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shelfcarewithjess 's review for:
Wolf Hall
by Hilary Mantel
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Synopsis (No Spoilers):
Wolf Hall is the first in Hilary Mantel’s historical fiction series following the rise of Thomas Cromwell, a blacksmith’s son who becomes one of the most powerful figures in Tudor England. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, the novel chronicles Cromwell’s political ascent through a time of religious upheaval, royal marriages, and court intrigue. This is not your typical fast-paced historical drama - it’s richly detailed, introspective, and written in an unconventional style that demands focus.
Wolf Hall is the first in Hilary Mantel’s historical fiction series following the rise of Thomas Cromwell, a blacksmith’s son who becomes one of the most powerful figures in Tudor England. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, the novel chronicles Cromwell’s political ascent through a time of religious upheaval, royal marriages, and court intrigue. This is not your typical fast-paced historical drama - it’s richly detailed, introspective, and written in an unconventional style that demands focus.
Full Review:
I went into Wolf Hall excited - I love historical fiction, especially anything set in Tudor England. The subject matter and historical setting were exactly what I enjoy, and I appreciated Mantel’s deep dive into the political mechanics of the time.
I went into Wolf Hall excited - I love historical fiction, especially anything set in Tudor England. The subject matter and historical setting were exactly what I enjoy, and I appreciated Mantel’s deep dive into the political mechanics of the time.
However, the writing style really held me back. I found the third person, present tense narration incredibly difficult to follow - at times I wasn’t even sure who was speaking or being referenced. It made what should’ve been a gripping, intelligent narrative feel like a bit of a slog.
I can absolutely see the literary merit and why this book is praised, but for me, the reading experience just wasn’t enjoyable. If you’re into beautifully dense prose and complex historical layers, this may be your thing — but I’ll admit I struggled to stay invested.
🌟 Favourite Quotes:
📜 "It is all very well planning what you will do in six months, what you will do in a year, but it’s no good at all if you don’t have a plan for tomorrow."
📜 "Beneath every history, another history."
📜 "No prince ever says, 'This is my budget, so this is the kind of war I can have.’"
📜 "For what’s the point of breeding children, if each generation does not improve on what went before?"
📜 "He hopes she will use them to eat with, not to stick in people."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Religious bigotry
Minor: Sexism, Violence