Finally!

Most of you have probably already read this book, but I have to admit that this book took me two attempts to complete. The first time I started to read it, I didn't give the first couple of chapters enough of my attention and by the third, I had no idea who was who, why there were so many 'Thomas's and generally had lost the plot (literally).

The book was put down and forgotten.

But then, I kept hearing from all my well read friends how much they had LOVED the book and they all seemed to have found it fascinating and brilliant and it also won the Man Booker prize 2009! I was obviously missing something....

The book was relaunched in the last couple of weeks and, what with Christmas shopping, pretending to work and kids finishing school, I have only just finished it!

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel is a truly epic story.

England, the 1520s. Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is his chief advisor, charged with securing the divorce the pope refuses to grant. Into this atmosphere of distrust and need comes Thomas Cromwell, first as Wolsey's clerk, and later his successor. Cromwell is a wholly original man: the son of a brutal blacksmith, a political genius, a briber, a charmer, a bully, a man with a delicate and deadly expertise in manipulating people and events. Ruthless in pursuit of his own interests, he is as ambitious in his wider politics as he is for himself. His reforming agenda is carried out in the grip of a self-interested parliament and a king who fluctuates between romantic passions and murderous rages.


I'm really glad I persevered with the book and did end up really enjoying it. It reminds me a lot of 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Phillipa Gregory - which I found a much lighter read but still historically fascinating.

Apparently, now I need to watch 'The Tudors' and my history lesson will be almost complete.