Wolf Hall

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Average customer rating 4.8 (24 comments)

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First in a series of three, this novel follows Thomas Cromwell as he rises from assistant to the declining Archbishop Wolsey to become a close confidant of King Henry VIII. Though I'm not typically a fan of historical fiction, this series garners such respect that I felt compelled to tackle it again after reading only this novel several years ago. Mantel's writing style is both detailed and distanced - settings in particular are richly described and one gets a good feel for the London of the early 1500s. Conversely, the natures of the various characters, even the protagonist Thomas Cromwell, can be murky, becoming clear only over the course of the entire book. Conversations can be both explicit and vague - quotation marks come and go, so it's not always clear until well into a passage that the words are being spoken and are not simply descriptive. It also behooves the reader to be familiar with the political and religious milieu of the times as, for example, an understanding of the disagreements between Catholics and nascent Protestants is assumed. Still, the overall effect is a worthwhile immersion into the personalities and issues that defined this period of English history. This entry takes the reader up to when Henry's 2nd wife Anne becomes queen, and hints at the difficulties to come in the next installment.

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Best historical fiction I've ever read.

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If you love historical fiction that appears to be pretty accurate, you may enjoy Wolf Hall. From Thomas Cromwell to Thomas More, to Henry VIII and the never too far off, Anne Boyeln, the intrigues never cease. The clear imagery of 1520s England pulls you into every scene, complete with sound and smell!! I couldn't put this book down for too long.

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This book was a delight! The story multitasks as it looks at the rise of capitalism and the demise of feudalism, the beginning of the English reformation, the evolving role of class at that time and even the role of women in the 16th century. Ms. Mantel takes us on a ride through history that is told in the very human voice of Thomas Cromwell, a merchant among royalty. Thomas Cromwell is a sympathetic character even as he plots with the king to rid the country of dissenters. The book inspired me to research the characters online between chapters because I was so intrigued. Ms. Mantel brings English history to life so eloquently, you will find yourself wanting more as you polish off this feast of 600 pages. Which is good because there's a sequel!

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I "read" Wolf Hall in its audiobook incarnation. I think the format may have added to my enjoyment. Sometimes I read too fast, and the spoken word let me savor the writing thoroughly. The impressive sense of a very real human being with a non-modern consciousness, in a context which felt very specific and fully realized, and decidedly different from the present was, for me, unique.

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I couldn't put this down. Probably read it twice from re-reading paragraphs I found particularly juicy. At no time does depth and understanding of character or situation depend on any knowledge of, or interest in the historical period covered. Everything is there on the page in full sensurround 3-D human condition. It is a stunning piece of fiction, and I had no idea what I was in for.

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When I was a kid in the 60’s I frequented Ye Old and Rare Books on Hawthorne across from The Bagdad. Mr. Johnson, the owner, used to call historical novels hysterical novels. I thought that was soooo funny and since and always loved historical novels. ( like The Tudor Wench by Elswyth Thane 1932. I still have my mother’s copy bought for her in London by my grandfather during the war.) Its been years since I have read one until Hillary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. I know it is very, very popular but it is that good. My pick for the best book I have read in 2012.

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Mantel's authorial style and command is simply stunning. I have never considered myself the least interested in English royal history, but Mantel tells the stories of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII, and all those around them in such rich detail I couldn't help but immerse myself in their (fictionalized) worlds. I highly recommend reading Wolf Hall in print rather than as an e-book, as the cast of characters summary and family trees at the front of the book are necessary references in helping keep details straight.

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Unusually written and uncommonly fine.

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No book this year drew me into a world as completely as Wolf Hall. I was enthralled and couldn't put it down.

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It's a great read, the writing is superb! I was there with Thomas Cromwell, looking over his shoulder as he manoeuvred his way through the life at the court of Henry VIII. Almost started it again straight away!

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I feel like the traitor in the midst. I did not love this book overall. I did enjoy the last 200 pages or so, but prior to that Mantel's awkward use of "he" for Cromwell and lack of plot early in the story caused me to put this down and almost quit multiple times. I still don't see why this won the Man Booker prize (and I've loved other prize winners), but I am glad I plodded on to the end.

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This is one of the most compelling and amazing books I've ever read. I don't generally seek out historical fiction, but this book stands alone as a literary achievement even beyond the brilliant historical research that clearly went into it. The character of Thomas Cromwell became real to me, and dear to me, in a palpable and physical way. The world of 1520's England nearly replaced my daily experience and I was transported, moved and informed in the way that only true literature can accomplish. Not only did I want to learn everything possible about this period of time, but I wanted the book to go on forever. This goes on the list of one of my lifer books.

