Scan barcode
jfuel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A long and challenging read but somehow the writing kept pushing me along. I gave up trying to keep track of all the characters but by the midway point I had the main ones figured out, presumably by osmosis. Cromwell’s inner dialogue is witty and engaging and I found him likeable. This despite the fact that he seems to have been a “serpent” who did not let ethics factor into his decision-making. A complicated character to be sure.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Cursing, and Child abuse
ledichose's review against another edition
funny
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed listening to this novel’s audiobook. (Narrator: Ben Miles.) I think it was richly rendered, especially as to the domestic spaces of Cromwell. That being said, I wish the women were further developed. Mary Boleyn was by far the most interesting woman here, and I craved more of her, if only to balance out ALL THE MEN. I have thoughts about the pace and structure of the ending—not sure I felt this was successful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Rape, and War
naomi_k's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Child abuse, Religious bigotry, Child death, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Torture, Grief, Self harm, Fire/Fire injury, Dysphoria, Confinement, Classism, Alcoholism, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Sexual content, Murder, Miscarriage, Infertility, Incest, Antisemitism, Cursing, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Infidelity, and Gaslighting
More...