What's so great about Wolf Hall?

[@jimtussing]

What a wonderful description of exactly what it feels like to read these works of Mantel. Nicely done.

[@grisselweimer7515]

I loved this book! I completely agree that it is not an easy book to read but so worth it. I too spent a lot of time on Wikipedia, but I also appreciated that. Made me want to learn more about this time in history which I had never been interested in before.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I feel the same. Spending a lot of time with Shakespeare recently, plus reading Hamnet and now this, I need to read some Tudor history!

[@sarahbeach4849]

I just found your channel because I'm on my fourth re-read of the Wolf Hall series! It's surpassed Brideshead Revisited for my favourite book(s) of all time. I think Hilary Mantel was a genius. It took me the second reading of Wolf Hall to learn how to read it - and I don't have a lot of patience with 'difficult' books - but I was so compelled by Cromwell and the world-building that I kept at it. So glad I did. Love your channel. XO

[@TheBookBully]

"It's kind of like Jesus" caught me so off-guard I LOL'd. I completely agree - the thing I love so much about this series is that Mantel asks a lot of the reader. You are required to put the effort in, and Mantel rewards you for that work. I think this is what sets it apart as a true masterpiece, this so obvious symbiotic relationship between writer and reader.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I feel that symbiotic relationship pretty often but never more than with this book. I loved the feeling of respect I got from Mantel and Wolf Hall as a reader.

[@decox911]

I recently finished Wolf Hall and I have looked at a lot of video reviews. Yours is the best by far. This book was a masterpiece and I could not agree with you more. I am well into book two now and my astonishment at the language and creation of an almost visual experience of place and time continues. Thank you for your very erudite review. Superb.

[@madiantin]

I agree, one of the best video reviews I've seen on this book.

[@soniajohnson8878]

So enjoyed the trilogy. Just finished The Mirror and the Light. I had put off reading it as I was not ready to say goodbye to Mantel's Cromwell. Even though you know how it ends she still has you rooting for him, and yes there might have been a few tears.

[@connorveach5986]

I’m halfway through it but just got spoiled reading about the second season of the show 😩 I hardly knew anything about this period other than poor Anne sans tête so that kinda sucks. I still don’t really know what happens to Henry though so that’s something..

[@karakoppanyi3845]

I haven’t read it yet for the exact same reason you are talking about!

[@kathc659]

Thanks so much. I watched your review to find the right head space to approach this book and I think you've given that to me. I'm an audiobook listener - wish me luck! :)

[@teresatucciarelli9058]

What a great review! I am reading this novel right now and at times struggling to slow down enough to absorb what is happening. However, I am enjoying it, and loving the writing! I love the way that you described it and it is giving me the motivation to keep going. Excellent analysis! Thank you!

[@stonesoupstudio2348]

'The better a writer you are, the more rules you can break...' You've given me a lot to think about regarding my own writing. Thanks!

[@deblawrence8341]

This is literally THE BEST video I've seen on the book! I have not read it, I don't even own it ... but this video makes me want to run out and get this book NOW! It just so happens that I have a B&N gift card burning a hole in my pocket. I'm off to the bookstore! 🏃‍♀

[@mintybadger6905]

I named my son, Thomas, cause I love this book so much.

[@sammc2601]

Oh you are in for such a treat with Bring Up The Bodies! My favourite of the trilogy. Yes, I love how Mantel is lyrical, how she expects the reader to put forth effort. She is dismissive of Tudor adaptations that will dumb down history by doing things like omitting the occasional Mary so as not to confuse the viewer (in the case of the mini series The Tudors). Wolf Hall the series is wonderfully done BTW; Mark Rylance and Claire Foy are superb as Cromwell and Anne. Mantel is also wonderful as an interview subject. I've read many of her essays and book reviews but none of her books other than the Wolf Hall trilogy. I remember the huge uproar when she described Kate Middleton as perfectly crafted in a plastic-smiled thin body for her role--it was not a derisive view of Kate IMO, just clear minded, pragmatic; Cromwell would have had the same view I'll bet and voiced it just that way. Thank you for your reviews; I am enjoying your hard work and takes.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Wow, reading Wolf Hall, coupled with your passion for her words and her writing, has really sparked a new love for a writer I should've given time to years ago. Still, better late than never!

[@madiantin]

How interesting you preferred Bring up the Bodies in the trilogy. It was one that I disliked the most - I think because it was so deeply uncomfortable to read, knowing what was going to happen to Anne, and how she would be railroaded.