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Mantel's Wolf Hall transcends the melodrama that continues to permeate most works involving the life and times of Henry VIII. Her beautiful prose reveals politics, religion, and the ruling class and infuses reality into these inimitable historic figures. This book made me think, consider, read some more, and ruminate on how our human foibles influence all our actions.

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What a meticulously imagined picture "Wolf Hall" offers of London and the circles surrounding Henry VIII in the 1520s and 1530s. It is a book full of pleasures, somehow urgent and leisurely at the same time, and rendered through a fascinating voice and protagonist.

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From the first page, I knew I was in the hands of a master story-teller and was about to have an original reading experience. Mantel’s novel covers the life of Thomas Cromwell from the time he is secretary to Cardinal Wolsey who is on the outs with Henry VIII to the height of his puissance just after the birth of Elizabeth before the Boleyn family �" and Anne, in particular �" fall out of favor. It is a scheming, violent, tricky time to be alive. The most difficult trick may be to stay alive. It is the time of the great schism between Henry’s England and Pope Clement’s Rome. Heresy is everywhere in Europe: in Henry’s court, in Erasmus’ Low Countries, in Luther’s Germany, in Francis’ Cathar region. In England, burnings for religious divergence and beheadings for political ones are rampant, even when it is difficult to distinguish which treason is being committed �" the political or the religious. After the fall of Wolsey, to whom Cromwell remains loyal, he discovers that writing the laws is the most powerful position in the realm, and so Cromwell sets about pleasing his king and removing his enemies. All the time, this seemingly ruthless courtier is the soul of generosity in his domestic life, bringing up outcasts and orphans of every stripe, finding them good careers and good spouses. He may be ruthless in helping England modernize, seeing that the yoke of Rome is keeping England from asserting itself as a true power on the geopolitical stage, but he is not without mercy, and does everything he can to urge Thomas More from his dogmatic opposition regarding the Law of Succession that disinherits Katherine’s daughter Mary. Because More is an ideological man with unswerving principles and Cromwell is a pragmatic man of adaptive principles, there is no saving More. Wolf Hall refers to the ancestral manse of the Seymores, who at the end of the novel we see Cromwell has set his sights on (in the person of Jane) as the candidate to supply England with its male heir, something Anne could not do. Mantel’s “take” on Cromwell may not precisely coincide with how he was regarded in life. Her portrait of him is extremely favorable, More’s decidedly negative, Anne’s vituperative, Henry’s quixotic, and Wolsey’s magnificent. But all are magnificently rendered in her novel, which may be one of the 100 best books I’ve ever read. I didn’t want it to end, although I’m glad she closed the book on Cromwell before Henry did. Within months of the end of the novel, Cromwell’s star became a flaming meteor that plunged to the scaffold and went out.

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I know I'm a little late, but this is the best book I read in 2011.

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Wolf Hall is an excellent read - especially for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. The world of Henry VIII has always intrigued me and I was offered another unique view from the perspective of Thomas Cromwell. I am looking forward to reading the sequel!!

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This is probably the best historical novel I've ever read. It's the story of Thomas Cromwell, (who is usually painted as a villain in contrast to the saintly - and eventually sainted - Thomas More), an adviser to Henry VIII during and after his split from the Catholic church, and a remarkably shrewd man. The prose is dense, and there are some stylistic choices that can slow you up, but it's so good that you shouldn't mind. I can see how this might be daunting for someone without a fair bit of Tudor-related knowledge, but the lengthy cast of characters and Tudor family tree in the front of the book can be very useful - Hilary Mantel thinks you are smart enough to tackle a book that might make you work a little bit; don't prove her wrong.

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I hated to have it end. I hope it is true a sequel is in the works!

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The author puts you there, England 1529-36, with her incredible attention to detail You breath the same air as the Londoners. Her research is extensive and her development of Thomas Cromwell's thinking and actions during the reign of Henry VIII is extraordinary. Best book I have read in a couple of years.

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I ran into a friend from out of town who had been reading this book recently as well. She said that she now found herself compelled to read everything that Hilary Mantel has written. She also said she thought Mantel had channeled Thomas Cromwell, the protagonist of this book. I instantly concurred.

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I've enjoyed historical fiction before but was surprised how quickly this book grabbed me and how modern this story felt. Believe me, I know first hand that you don't have to know who Thomas Cromwell is to enjoy this fantastic novel. I'm already looking forward to the sequel!

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Wolf Hall is a book rich in historical fact and fiction. The times of Oliver Cromwell and his battle for the rights of Englishmen is interesting and provocative. It is a long but captivating story that takes you back in time to witness a timeless struggle that reverberates into our day. A must read for historians and those who enjoy a good read.