Friday, June 22, 2012

Bring Up the Bodies

Bring Up the Bodies
by Hilary Mantel
Henry Holt & Co., 2012, 410 pgs. Fiction


I liked this book, the sequel to Wolf Hall, though it wasn't as good as the first. The story was less complex, which is both good and bad. Good insofar as it was easier to follow but bad as it made the story less interesting. People who were frustrated with Wolf Hall will find this one easier to read. Also, it lacked some of the fascinating interplay of characters, such as the relationship between Cromwell and Cardinal Wolsey. And of course, for anyone who knows the history, the ending came as no surprise.

Fans of Wolf Hall will enjoy this book as well. For those who had mixed feelings about Wolf Hall, I would suggest you give this one a go as it is an easier read. For anyone who hated Wolf Hall, I could not recommend this book as the sequel is too similar to the first volume.

On the whole, a decent read. I look forward to the third and final volume. Let's hope it doesn't take another three years wait.

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