Reviews

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

tequilatallulah's review against another edition

2.0

I wanted to love this. And it is so well researched. But, ultimately, it just doesn’t grab or captivate. Writing style definitely won’t be for everyone, but I’m sure it is perfect for some!

timothyjmcl's review against another edition

challenging informative

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

A feat of historical literature. Mantel’s research about Thomas Cromwell’s rise through Henry VIII’s court is obviously thorough. But she wields it with such a deft touch that every scene feels relatable. Material that in any other writer’s hands would feel stale and distant, here feels fresh and intimate. My only complaint is that it’s so long and there are so many characters that it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of the plot.

lorenroth22's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.5

mcpaul15's review

challenging informative reflective

4.5

jakefoulkes's review

dark emotional informative tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

isobelkb's review against another edition

challenging dark funny informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

itinerant_spirit's review against another edition

2.5

Meh.  Mildly satisfying, decent writing.

davechua's review against another edition

3.0

Viciously detailed, but so hard to follow.

davedoran's review against another edition

sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

Slow, dreary

glowbug's review

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

For a dry book it was very interesting and captured my attention. Had to refer to a guide while reading but the prose was excellent