Wolf Hall
Mantel, HilaryMoving from the backstreets of London to the court of Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell was a self-made man. In this epic work, immersed in the brutal world of the Tudors, the author presents an entirely different perspective on this powerful courtier and his place in English history. Rich in political and religious intrigue, and with its large cast of familiar characters, Wolf Hall offers an absorbing and original experience of Tudor England. Winner of the 2009 Man Booker Prize. [Big read}
Comments from Groups
This should have been a 2 month book, not an easy read. Christchurch 176 We were evenly split between those who love English history and those who weren't. The ones who did thought this book brought the period to life and was one of the best they had read. The characters were believable. All agreed it was too long. Doubtless Bay 001 Those in our group who enjoy history stories just loved this book. It was very well written and kept you involved in the story. Southbridge 001
Pages
653
653
Year
2009
2009
Reviews
27-10-2021
A very meaty, dense book which many of us found quite hard to read because of its third person present tense, and our constant need to refer back to the character list. It was extremely interesting to most of us nonetheless, and we found Thomas Cromwell a very sympathetic character. Some found the writing a bit jerky, and there was discussion as to whether Mantel's depiction of Thomas More and the Boleyn sisters was entirely unbiased/unfair. However we thought it a very good book which gave a first class presentation of this period in England's history.
27-10-2021
The group really liked Wolf Hall, and in spite of its length almost all read it cover to cover. Some have started reading 'Bring Out the Dead'.
27-10-2021
An excellent book for the historians in the Group, but several members did not finish it, for various reasons. Very enlightening discussion. The enthusiasts await the sequel.
27-10-2021
Some struggled entirely to get into the book, others completed and enjoyed it. Overall, not our most favourite so far.
27-10-2021
We enjoyed the book in general but not many finished. We are going to get library copies to finish it. As many of us didn't have much knowledge of Tudor history, it was good to have the charts.
27-10-2021
'Wolf Hall' was very long but very interesting. All but one of the group were glad they had read it. All learned so much about the era, and the discussion was one of the best we have ever had.
27-10-2021
We thought it was very well-written, deserving of the Booker Prize. An excellent holiday read, but you did need time to relax and read in big gulps! The characters seemed real (not just dry history). We all want to go out and get the sequels.
27-10-2021
Most of the group struggled with the book and didn't persevere with it, but the 2 who did read it really enjoyed the vivid historical pictures it evoked.
27-10-2021
Those who finished the book loved it. Confusing at times with too many 'he's'. Perhaps a bit too drawn out.
27-10-2021
650pp was daunting and not all of us finished it but, with only one exception, it was enjoyed and admired. There was some discussion about whether or not it was historically accurate but the consensus was that it didn't matter; the writing was good enough to be enjoyed for itself. We all learned a little about English history.
27-10-2021
Those who finished the book loved it. Confusing at times with too many 'he's'. Perhaps a bit too drawn out.
27-10-2021
Great book, enjoyed by all of the group. Very good writing and true to history. Occasionally some confusion about exactly which character was speaking/thinking!
27-10-2021
There was a full range of likes and dislikes on this one, but it produced a lively discussion - on Zoom!
27-10-2021
An epic book, which covered the power play and interaction between the key characters exceedingly well. Required a lot of concentration - a challenging read. Cromwell's complexity was so effectively portrayed - travelling all over the country, and not a hypocrite unlike the Catholic clergy! Although he was on his way up in the world in this book, some of the group recognised that his position was very precarious. We found it difficult to follow in parts.