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A review by foxonabook
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I don’t know what to say that others haven’t already said before. This book is magnificent and Hilary Mantel is a wonderfully talented wordsmith who brought Henry VIII’s court back to life in such a captivating way.
I’ve been drawn to stories about Henry VIII since I was in high school. My first foray into historical fiction was also Philippa Gregory’s books on Henry VIII’s wives and life under his two daughters’ reigns. But they don’t come close to how great Wolf Hall is.
I would caution that this probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea since it’s in my opinion more of a literary piece of writing. The focus isn’t on the plot, but on the world of Henry VIII’s England which Hilary’s prose makes delving into tremendously enjoyable. Additionally, it was refreshing to see a portrayal of Thomas Cromwell in such a sympathetic and humanising light.
Lastly, and this isn’t a slight on the book or the author, I just wish I’d started this book when I was mentally (and physically) less overwhelmed. It would have made an enjoyable reading experience even more so.
Regardless, five stars all around!
I’ve been drawn to stories about Henry VIII since I was in high school. My first foray into historical fiction was also Philippa Gregory’s books on Henry VIII’s wives and life under his two daughters’ reigns. But they don’t come close to how great Wolf Hall is.
I would caution that this probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea since it’s in my opinion more of a literary piece of writing. The focus isn’t on the plot, but on the world of Henry VIII’s England which Hilary’s prose makes delving into tremendously enjoyable. Additionally, it was refreshing to see a portrayal of Thomas Cromwell in such a sympathetic and humanising light.
Lastly, and this isn’t a slight on the book or the author, I just wish I’d started this book when I was mentally (and physically) less overwhelmed. It would have made an enjoyable reading experience even more so.
Regardless, five stars all around!