[@MrPaddynufc]

16:09 pleased to hear it’s not just me then! These are my thoughts entirely but I still loved this book in the end

[@rickrappaport5216]

Wowza-your review itself is a tour de force. That you can amble on with complete sentences, drawing in horizontal references as you press on is itself quite an accomplishment. We’ll done sir! After 30% of the book I balked and refused to go on but as you admonished it is really my responsibility to contribute to this learning experience. Cannot say enough about how your review has catalyze my desire to plunge back in. Thank you for putting the Rubik’s cube of her work together in just 23 minutes.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

You flatter me, thank you! Although I’m not a sir anymore :)

[@ilmasaavedra3954]

I enjoyed it. Like your enthusiasm and encouragement. Thank you. Keep bless 🙌 🙏

[@purplepeace2188]

After watching the TV series in total. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. I am tempted to read the book(s). Sounds fascinating but a little daunting. I'll give it a try this year. Fantastic review.

[@karakoppanyi3845]

I loved this book. Your review makes me want to read it again.

[@05maccaj]

Love this review and loved the book! I put it off for AGES because of the hype and because the subject matter sounds relatively dry. But like you I was astounded by the wild freshness of the writing. The prose feels so contemporary but the world feels so strange and Tudor. An absolute feast of a book.

[@danielillingworth7632]

Brilliant breakdown. I have just started 'the mirror and the light' the books require work but i am relieved i put the effort in.

[@madiantin]

I absolutely love the Wolf Hall trilogy. I love how lyrical it is. I love how it bounces around all over the place. I love how in the beginning you feel so sorry for him, but at the end you discover *why* Walter was kicking the living daylights out of him and you go, "Oooohhhhh." Not that you agree that kicking the living daylights out of someone is a good thing...but the explanation makes it more understandable. I love how, after reading the whole trilogy, I read through it again and picked up things I didn't pick up before, and I get the feeling that will happen every time I read it. I love how *quiet* and self-contained Cromwell is. How he doesn't bluster, but is so dang smart - really really smart - and also menacing. I find it telling that Gregory, who seems like your regular nice chap, is absolutely bloody terrified of his Dad. I cannot *believe* how Mantel got me to root for this man who was, by all historical accounts, just an awful awful person. She got me to love him. The Mirror and the Light was an exercise in being racked. You are the person on the rack. And Mantel is turning the wheel so slowly, so slowly, millimetre by millimetre until you are absolutely screaming with the tension of it. You can see that freight train coming and you just want to yell "GET OFF THE TRACKS! RUN AWAY!" but he never does, and it's heartbreaking. Mantel almost makes me believe there could be something good about Cromwell. But that last message of his to Henry is just so dang disappointing. I don't know that I could do any better if I were in the same situation - probably a whole heck of a lot worse - but one could wish for a bit of a stiff upper lip. And the worst thing, the absolute WORST THING is bloody Norfolk, that wife abusing bastard, lives for decades afterwards and dies safely in his bed at the age of 80. NO! Wait! The worst thing is that Stephen Gardiner, that little s**t, wasn't murdered to death but instead died at the age of 72.

[@madiantin]

Oh!! But what I really did not like though, is how Mantel leans into the "Mary slept around" and "Jane Rochford was spiteful and and snitched on Anne and George and made stuff up". Mary did not sleep around. And there is literally *zero* evidence that Jane Rochford hated/snitched on Anne. In fact, there is evidence that she and George had a good relationship. It makes me so dang mad/sad when writers lean into a lie for which there is no basis in fact. I was disappointed that Mantel, who in all other respects seems to have researched extensively, decided to portray Jane in this lazy trope.

[@katqh]

At the end of Bring up the bodies in the authors note, Hilary addresses Lady Rochford and does indeed say that she has probably laid more blame at her door for Anne’s decline than was warranted.

[@madiantin]

@@katqh That's good to know, thank you!

[@alitalan7926]

oh lord this is reassuring, I thought I was the only one who found this book difficult to read and the narrative complex was very tiring to read

[@maikesch2824]

I never felt so proud about the fact that I finished a book which I actually did not like much. I worked my way through page after page and it was hard work. I probably only finished it to be able to impress my colleagues who also read it. Never going to read the next two.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I totally sympathise with this. The book wasn't always my friend when I read it. It's a rewarding read but not a fun one, and I don't blame for not loving their time with it.

[@grantwallace1882]

I am on my second attempt at Wolf Hall. I totally agree with you - a lot of attention is required. I have the book on my phone this time so at least I don't have the problem of trying to hold it up.

