Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

In 2009, Hilary Mantel won the Man Booker Prize for her novel Wolf Hall. It’s set in the 1520s and tells of the rise from obscurity to power of Thomas Cromwell, who became one of King Henry VIII’s most trusted advisors through sheer intelligence and determination. Told with great originality and energy, it takes a period of history that most of us are familiar with and makes it fresh and immediate. Wolf Hall won it’s author legions of fans (myself included!) who have been looking forward to the continuation of Cromwell’s story. And now it’s finally here! Bring Up the Bodies is the sequel to Wolf Hall and centres on the downfall of Anne Boleyn, as Henry falls in love with the quiet, plain Jane Seymour. Both books are highly recommended. If you’re quick, we have a gorgeous limited edition hardback signed by the author for $55, which is very special. The book is also available in trade paperback for $33

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Over summer I had a bit more time to read than usual, so I decided to tackle a book I’d put off reading due to it’s sheer size – Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, the winner of this year’s Man Booker Prize. It tells the fascinating story of Thomas Cromwell, a man of dubious lineage who rose to become one of the most influential men at the court of King Henry VIII.

The story is set in the 1520′s, as Henry is becoming increasingly frustrated by his lack of a male heir by his wife Catherine of Aragon. His attention has been captured by the charming Anne Boleyn, and he thinks he might have better luck with her. Unfortunately, the Catholic Church does not allow divorce, and the stage is set for a battle of wills between King and Church – ultimately resulting in the creation of the Church of England (which conveniently does allow divorce!).

Into this turmoil steps Thomas Cromwell, a shrewd and ambitious opportunist. He had not been born with the advantages of the usual members of court, but through his intelligence and wit had become the protege of Cardinal Wolsey. He survived Wolsey’s fall by becoming indispensable to the Boleyn family, and by the time the King had tired of Anne, had become the King’s right hand man. He then helped orchestrate Anne’s downfall.

As the story is told from Cromwell’s point of view, we see the events and characters through his eyes. We also see the whole man – not only the ambitious manipulator, but also the loving family man, witty companion and loyal friend.

It’s a fascinating tale of  intrigue, action, drama and pathos, told with energy and wit in an original and modern style. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and wondered why I had put it off so long! Highly recommended. $33. Fiona