Hillary Mantel’s Wolf Hall is a thrilling and captivating read. It has been so highly praised by readers and critics alike since its first publication. It’s no wonder that the novel won the Man Booker Prize in 2009, as well as the Costa Book Award for Fiction in 2009.
At its core, Wolf Hall is a historical fiction novel that takes place during the reign of Henry VIII. It follows the political life of Thomas Cromwell, a loyal advisor to King Henry VIII. At times, Cromwell is portrayed as an antihero—a character who may not have all admirable qualities but still garners sympathy from readers. This is due to the fact that he often finds himself caught between two powerful forces: his loyalty to King Henry VIII and his own sense of morality. The storyline follows Cromwell on his journey through courtly intrigue, espionage, and political maneuvering as he attempts to survive in a world full of dangerous men and women with their own agendas.
The thing that makes Wolf Hall such an enjoyable read is Mantel’s writing style. She brings 16th century England alive with her vivid descriptions of landscapes and characters throughout the book. If you aren’t well-versed in 16th century history and find them dull, this book will make it more interesting. Mantel’s ability to create tangible emotions between her characters makes them come alive on the page. Readers easily relate to them, even to those who are unfamiliar with 16th century English court life. She skillfully weaves real-life events into her fictional tale without making it feel like you’re reading a history book. Additionally, Wolf Hall is full of quotable quotes (which is probably why I love this novel).
“It is the absence of facts that frightens people: the gap you open, into which they pour their fears, fantasies, desires.“
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel is an epic historical fiction novel that brings 16th century England alive on the page in vivid detail. From its compelling storyline about loyalty and power struggles within King Henry VIII’s court to its vivid characters and real-life events woven into the narrative, this book has everything a reader could want! Definitely, you won’t be disappointed in Wolf Hall –– it’s one of those books you don’t want to put down.
AWARDS
Booker Prize 2009
National Book Critics Circle Award 2009
Walter Scot Prize for historical fiction 2010
First Edition:
Author: Hilary Mantel
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Fourth Estate (UK)
Publication date: 30 April 2009
Just Reading Nook 