[@ianp9086]

I agree completely! I’m not into historical fiction and for the reasons you mentioned I didn’t read it until last year - wow! So immersive. Bring up the Bodies has many of the same strengths (though I felt she fell back on the he, Cromwell more often) and it has one of the best final paragraphs I’ve read - the last sentence is perfection. I have not read the final book yet - it’s a big one!

[@nithyanarayanan3179]

Currently reading this book and feeling it's hold. I usually won't DNF a book easily and with respect to a Man Booker Prize Winner, certainly not. It is hard work and I looked up for the review in frustration only to hesitate watching your video and go back to reading it instead. It's a challenging read, hopefully rewarding. I am saving your video to watch once I finish the book. Also, thanks to all the folks who insisted on putting the hardwork. I will.

[@Bren-ms3ml]

this book has been on my shelf for 4 years now,i think i'll give it another go..

[@kathleenbrady9916]

Brilliant review...I loved this book, Mantel is a quiet genius

[@alessandroloconte]

Just finished! Amazing book, really original writing. Interesting for everyone who's looking for a great novel and novelist. Reminds me the "master" James Ellroy. Ready to start the second one of the trilogy. Great review man!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did!

[@cathschofield7488]

Absolutely excellent review

[@ALC111222333]

I gave up on it after around 100 pages and i regret it. For me, i REALLY struggle to tell who is being referred to in a conversation (which you mention here). I got to a certain conversation and i had no idea what was going on, who was talking etc. I was very sad about it as the first part of the book about Cromwell's childhood absolutely engrossed me. I'll probably try it again some day! But something I've noticed recently is that i LOVE stories...but my mental health makes it so much harder to put effort in these days. Again, it's something i think will improve eventually.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I can certainly relate to mental health kicking my urge to read. Doing videos and writing for our site is what keeps me reading. Otherwise, I'd be in such a massive reading slump right now! So don't ever feel bad about that. This is a book that rewards hard work from the reader but if you can't do that work right now, don't!

[@sammc2601]

Do try again some time but, really, sometimes a book just isn't everyone's jam. But then sometimes I've picked a book up years later and loved what I just couldn't get into before. When I was in university (decades ago!) I could only read the lightest of fare on breaks--I'm talking trashy celebrity tell alls yikes. I needed a brain-free read but still needed to read something. Wolf Hall is a difficult read; Bring Up The Bodies is somewhat easier and not just because you've got used to Mantel from Wolf Hall--in response to people's difficulty she modified her style somewhat.

[@ALC111222333]

Thanks both. Like i said, im sure i will try again 😊 have a lot of others to read in the meantime! Can't wait to start An Artist of the Floating World and then...the Midnight Library 😬

[@ineptwizzard]

I love the book and found the pronoun stuff not to be a problem but I can certainly see why it can trip people up. Basically, assume that like 95 percent of the time, he, is Cromwell and you're golden. The few instances it's not see easily resolved be a careful read of the passage. I do hope you get into it, but if not, there Are so many other books and no point in banging your head against one that frustrates you.

[@gs547]

Page 71 of Bringing Up the Bodies calls to mind the brutal treatment Thomas received from his father in the first page of Wolf Hall. Read that passage of Bring Up the Bodies and you will be astonished.

[@Kasamira]

Great review and analysis! Subscribed

[@bullfishdaryl]

Enjoyed the review. I’m about a third of the way through. You didn’t spoil anything for me: it was interesting to learn that this fascinating background of Cromwell’s is spread over all 3 novels. I’m dying to know what narrative fills the gap between that Chapter 1 beating from his scary Dad and the reformation-era adventures of a top tier lawyer (“person”) that we’re thrown into. It really struck me too how the author is always saying only “he said” when she means Cromwell. The other thing that struck me about the writing so far is the devastatingly sudden, dramatic - yet subtle - way she moves you to sadness or shock - like when the plague bites at Cromwell’s home (I actually groaned out loud, seriously); or the verbal brutality when Gardiner retorts about Richard and then when More humiliates his wife at dinner… it’s a great book so far. I’m hooked.

