Bring up the Bodies

Written by Hilary Mantel

Narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt

Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2012 Winner of the 2012 Costa Book of the Year Shortlisted for the 2013 Women’s Prize for Fiction

‘Simply exceptional…I envy anyone who hasn’t yet read it’ Daily Mail

‘A gripping story of tumbling fury and terror’ Independent on Sunday

With this historic win for Bring Up the Bodies, Hilary Mantel becomes the first British author and the first woman to be awarded two Man Booker Prizes.

By 1535 Thomas Cromwell is Chief Minister to Henry VIII, his fortunes having risen with those of Anne Boleyn, the king’s new wife. But Anne has failed to give the king an heir, and Cromwell watches as Henry falls for plain Jane Seymour. Cromwell must find a solution that will satisfy Henry, safeguard the nation and secure his own career. But neither minister nor king will emerge unscathed from the bloody theatre of Anne’s final days.

An astounding literary accomplishment, Bring Up the Bodies is the story of this most terrifying moment of history, by one of our greatest living novelists.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: May 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9780007467884

Hilary Mantel

HILARY MANTEL was the author of the bestselling novel Wolf Hall and its sequel, Bring Up the Bodies, which both won the Booker Prize. The final novel of the Wolf Hall trilogy, The Mirror & the Light, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and won world-wide critical acclaim. Mantel wrote seventeen celebrated books, including the memoir Giving Up the Ghost, and she was awarded the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction, the Walter Scott Prize, the Costa Book Award, the Hawthornden Prize, and many other accolades. In 2014, Mantel was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She died at age seventy in 2022.

Reviews for Bring up the Bodies

[alexrichman_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It’s the Thomas Cromwell trilogy, but this is an Anne Boleyn book. It’s hard to write a political thriller when the ending is so infamous, but Mantel adds such flesh onto Boleyn’s bones that it feels like a brand new story.

[streamsong_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the unprecedented Booker prize winning sequel to the Booker Prize winning Wolf Hall. It continues the story of Thomas Cromwell.Cromwell was born to a family of commoners. As the son of an abusive father, he was thrown out to make his way in the world, and he did so admirably. Eventually he became the First Secretary to King Henry VIII, where Cromwell was arguably, the most powerful man in the realm.This follows the middle portion of Cromwell's career at court. Through Cromwell's work, Katherine of Aragon's marriage to Henry was annulled on a technicality so the king could marry Anne Boleyn, already carrying the King's child. But Henry soon lost interest in Anne and again relied on Cromwell to remove her so he could marry his current obsession, Jane Seymour.It's a story of power and intrigue: a king who believed he was above morality and decency, above all men, above God and the church. Thomas Cromwell was the tool that made the King's whims happen. But each time a wife was set aside, powerful families were destroyed and powerful enemies created.I found reading the print version of Wolf Hall a bit daunting. I **loved** this audio version of Bring Up the Bodies read by Simon Vance. I'm now looking forward to the third and final installment, which I'm hoping will be published soon. I will definitely choose the audio edition.

[johnwbeha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a much more accessible book than Wolf Hall, dealing as it does with a limited period of time and a reduced cast of characters. It makes you feel for Cromwell more than in the first book, but at the same time understand why he is so often cast as the chief villain in the fall of both Katherine and Anne. He is only doing his job; the bidding of the king, and the book dwells a lot on the nature of truth. I await book 3 with eager anticipation.

[bell7_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Hilary Mantel's trilogy-to-be on Thomas Cromwell continues where Wolf Hall left off. Cromwell is Master Secretary and has the ear of King Henry VIII who is quickly becoming disenchanted with the new queen, Anne Boleyn.The drama and intrigue of King Henry's court is better than a soap opera, and Mantel does a brilliant job of making historical fiction set hundreds of years ago feel immediate and these characters your intimates. I completely fell into the story, and if it took me a couple of weeks to read it was definitely me who was at fault, because when I was reading these 400+ pages flew by.

[tvordj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sequel to Wolf Hall, continuing on the story of Thomas Cromwell and the downfall of Anne Boleyn. You'd think after reading so many novels about that, that it would be old and boring but this is from the point of view of Cromwell and it is very well written. She's going to do a third in the trilogy, no doubt leading to Cromwell's downfall and death. She leaves the question of whether Anne really was unfaithful kind of open and you can draw your own conclusions. Since the evidence was always circumstantial and the motivation for her removal was politically pressured, we never really knew if the charges against her were trumped up or if some were true and the rest added just to be sure. I look forward to the third book.

[lisapeet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Hot damn, SO good. Mantel's really got a gift.

[ktleyed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was not as good as Wolf Hall, in my opinion. It did have it's moments - but not many. The same old 'how do we get rid of Anne' storyline from Cromwell's point of view. I listened to this on audiobook, narrated by Simon Vance. He did a fine job, but overall, I found nothing overly special about it. Oddly enough, I love Simon Vance's narrating, but even that could not win me over on this dry historical fiction. Cromwell is all business here, as expected, since he has almost no home life any longer, his wife and daughters dead and his sons are getting older and becoming their own men. He's not as likeable here, his dry wit and insulting observations on everyone is not as amusing as it was in Wolf Hall. Here they sound more bitter and just mean. The characters in the novel were flat and inscrutable and there is a certain pretentiousness in the writing itself that took away from the story. Although the author's pronoun use is slightly better than in Wolf Hall, what is it with her odd use of he, Cromwell instead of just using his name? Why do it?

