Mantel really tested my patience with this one. Maybe it’s my own fault for reading it during a pandemic, or maybe I just really don’t vibe with Tudor history. I can appreciate this book for what it is. Meticulously researched, beautifully written... but honestly, just dull at times. I’m sorry, Mantel fans, please forgive me!

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I mentioned during my update the other day that some parts were incredibly gripping and others I had to slog through and that held true until the end. I enjoyed the parts with Cromwell interacting with other players, especially Anne, and displaying his skills as a master strategist. But other parts... Well, a Buzzfeed quiz about which rodent I am felt more appealing (porcupine, for anyone interested).

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But I hope my ambivalence towards it won’t put anyone off who wants to give it a go. I know so many people whose reviews I trust who list this among their favourite books. This is true of ALL books, but it’s definitely one that, if you’re interested, you just need to give it a go and see if it’s for you. I thought I’d love it, since I love historical fiction, but apparently the Tudors are best left behind in primary school for me.

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Proud I read it, glad to have finished! Will I read Bring Up the Bodies? Maybe in 2022.