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alexandriam_rose's review against another edition
5.0
I am just saying upfront that I am going to be biased about this book. This is the third and final installment in the Thomas Cromwell trilogy and the whole series is truly an interesting, unique, and well-executed story of Henry VIII's Tudor England, all from the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. This is probably my favorite period to read in historical fiction, and even though I literally know how this ends, Mantel does an amazing job infusing the story with meaning and emotion.
This particular installment was probably too long, wandering, and detailed somewhere in the middle—but I don't mind at all. It had been a while since reading Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, so it did take me some time to reacquaint myself with the many characters and their titles as well as her writing style in these books, which I do really like. This is at times funny, sarcastic, always political, and definitely sad.
There are an overall sensibility and atmosphere in how Mantel writes this history that I really relate and connect to I guess. I think that is the best way I can say it. In my edition, there was an essay included and I really liked what it revealed about her research for the book and her experiences visiting historical sites. Definitely deserves to be the next 5-star book of the year!
This particular installment was probably too long, wandering, and detailed somewhere in the middle—but I don't mind at all. It had been a while since reading Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, so it did take me some time to reacquaint myself with the many characters and their titles as well as her writing style in these books, which I do really like. This is at times funny, sarcastic, always political, and definitely sad.
There are an overall sensibility and atmosphere in how Mantel writes this history that I really relate and connect to I guess. I think that is the best way I can say it. In my edition, there was an essay included and I really liked what it revealed about her research for the book and her experiences visiting historical sites. Definitely deserves to be the next 5-star book of the year!
malaw's review against another edition
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
harrylyden27's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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
herri1je's review against another edition
5.0
I’m not a reader of huge books; I like my books packed and less than 400 pages. I am also a nonfiction reader so I wasn’t sure about starting this series. I came to be pleasantly surprised. I flew through all three books (Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies, and The Mirror and the Light) and book 3 was by far my favorite. The writing is immersive and haunting, following Thomas Cromwell from the dizzying height of power and status all the way to his final steps across the scaffolds where he is to be beheaded by axe. I loved this book.
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
3.0
Well, Hilary Mantel's epic Cromwell trilogy is finished and I have mixed feelings. Frankly, I've had mixed feelings since the beginning but I kept hoping that Mantel would pull off an impressive finale. This didn't live up to my expectations. Part of it was interesting, but a lot of it was overly rambling without the sharpness I'd hoped for.
I kept wondering, do we have to have so many flashbacks? So many moments of Cromwell dwelling on the past? Does he absolutely have to have a weirdly charged relationship with every single female character?
The portrayal of Tudor society was incredibly interesting. Some scenes hit hard. I liked the deep look into Henry and Cromwell's dynamic. But I feel like it could have been more efficient, more biting, more... effective.
I kept wondering, do we have to have so many flashbacks? So many moments of Cromwell dwelling on the past? Does he absolutely have to have a weirdly charged relationship with every single female character?
The portrayal of Tudor society was incredibly interesting. Some scenes hit hard. I liked the deep look into Henry and Cromwell's dynamic. But I feel like it could have been more efficient, more biting, more... effective.
laura_corsi's review against another edition
Found out this is the finale in a huge series about Thomas Cromwell. Maybe someday I will want to read that but--doubt it.
umm_igor's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0