Longlist Debate

I'm in the "already knew the history" group, but always felt that TC had a bad deal from the press, and that More wasn't the idealist Scofield portrayed - so was positively disposed towards this book from the start. Maybe that skewed ny view - but I loved it. Soon got into the "he" and also had no difficulties with the present tense (me- who shouts at telly Historians when they use it). I didn't find it just a re-telling of events I already knew, but a sly and fascinating study of people who have over the years become caricatures.The period it deals with is such a truly momentous one and Mantel raises so many questions about the role of individuals at times like these.

Phew. Just finished Wolf Hall. It was an ordeal because historical novels are not my genre. I liked the detail: food, Thomas's extended family ... And there was some beautiful writing towards the end. But it was a tough read with the awkward "he" and the length. I've just started Summertime and that's a whole new ball game. I look forward to picking it up again. It's innovative but has clarity - it talks to me!

So true, John Self - I was in the same boat as you. I think those who know their Tudor history, along with fans of Phillippa Gregory might be surprised. That's just what I've read about it, as I am neither. I think JJ and bookermt are saying they know quite a lot about this period of history already, so it is to them that I made the remark.

For me, much of it was a surprise (yes, Kevin, a surprise!) as I didn't understand the relationship between England and the Catholic Church and how that relationship was broken. But Kevin, you fall into the camp of knowing the history, so maybe what I have read about it being a fresh take on T. Cromwell / T. More is wrong.

"Surprise" is not a word that I would associate with this book.

Maybe so Ang, but if, like me, you hadn't heard of Thomas Cromwell before Wolf Hall, they aren't going to be surprises.

My understanding is that this is a more sympathetic rendering of Thomas Cromwell than other authors are inclined to, so there might be some surprises on the way, JJ.

I'm 60 pages in. I normally avoid the direct threads until I've finished the book in question but I needed a moral boost! I'm finding it an easy, interesting read but, Bookermt's comments hit the nail on the head for me so far. I feel I know what's going to happen and the author is restrained by the facts .... but it's early days and only another 600+ pages to go!

I am about halfway through Wolf Hall and I'm loving it. Maybe that's a problem. It's so exciting and interesting that you just want to keep reading rather than stopping to think about it.
I agree with emilyanne that it is more than a straight retelling but also with other people who say it is reminding them of things they know about vaguely and that filling in of gaps and insights into well-known characters is somehow very satisfying, comforting almost.
I thought the depiction of Wolsey and the complexity of his character was splendid but of course I need to wait and see how Cromwell turns out.
I have kept away from reviews until reading the above but I can't help comparing this to The Children's Book which I'm still thinking about weeks after I finished reading it and which -dare I say it?-deserves to win because of the sheer scale of its plot and the humanity of the characterisation.

I lost heart this year when the only two books that I admired - almost - unconditionally ('Brooklyn' and 'Love and Summer') were kicked out before I got round to posting my thoughts. However, 'Wolf Hall' has revived me (that and the exchanges about African fiction).
I am half way through and I think it is superb.

I will post full thoughts when I've finished reading it; hopefully that will be soon ... although I am waiting for my Amazon copy to arrive. I was reading a library copy, with only a few days left before it had to be returned. I read very slowly, and I have other commitments, so my partner decided to order me my own copy as a present, then I could relax my reading regime and return the library copy ... but after 2 days without 'Wolf Hall' I am suffering withdrawl symptoms!

I've just started it, page 60 or so, and am enjoying it well enough though it's not blowing me away.