[@kimhaas7586]

I think the places in the book where Cromwell is boring in part correspond to periods of time when we know more facts about the other characters and not so much about Cromwell. Mantel can only speculate. Likewise, the sympathetic portrait of Cromwell we get comes in part from the members of his office who worked for him as well as his household, and his charities. What is frustrating about Cromwell and the books is a result of very little correspondence from Cromwell to other people. His nephew and others in his group spirited them away as soon as he was arrested. Probably burned them as well. Very wise. I suspect that there’s a lot about Cromwell that was devious or too clever or way too informed. And ironically, this speaks to his character in a positive light as well. The damage to his house didn’t extend beyond himself. What happened to Gregory, Richard and Wriothesley were temporary inconveniences. No one else lost their heads. He must have trained them on what to do in an emergency. But it leaves us with speculation to fill in the gaps. I listened to the books on audible. That helps get into the heads of the characters and lets you see the events as they observe them rather than acting in them. They’re. members of an audience. You sort of float around in Mantel’s head as she slides from thought to thought. That’s where the audio version shines. But there was a long stretch in book 3 that could have used an editor. I found myself listening to it many times and never got much out of it. Eventually, I had to abandon that section and move on. Whatever Mantel was trying to say got stuck in an eddy and I gave myself permission to revisit it in a decade.

[@Foeipoes]

What I also liked about the trilogy is, I normally don't spend this much time with one character. He truly feels like a fascinating acquaintance (I wouldn't call him a friend) that kept visiting over the years. This made his *spoiler alert (is it a spoiler if it's history? 🤔)* swift demise and gruesome execution all the more upsetting. I don't think I cried this much over any other character death 😅. Also, great review, really enjoyed it!

[@Ignorant_Bliss]

I'm about 2/3 through the book and struggling to finish. I find it very difficult to read. Part of it might be because English is not my native language, but I don't have problems reading most English language literature. I think part of the reason is her writing style that you talked about, and another part the fact that I'm unfamiliar with the actual historical events behind it. I do want to finish it it, and perhaps reread later, because I'm having a feeling that I'm missing most of it even when actually reading it, slowly.

[@lokarin]

I Will now go back ro my kindle and give this book a THIRD attempt ! ♥️♥️♥️

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Took me a third attempt as well. Good luck!

[@madiantin]

I recommend the audiobook! It can help to get over the rough patches. Be careful of the narrator though. There's one who despite literally reading Mantel's words, saying it's pronounced "Risley" called Wriothsley "Rye oths lee" the ENTIRE FREAKING BOOK. I had to stop listening because of it. I can't for the life of me remember which one it is though. =/

[@patrycjaswiercz]

I loved this book however it wasn’t easy read requires lots of your attention and time

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I totally agree.

[@jamesandcameronplusmichael7612]

I have to keep checking the cast of characters to keep track. But yes, great book.

[@ayanbose4739]

Another lovely review ❤️👍 Meanwhile can you review Natsuo Kirino "Out".

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I absolutely could! It's an all-time fave.

[@ayanbose4739]

@@WillowTalksBooks I have one book of this Vintage Japanese Classics UK edition..... definitely looking for this one too. The other book I have from this set is "The Wind up Bird Chronicle".

[@WillowTalksBooks]

@@ayanbose4739 Ah that collection is gorgeous. I have them all and cherish every one of them, even the Mishima one.

[@sloanvlogs5207]

I tried reading it and realized I know nothing. I got like 10% through and realized I had no idea what was going on at all. I want to finish for the sake of saying I’ve read Wolf Hall, but I can’t get myself to continue. This review helped me understand what I’ve read so far. Thank you for that, but still, probably just not the book for me. I like to enjoy what I’m reading. I feel like I’m reading a book I don’t like at school with this one.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That's totally fair! Mantel's style is very wordy and kinda labyrinthine at times. If you're getting nothing from the book, move on!

[@sloanvlogs5207]

@@WillowTalksBooks I just feel like this book called me peasant in so many different ways 😂

[@mattjazzml]

First class review.

[@mohitjain4630]

It's a Masterpiece

[@WillowTalksBooks]

It's aight innit

[@sharonreichter2537]

It's a wonderful challenge!

[@locutusdborg126]

Liked and subbed. There is a book you might enjoy called The Magus by John Fowles.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Ooh thanks for the tip! Never read any Fowles.

[@locutusdborg126]

@@WillowTalksBooks If you read it you will thank me. Very well written but accessible. And profoundly insightful.

[@a_bookish_gemini]

This has been on my TBR for sooo long. I’m nervous about trying it on audiobook knowing about Mantell’s peculiar way of changing perspective without explicitly letting the reader know.. what do you think?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I'd be very curious to see how it works on audiobook for that reason. Only one way to find out!

[@rachaelsdean]

I found it hard to follow written. I don’t think the book helps you out with change of perspective. An audiobook likely wouldn’t make that worse.

