Bring Up the Bodies
Ratings110
Average rating4.3
What a great book - what a challenging, compelling read. Hilary Mantel's writing is nearly flawless. Sometimes I would just wander over the page appreciating how technically precise her phrasing and pacing is. Bring Up the Bodies, same as Wolf Hall, is a masterclass in execution.
Hilary Mantel also manages to bring real weight and humanity to her characters. They are emotional and funny and show a depth of understanding that feels real - these are people with full lives and not NPCs drafted to advance the plot. It is tough work to keep everyone straight - I didn't manage to do this all the time, I'm sure - but the world feels real and rich.
One thing I found less convincing is her insight into Cromwell's motivations. Sure he is sometimes motivated by revenge or spite or petty politics - but I wondered if Mantel too often gave him the benefit of the doubt. I need to finish the series to see how her positioning holds true. Obviously I am aware of some of the general history - but I think The Mirror and the Light will be revealing in how compassionately we should consider our friend Cromwell.
What a great book - what a challenging, compelling read. Hilary Mantel's writing is nearly flawless. Sometimes I would just wander over the page appreciating how technically precise her phrasing and pacing is. Bring Up the Bodies, same as Wolf Hall, is a masterclass in execution.
Hilary Mantel also manages to bring real weight and humanity to her characters. They are emotional and funny and show a depth of understanding that feels real - these are people with full lives and not NPCs drafted to advance the plot. It is tough work to keep everyone straight - I didn't manage to do this all the time, I'm sure - but the world feels real and rich.
One thing I found less convincing is her insight into Cromwell's motivations. Sure he is sometimes motivated by revenge or spite or petty politics - but I wondered if Mantel too often gave him the benefit of the doubt. I need to finish the series to see how her positioning holds true. Obviously I am aware of some of the general history - but I think The Mirror and the Light will be revealing in how compassionately we should consider our friend Cromwell.
This moves quicker than Wolf Hall in terms of the pacing. Mantel is also more clear in who her pronouns refer to this time around ("He, Cromwell"). I preferred Wolf Hall but this was nearly as good. Here Cromwell's power is established and his influence is vast. You see more of his crueler and calculating side here which is nice. The ending section is fantastic and I am excited to read the last entry in the trilogy.
This moves quicker than Wolf Hall in terms of the pacing. Mantel is also more clear in who her pronouns refer to this time around ("He, Cromwell"). I preferred Wolf Hall but this was nearly as good. Here Cromwell's power is established and his influence is vast. You see more of his crueler and calculating side here which is nice. The ending section is fantastic and I am excited to read the last entry in the trilogy.
