Bring Up the Bodies

by Hilary Mantel
Bring Up the Bodies cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 679
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780007477357
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2012-05-10
  • Formats: 129
  • Reviews: 4
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Bring Up the Bodies is the second installment in Hilary Mantel's acclaimed Wolf Hall trilogy, a masterful exploration of the machinations of power and the personal cost of ambition. Set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's tumultuous reign, the novel delves into the political and personal struggles of Thomas Cromwell as he navigates the treacherous waters of the royal court. The book has been lauded for its exceptional prose and historical depth, winning the Man Booker Prize 2012 and the Costa Book of the Year. This gripping narrative captures the tumultuous fury and terror of the period, offering a vivid portrayal of the characters and events that shaped English history. Mantel's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the past to life, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and literary fiction lovers alike.

Reviews
Lonesome Reader · 2020-03-05
concentrated 3.50

The novel feels more concentrated, focusing on the downfall of Anne Boleyn, but the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming. The prose is exceptional, but the complexity may deter some readers.

The reviewer at Lonesome Reader finds that Bring Up the Bodies feels more concentrated than its predecessor, focusing intensely on the downfall of Anne Boleyn. They praise Mantel's exceptional prose and the novel's ability to capture the intricacies of Tudor politics. However, they also note that the sheer number of characters and the complexity of the plot can be overwhelming, making it a challenging read for some. Despite this, the reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and the way it brings historical events to life with vivid detail.

Quick quotes

    Bring Up the Bodies does feel like a more concentrated story.

    The sheer number of characters and the complexity of the plot can be overwhelming.

    Mantel's prose is exceptional, capturing the intricacies of Tudor politics.

Whispering Gums · 2013-06-26
chilling 4.00

The novel is beautifully constructed but increasingly chilling as Cromwell's character becomes more ambiguous. The historical detail is meticulous, but the moral ambiguity of the protagonist may unsettle some readers.

The reviewer at Whispering Gums appreciates the novel's beautifully constructed narrative and the meticulous historical detail that brings the Tudor era to life. However, they note that the character of Thomas Cromwell becomes increasingly murky and chilling as the story progresses. This moral ambiguity adds depth to the character but may be unsettling for readers who prefer more clear-cut protagonists. The reviewer also highlights the novel's chilling atmosphere, which reflects the treacherous nature of the political landscape.

Quick quotes

    Bring up the bodies is a beautifully constructed but chilling novel.

    Cromwell's character becomes murkier and murkier.

    The historical detail is meticulous, but the moral ambiguity of the protagonist may unsettle some readers.

A Little Blog of Books · 2013-06-01
engaging 3.50

The book is a quality piece of historical fiction but suffers from an overwhelming number of characters. The narrative is engaging but can be confusing due to the sheer volume of people involved.

The reviewer at A Little Blog of Books acknowledges 'Bring Up the Bodies' as a well-crafted work of historical fiction, praising Mantel's ability to bring the past to life. However, they note that the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming, making it difficult to keep track of the narrative. Despite this, the reviewer finds the story engaging and Mantel's writing to be of high quality. They appreciate the depth of research and the way Mantel integrates historical details into the story. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a strong addition to the historical fiction genre, albeit with some challenges due to its complexity.

Quick quotes

    The book was undoubtedly a quality piece of historical fiction.

    My main gripe about it was that there were too many characters.

    The narrative is engaging but can be confusing due to the sheer volume of people involved.

The Guardian · 2012-05-04
masterful 4.50

The novel is a masterful continuation of the Thomas Cromwell saga, with intricate plotting and rich historical detail. The atmosphere is dark and foreboding, reflecting the treacherous political landscape of the time.

The reviewer praises Hilary Mantel's ability to weave a compelling narrative that delves deep into the machinations of the Tudor court. The character of Thomas Cromwell is portrayed with great complexity, making him both formidable and intriguing. The novel's pacing and attention to historical accuracy are highlighted as particularly strong points. However, the reviewer notes that the book's dark tone and intricate political maneuvering might not appeal to all readers, especially those looking for a lighter historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    Bring Up the Bodies is a masterclass in historical fiction.

    Mantel's prose is sharp and unrelenting, capturing the paranoia of the Tudor court.

    The novel's dark humor and intricate plotting make it a standout in the genre.

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