Sophia C. reviewed on 7/10/2013 + 289 more book reviews

To follow up a Man Booker prize with another one in a sequel is no small feat, but one that Hilary Mantel pulled off well with Bring up the bodies, the second work in a planned trilogy on the career of Thomas Cromwell. Readers re-join the story in late 1535, as Henry VIII is tiring of his second wife Anne Boleyn who has not delivered a son, and starts to eye Jane Seymour. Cromwell, by now a well-placed fixer of this Tudor court, maneuvers behind the scenes to engineer Annes removal. The action moves more quickly, but I feel equally in the thick of things from Cromwells perspective. I found this to be equally satisfying as Wolf Hall, and am looking forward to the next installment.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details