It took me a couple of false starts to get into Bring Up the Bodies; not that I wasn't enjoying it, but life and other reading got in the way, something that simply wouldn't have been allowed to happen when I polished off Wolf Hall in three almost sleepless days and nights, too engrossed to put it down.
But once I got into Bring Up the Bodies, past the first 100 pages ... oh, I was back and utterly gripped as the tension built up and Anne Boleyn tumbled so swiftly from grace. I am left in awe once again at Hilary Mantel's skill, not a word wasted ... and how she keeps the reader hanging in suspense when, after all, we all of us know how the story will end.
And what an ending ... I am shivering in my shoes for Thomas Cromwell.
Of course, I'm completely smitten by him, as I suspect Hilary is, too.
How can she bear to write what comes next ...?
I keep on reading about how good Hilary Mantel is, and you've convinced me I need to read her books! Thanks
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I'm not a good listener, Sue - I think my mind would wander if I didn't have the book in my hand. But I wish could see that Holbein exhibition again, the one that was on at the Tate a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteOh, you must, Liz - she deserves every prize she has won! Like Sue, I can't wait for the next one.
A discarded copy of Wolf Hall is still sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be given a chance. I just love it when Mantel brings out a new book as she's all over the radio. There's something about her voice and straightforward manner that I find riveting when listening to podcasts while out with Deacon on a long walk. Some of her descriptions of scenes have left me shivering too!
ReplyDeleteI always think there's something quite spooky about her, Darlene, as if she can raise the dead. Did you see that brilliant documentary with James Runcie?
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