Wolf Hall (Thomas Cromwell, #1) in Crazy Challenge Connection

Oct 21, 2017 Jaret rated it it was ok

I liked the premise of this book. With some editing, I probably would have liked reading it more than I did. It was too long and wordy in most parts, but some of the interesting parts were glossed over. I liked reading the story from the viewpoint of Thomas Cromwell. But the story was so dialogue-driven I continuously lost focus on the conversations. I was left with the feeling that in a month or so, I'll be asking myself, "Didn't I read that already?" It was mostly forgettable. ...more

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Dec 30, 2022 BookishStitcher rated it really liked it

3.5 stars

I watched the Tudors several years ago so a lot of this was just like a review. I listened to the audiobook. It was pretty good.

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Jan 19, 2016 Olivermagnus rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, england, europe

Usually when I pick up a book about the Tudors, Thomas Cromwell is portrayed as one of the most vilified characters of the era. In Wolf Hall, Cromwell is the star of the novel and through competence, good judgment and political savvy, he rises to power and wealth. We first meet him as a fifteen year old beaten almost to death by his father. He is sympathetic from the beginning as he sets out to escape his miserable life. He moves from being an abandoned child to becoming top adviser to Lord Chan Usually when I pick up a book about the Tudors, Thomas Cromwell is portrayed as one of the most vilified characters of the era. In Wolf Hall, Cromwell is the star of the novel and through competence, good judgment and political savvy, he rises to power and wealth. We first meet him as a fifteen year old beaten almost to death by his father. He is sympathetic from the beginning as he sets out to escape his miserable life. He moves from being an abandoned child to becoming top adviser to Lord Chancellor Thomas Wolsey and then as Master Secretary to Henry the VIII. Cromwell makes Henry's second marriage possible despite great opposition from the Roman Catholic Church and becomes a trusted adviser to Anne Boleyn.

Wolf Hall is told from Cromwell's point of view and I found him highly likable. Cromwell is shown to be a family man and a man with a heart who cares about those less fortunate than himself. Narrated in present tense and incorporating flashbacks, Wolf Hall provides readers with a first class view to the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn and the new direction that England is forced to take so Henry VIII can have her. I've never paid much attention to Cromwell and it was fascinating to read a fictional account of him. I also found his sarcasm and cynicism wonderful, as well as his love of dogs (all named Bella).

Wolf Hall is a well-written novel even though the politics of the time period can be confusing. I listened to the audio version but would occasionally supplement it by re-reading the hard copy to make sure I was correctly following the story. Simon Slater's narration was fantastic.

The most annoying thing about the book was that the author used the the pronoun "he" too much . It was very confusing because there are often multiple "he's" in the conversation and you couldn't be sure who Mantel is referring to. This is where a quick look at the hard copy was so crucial.

The deciding factor in whether or not someone will enjoy Wolf Hall is primarily whether or not the reader has at least a basic awareness of the main players from this period of history. It's not an easy read but it is one that I couldn't put down. I can't wait to read the second one, Bring Up the Bodies. The final volume of the trilogy, The Mirror and the Light, is expected to be published in 2015.
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