that the complete and utter lack of progress manufactures.
kristineich2's review against another edition
3.0
It was a very interesting read especially in the voice of Thomas Cromwell, but it was sometimes difficult to follow with all of the players.
rjmacey1's review against another edition
2.0
I don't get the 3.8 stars. Glacial pace, irritating and confusing writing style.
dottienic123's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
catnmus's review against another edition
3.0
DNF at maybe 10%? I’m american and I can’t follow this story because I don’t know who they’re talking about, what’s inappropriate and why, etc. And the fact that the author just jumps into somebody’s head and discusses their opinions of something without revealing who the heck they are until 2 paragraphs later. I’m not unschooled but I can’t follow it. Maybe after I take some classes in British history this would make sense. But not now.