[@olitonottero7620]

Great review

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks!

[@wednesdayschild3627]

Hillary Mantell said that she wrote those books because people always blamed Thomas Cromwell for the downfall of Anne Boleyn and made him into a caricature.

[@juliejones58]

This book sounds a challenge to read but I'm definitely going to give it a go. By the way, I have just finished a book by Kazuo Ishiguro, 'A Pale View of The Hills' ready to read all his books, so thanks for your video.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I'mso happy you read APVOH. I have so many happy memories tied to that book. Hope you love AAOTFW as much as I do!

[@juliejones58]

@@WillowTalksBooks Yes😍The ending was simple but very emotional I thought. Etsuko waving her daughter, Nikki, off at the doorstep 😥

[@locutusdborg126]

Never Let Me GO IS MY Favorite. A profound novel. The movie was a great adaptation.

[@Dexter-vj2lr]

This Book sounds like The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I got that book recently and need to read it asap

[@mirkovic]

What’s so great about Oxygen? C’mon this is an awesome novel, her style of writing is a bit of slog, once you get use to it…. You have this characters talking inside your head. One of my favourites Novels ever, if you enjoyed any of the American Century series by Gore Vidal (specially the first “Burr”) you should enjoy this one.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I like your profile pic

[@giankie_507]

I just finished watching the BBC series based on this book. I find myself interested in English history every now and then and I was convinced that this was all factual. 🥴 Fooled myself there.

[@avnish_s]

I LOVE you mate ❤️! , there's a long story behind this book, you, and then there were none connected with me and me being emotional...reply to know 😅, then it will be WORTH sharing...

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Um okay, go for it

[@avnish_s]

@@WillowTalksBooksSo, about 5-6 months back i was looking for 'And then there were none's ' videos after I read it, for it's reviews and i found yours and i loved the way you reviewed and explained it (keep in mind it was the first considerable book i picked up in a long time)..... Fast forward to today i was scrolling through my Twitter retweets and found a tweet with 'Wolf Hall' and 'Bring up the bodies' being recommended, so I thought let's checkout these books and after quiet a research i found that 2nd one is first's sequel and they're connected and people love them so much, so i (second time after And then there were none genuinely searched for this book) started looking for videos on 'wolf hall' then your thumbnail came and i thought OH!, Wow, it's the person of whom I really liked 'And then there were none's' review let's watch this one only...and when you started talking and i was listening and when you said 'This is the second time you have done like this after Agatha Christie's one' my mind had a mini explosion 💥... I mean like what are the odds after 6 months i randomly picked a book for a review and then i find same person's videos on the book too whom i liked from previous book and exactly you also did it after ATTWN!!! All i know is this is a surreal genuine event for me and it happened because ... I genuinely Loved your review I genuinely Love reading books I genuinely was looking for good 'Wolf Hall's' videos. * Sighs *

[@carolekralova9108]

Please don't misuse 'willy nilly', which means whether you like it or not.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

The hell

[@juliejones58]

WOW!

[@davidwordsworth5584]

Just finished it and found it a slog. Character development is lacking . The characters are flat and have little development. Wolsely and More show some development. Even Cromwell, has a colourful life but I did not get a feeling for how his army, Italian experience and his business life experiences actually contribute to his character and the decisions he has to make. Henry has about 3 emotions and Anne has almost no development. I have read better historical fiction of this period.

[@magiciansway]

Wolf Hall was a painful unpleasant experience. The writing was abysmal.

[@christinak5452]

Why are you such a... person?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I don’t have the brain space to answer such a big question

[@christinak5452]

@@WillowTalksBooks Just to clarify, I wasn't insulting you haha, that was a line from the book! The Duke of Norfolk asks: "Goddammit Cromwell, why are you such a ... PERSON!"

[@milfredcummings717]

@@christinak5452 Por que você é tão... Pessoa?! 🥸

[@StephenFletcher-vf9im]

I have never understood historical novels. Why write about the far distant past ? The past is like dead branches on a still--living tree. Break them of and throw them on the fire. Modern novels are far more relevant. The Booker Prize should only be awarded to Authors of temporary novels. Hilary Mantel has definitely got a medieval look to her. Reincarnation, there may something in it.

[@katqh]

Well Cromwell is in the top 5 most important people in all of English history. His influence and actions changed the religion of our country and set the wheels of modern Britain. His influence cannot be overstated. That alone warrants exploring his life. You cannot understand the present without knowing the past. And in Cromwell and Henry’s case, our modern day Britain is a direct result of their actions