Over the school break, my family took a wonderful trip to sunny Mexico, where I did nothing except relax on a day bed, read books and drink Mai Tais. This bought of inactivity meant I managed to finish 5 books while I was there and figured that was the perfect excuse to breathe some life into this old blog and remember why I love writing about books. So, here goes.
book: Bring Up the Bodies
author: Hilary Mantel
how: borrowed (mum)
when: on the plane, while my glands felt like they were exploding and I actually started praying to any and every deity i could think of in hopes that someone was listening and the pain would go away.
I was really looking forward to this book, as its predecessor was one of my favourite books from last year. I love historical fiction, but frequently they deteriorate into bodice rippers (see anything written by Phillipa Greggory) which are great when thats what you want, but most of the time I would rather read something properly researched that really pulls me into the time and I forget that I know whats coming next. This is where I feel Mantel really shines as an author. She manages to create this crushing sense of inevitability. The whole time you're just waiting for the axe to drop and it just wont until the bitter end.
What I missed in this book was having a real foil for Cromwell. Thomas Moore was such an amazing opposing factor in Cromwell's life. The Boleyns work as a group, but they are more an obstacle as opposed to a true foil. They are something for Cromwell to get around, or manipulate and they never seem to pose a true threat.
What I do feel Mantel really does capture is what a terrifying place Court was to be. Every person there is more than willing to step over (or on) you to get a head, all favour is temporary and fleeting. The King is a petulant child who demands that all things go his way and everyone at court listens to this guy and gives him what they want.
All in all, I preferred Wolf Hall to this book. I feel like the story was stronger, but Mantel's language is so beautiful that I was completely absorbed either way.
xoxo
ellebee
book: Bring Up the Bodies
author: Hilary Mantel
how: borrowed (mum)
when: on the plane, while my glands felt like they were exploding and I actually started praying to any and every deity i could think of in hopes that someone was listening and the pain would go away.
I was really looking forward to this book, as its predecessor was one of my favourite books from last year. I love historical fiction, but frequently they deteriorate into bodice rippers (see anything written by Phillipa Greggory) which are great when thats what you want, but most of the time I would rather read something properly researched that really pulls me into the time and I forget that I know whats coming next. This is where I feel Mantel really shines as an author. She manages to create this crushing sense of inevitability. The whole time you're just waiting for the axe to drop and it just wont until the bitter end.
What I missed in this book was having a real foil for Cromwell. Thomas Moore was such an amazing opposing factor in Cromwell's life. The Boleyns work as a group, but they are more an obstacle as opposed to a true foil. They are something for Cromwell to get around, or manipulate and they never seem to pose a true threat.
What I do feel Mantel really does capture is what a terrifying place Court was to be. Every person there is more than willing to step over (or on) you to get a head, all favour is temporary and fleeting. The King is a petulant child who demands that all things go his way and everyone at court listens to this guy and gives him what they want.
All in all, I preferred Wolf Hall to this book. I feel like the story was stronger, but Mantel's language is so beautiful that I was completely absorbed either way.
xoxo
ellebee
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