Assuming the power recently lost by the disgraced Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell counsels a mercurial Henry VIII on the latter's efforts to marry Anne Boleyn against the wishes of Rome, a successful endeavor that comes with a dangerous price. Employing a vast array of historical characters, and a story overflowing with incident, the author turns Tudor England into a compelling piece of fiction. Mantel re-creates an era when the personal and political are separated by a hairsbreadth, where success brings unlimited power ...
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Assuming the power recently lost by the disgraced Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell counsels a mercurial Henry VIII on the latter's efforts to marry Anne Boleyn against the wishes of Rome, a successful endeavor that comes with a dangerous price. Employing a vast array of historical characters, and a story overflowing with incident, the author turns Tudor England into a compelling piece of fiction. Mantel re-creates an era when the personal and political are separated by a hairsbreadth, where success brings unlimited power but a single failure means death. -- from Book Jacket
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Good. The book may have minor cosmetic wear (i.e. creased spine/cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, minor sunburn, minor water damage, minor bent). The book may have some highlights/notes/underlined pages-Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included-Safe and Secure Mailer-No Hassle Return.
This Tutor era piece is exceptional.If you like literary historical fiction, Wolf Hall is a must. The dialogue is so outstanding, and draws the reader into the book. You and imagin geing in the room, during these monarchicalstruggles of power. Loved it!
william y
Jun 23, 2015
Must read
This is s must read for anyone who enjoys a historical novel written in a most unique style. Hilary Mantel takes you inside the world, and mind, of one of the most interesting men who made the reign of Henry VIII a facinating period. The style of writing would make this a must read regardless of the particular character holding center stage. Can't wait to start the following two books in the series.
bookwomanAnnie
May 1, 2015
Confusing read
Although this book won awards, I have reservations about why it did so. Proper grammar? check. Good editing? check. Historical accuracy? . . . maybe. But who could tell from the way it is written? I had to drag out a history book to put the pieces together.
The novel is a tale spun as though you are viewing another person's dream, wandering in and out of personal and public areas of thought in a single paragraph not clarified by quotation marks. Most of the time there is no clear delineation between the character's actual thought, the imagination of the author, or dream-like state among several characters interacting in a surreal situation, leaving you to wonder if such ever took place, or only was something the character hoped would take place, but never did.
In short, it is a confusing read.
If you like reading something and never really being sure what's going on, then this book is for you. It will help to watch the video production along with reading the book. They need each other to help clarify what is going on.
Carol R
Aug 1, 2013
The other Cromwell
A marvelous book - I imagine reading it over and over. Hilary Mantel has produced a look at the Renaissance in Britain that was so engaging, I had trouble putting the book down but I didn't want it to end, so I rationed my reading. I wanted to move in with Thomas and take care of him.
Democritus3
Jul 5, 2013
Great historical novel
Mantel did her homework in researching the historical background of this novel. The characters come alive and they reflect accurately what we know about the real historical individuals. Great stuff although the revisionist scholars of the English Reformation will hate it.