Wolf Hall

by Hilary Mantel
Wolf Hall cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 595
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9789722366618
  • Publisher: Editorial Presença
  • Published: 2020-11-05
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Set in the 1520s, Wolf Hall immerses readers in the intricate and perilous world of Henry VIII's court, where Thomas Cromwell, a man of humble origins, ascends to power through his intelligence and ruthless political acumen. As the king's trusted advisor, Cromwell must navigate a web of deceit, ambition, and religious turmoil, all while pursuing his own agenda. The novel is a masterful exploration of power, manipulation, and the human condition, brought to life by one of the greatest writers of our time. /n/nCromwell's journey from the son of a blacksmith to a key player in the English Reformation is a testament to his brilliance and ambition. The story delves into the complexities of his character, revealing a man who is both intimidating and seductive, capable of great kindness and devastating cruelty. Against the backdrop of a volatile political landscape, Cromwell's actions and decisions shape the course of history, making Wolf Hall a compelling and unforgettable tale.

Reviews
Deedi Reads · 2025-07-12
intriguing 3.00

This book is a dense and challenging read, packed with extensive research. The style is reminiscent of classic literature.

The reviewer acknowledges that this book is not an easy read due to its dense style and extensive research. They compare it to classic literature like Les Miserables, indicating that it requires patience and attention. Despite the challenges, they appreciate the depth of the historical context and the intricate details that bring the period to life. The reviewer suggests that readers who enjoy immersive historical fiction will find this book rewarding.

Quick quotes

    It's a giant book packed with research, and it isn't an 'easy' read

    The style sort of reminded me of a dense classic like Les Miserables

    It requires patience and attention

Adventures of a Tudor Nerd · Tudor Nerd · 2023-11-01
great 4.50

This book offers a complex and unforgettable look at Thomas Cromwell and the Tudor era. It makes readers question their understanding of history.

The reviewer finds the book to be a uniquely complex yet unforgettable exploration of Thomas Cromwell and the Tudor era. They highlight how the narrative challenges traditional views of historical figures and events, making readers reconsider what they thought they knew. The reviewer appreciates the depth of character development and the intricate political maneuvering depicted in the story. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    A uniquely complex yet unforgettable look at Thomas Cromwell and the Tudor era

    It will make you question if you know the history as well as you thought

    The narrative challenges traditional views of historical figures and events

The Guardian · John Mullan · 2009-05-01
brilliant 4.50

This book is lyrically written and filled with spooky resonances. The dialogue is witty and the characters are well-drawn.

The reviewer praises the book's lyrical yet clean prose, which is tightly written and filled with spooky resonances. They highlight the wit and originality in the dialogue, making the characters come alive. The reviewer also appreciates the depth of the historical research, which is seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Overall, they find the book to be a unique and engaging read that stands out in the genre of historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    Lyrically yet cleanly and tightly written, solidly imagined yet filled with spooky resonances

    The style is witty and the dialogue is original

    It's not like much else in the genre

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