Dame Hilary Mary Mantel, born 6 July 1952) is an English writer whose work includes personal memoirs, short stories, and historical fiction.Wolf Hall is a historical novel, published by Fourth Estate and is first part of the triology. Set in the period of 1500- 1535, the story is about the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII.
Thomas Cromwell was in a born working class family to Walter Cromwell. Walter was a blacksmith and brewer. As he grew he became a lawyer and right man of the cardinal Thomas Wolsey. He was witness to fall of the cardinal from his position of grace till his death. The king who is married to Katherine and has a daughter . But he doesn’t have a son to rule his kingdom and is love with Anne Boleyn. The king wants to annul his marriage with his wife and get married to Anne.
Despite the fall of cardinal, he has managed to be in good books with the king and managed to parts his ministry. Cromwell is smart and shrewd person who knows his way and has not only managed to gain trust and become one of the closest aid to the king, but also managed to do so with Anne.
The king Henry VIII is used to having his things done his own way, is trying to get his way out the marriage as there are some christian elements who are very supportive of it. Katherine has put across her case in court for against the annulment. This is one of the turning point in the history of the kingdom which Thomas Cromwell is a witness
Using his wit, keeness and smartness to advantage and got himself promotion ad got closer to the king. He was slowly rising through to position of power. He didn’t get let himself down after the death of his cardinal. At the same time he was becoming closer to Anne and was using her to make put in a good to the king to implement or make changes in ant policies or out in any good word for people. He has been a fatherly figure to many and saviour to others
The king and Anne Boleyn did get married secretly with presence of few people as witness. They have done daughter Elizabeth few months after thier marriage.
Those who love historical fiction, then it is must read and will enjoy reading. The story is about the rise of Thomas Cromwell who rose to power and became a confidante and powerfull resource to the king. This book is the part in the series of triology. I would rate the book 3.5/5
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