Reviews

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

heather_boo's review against another edition

3.0

I love historical fiction, but this was dense in a way that gave me difficulty. There were often many people in a scene, and conversations are constructed such that the reader cannot tell who is speaking. The only reason I stuck with it is because I enjoy the time period so much, but I can certainly see how many people did not finish it

notter's review against another edition

challenging dark informative tense slow-paced

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

4.0

copusb's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

shimmery's review against another edition

4.0

Whilst I didn't quite agree with the testimony on the cover that said this book would be the most gripping I'd read this year, it was enjoyable and beautifully written. Mantel gives humanity to history, telling the story of Thomas Cromwell working under Henry the 8th as he battles to wed Anne Boleyn. Though at times a little overwhelmed with the sheer amount of characters and conversations about laws and technicalities, this is a really good story and brings out modern themes in a 16th century setting. I was really impressed by little details that Mantel has imagined for these historic figures; her characterisation is superb. Well worth a read.

elumpio's review against another edition

dark informative tense slow-paced

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

3.25

ordinary's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

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

5.0

Audiobook is the way to go. Excellent excellent!

jackmckenna's review against another edition

dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

herri1je's review against another edition

4.0

Typically I struggle with losing interest in fiction books. This book started a bit slow but it is very good and I would read the rest of the series.

jessmegan's review against another edition

dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

chelsayoder's review against another edition

3.0

I'm really confused on how to rate this. The story is awesome but the writing is confusing as many reviews state. You get used to it to some degree but it's still a hinderance to reading IMHO. Some passages and thoughts are rendered brilliantly but other sections I'm left to reread to figure out who the heck it's about and if its present time or a flashback.
I will prob read Bringing Up the Bodies due to the interesting subject and story but I will at least know what I'm getting into this time.