There are so many Thomases whove played important roles in shaping the history of Tudor reign: Thomas Wolsey, Thomas Cranmer, Thomas Bilney, Thomas Wyatt, Thomas Howard, the list goes on and on. There is mention of all of these figures in Wolf Hall, however, its central character is Thomas Cromwell.
Often talked about briefly in historic accounts as a man of low station who weaseled his way into the kings good graces, Mantel does a phenomenal job of piecing the bits of history we do know of Cromwell to shape his back story A story that explains what drove him and how he managed to succeed where others could not.
The story begins with Cromwell being kicked and beaten on the street at a very young age by his drunken father. Tired of being a punching bag, Cromwell flees and makes his own way in life. He grows up to be a quick witted and ambitious man (a lawyer and right hand man to Cardinal Wolsey, then Chief Minister to King Henry VIII) that loves his family and gives them the love and affection that his own father failed to give his children. It seems, in fact, that all of the family betrayal he sees played out in the kings court, and all of the shady dealings he sees and assists Wolsey with to keep the king content, make Cromwell a more devoted family man. With that said, he does have to rewrite laws to suit the kings wants and that chips away at Cromwell to some extent. I could not help but hear Cold Plays song, Viva La Vida, looping in my head as many of the major figures are either stricken by disease, or are banished from court, or killed in the name of the king. Wolf Hall has it all: jealousy, fame, betrayal, humor, and sadness. Unlike other works of historical fiction, reading this book made me feel like I was at court with Cromwell, Henry, and the others. It didnt read as a book trying to be a movie or play. It drew me in and made me feel like I was at court watching the story unravel right before my eyes.
Often talked about briefly in historic accounts as a man of low station who weaseled his way into the kings good graces, Mantel does a phenomenal job of piecing the bits of history we do know of Cromwell to shape his back story A story that explains what drove him and how he managed to succeed where others could not.
The story begins with Cromwell being kicked and beaten on the street at a very young age by his drunken father. Tired of being a punching bag, Cromwell flees and makes his own way in life. He grows up to be a quick witted and ambitious man (a lawyer and right hand man to Cardinal Wolsey, then Chief Minister to King Henry VIII) that loves his family and gives them the love and affection that his own father failed to give his children. It seems, in fact, that all of the family betrayal he sees played out in the kings court, and all of the shady dealings he sees and assists Wolsey with to keep the king content, make Cromwell a more devoted family man. With that said, he does have to rewrite laws to suit the kings wants and that chips away at Cromwell to some extent. I could not help but hear Cold Plays song, Viva La Vida, looping in my head as many of the major figures are either stricken by disease, or are banished from court, or killed in the name of the king. Wolf Hall has it all: jealousy, fame, betrayal, humor, and sadness. Unlike other works of historical fiction, reading this book made me feel like I was at court with Cromwell, Henry, and the others. It didnt read as a book trying to be a movie or play. It drew me in and made me feel like I was at court watching the story unravel right before my eyes.
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