'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel

Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel (3.0)

This book managed to divide our book club rather dramatically. Several people wanted to like it, but found it difficult to follow and not interesting enough to finish; while others really enjoyed this alternate voice of a much read era.  We agreed the writing style was awkward (very difficult to understand who is talking) and the multitude of characters coming in and out was daunting.  The timeframe covers Henry VIII’s first two marriages.  What is unique is that it’s told from the point of view of Thomas Cromwell, the non-royal confidant of Henry whom many considered a political mastermind. Hilary Mantel writes historical fiction with meticulous attention to facts and takes virtually no liberties with the plot or characters.  One element of the book that I found the most interesting was the additional information behind the split with the Catholic Church.  Most books I’ve read tend to focus on King Henry’s desire to divorce as the impetus for the split, but this book fills in feelings and actions towards the Church by more everyday people. This was cleverly done, as Cromwell was a commoner by birth who becomes very powerful and is shown to have one leg in each side of society so both perspectives could be told.  If you are familiar with the players and don’t mind the language, this book offers a refreshingly new view on this time in history.  If not, you should definitely pass on it!