[everfresh1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Maybe the magic has little worn off after 'Wolf Hall' - which I liked a lot - but the the writing style started to annoy me, portrait of Thomas Cromwell became less and less realistic, some characters (Anne Boylen) seem not completely developed. Still, strong and unique novel.

[neurodrew · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Bring Up the BodiesHilary MantelMonday, June 11, 2012 7:15 AMThe second book in the series begun in Wolf Hall, this one follows Thomas Cromwell through Anne Boleyn’s trial and execution. Cromwell is portrayed very sympathetically, although perhaps at more of a distance than in the first book. Mantel’s way of having several characters comment at once in a scene, to the point of having to remind the reader that Cromwell is speaking with an interjected ‘he, Cromwell’, remains a characteristic of the book. Cromwell’s prosecution of Anne Boleyn and her possible lovers is portrayed as businesslike, without the passion he had for Thomas More’s trial in Wolf Hall, although the accused lovers all played roles in a skit that disgraced the memory of Thomas Wolsey, Cromwell’s patron. “A phrase runs through his head - was it Thomas More’s? ‘the peace of the hen coop when the fox has run home’“There are no endings. If you think so, you are deceived as to their nature. They are all beginnings. Here is one.”

[theidlewoman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Like many other people (the vast majority of the British public, it seems), I thoroughly enjoyed Wolf Hall and was thrilled when I heard that Hilary Mantel was writing a sequel. Bring up the Bodies offers another satisfying dose of Elizabethan intrigue and treachery, told in Mantel's strikingly pared-back prose. She focuses not on sets, costumes and locations, but on the events that unfold, the relationships that form and fade between the members of the court, and the man who stands to one side, watching and weighing them. Her writing is refreshing and pacey; her language is never inappropriately modern, but it nevertheless feels like dialogue that could actually be spoken. Once again the book is entirely written in the present tense, which works amazingly well and keeps the story bowling hurriedly along. And a sense of speed – of events almost careening along out of control – is especially significant in this book.It is 1535 and we plunge back into the mind of Thomas Cromwell, as he attempts to keep Henry VIII happy and his court loyal – a far from easy task. Henry is beginning to tire of Anne Boleyn and his eye creeps towards the meek and modest Jane Seymour; Cromwell must judge which way the wind is blowing, and do what he judges best for the realm - and for himself, of course. Mantel's character is delightfully complex: he's always conscious of his humble roots in Putney, but he’s no less conscious of the skills he’s picked up from his unorthodox youth as a mercenary in Italy, a banker in Florence and a student of the human psyche. He is not a good man, in a moral sense, but he is loyal, honest and amazingly sharp. Like all the most engaging fictional characters, he lives in shades of grey. He cares about what makes people tick, how you can rule, and how you can apply just the right pressure at just the right time to make someone behave. And he is prepared to sacrifice those who are no longer useful or who start to cause difficulties for him. Mantel creates a very plausible practical mind - which is all too prepared to put sentimentality aside. She also shines in her depiction of Cromwell's 'family', which is a vivid Renaissance household, made up not of a modern nuclear family, but of relatives, servants, informants, wards and general hangers-on; his house is a blend of home, office and fortress. Similarly, court life is shown in all its claustrophobic detail: parted from their families, confined in a hothouse atmosphere, the ladies and gentlemen have little to fill their time but rumour, temptation and jealousy.The story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn has been rather over-exposed recently, thanks to The Other Boleyn Girl (in book, TV and film form) and The Tudors. But although her path is well-trodden, Mantel makes the story seem fresh and new, not least in showing how breathlessly quick was Anne Boleyn’s fall. Her characters live and breathe, seen through Cromwell’s unforgiving and unrelenting scrutiny. The only false point for me was Mark Smeaton’s confession: I didn’t believe in the way that the character started boasting about the queen to Cromwell, of all people. But otherwise it’s a wonderfully-written book, ferociously readable. This was one case where my Kindle came into its own: had I bought the hardback copy, I would have been rather less keen to lug it around with me and so it would have been much harder to lose myself as entirely as I did.I understand that Mantel plans to continue Cromwell's story - and I'll definitely be queuing up for the next instalment.

[iambookish-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I hate to say it but I found this second installment of Cromwell's life with the Tudors very difficult to read. It was very dull, and already knowing the ending of this story, made it very hard to get invested in it. Wolf Hall was so terrific that I guess I just expected the same or better with this book.
2.5 rating

[pattymclpn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hmmm. I really enjoyed this book it is good historical fiction and I look forward to reading more of Hilary Mantel's books. I only gave this book a 4 out 5, because at times I found it slightly confusing. I have to say that I did not read Wolf Hall first. I wonder if that would have made a difference. Hilary has a really flowing writing style and I did go on to read another of her books. I will look forward to hearing about new books from her in the future.

[weedlit · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Novels based on well-known historical events and personages must dwell in the interstices of history. They must fill in what we don’t know. This is the historical novelist’s burden and her privilege. In Hilary Mantel’s Bring Up the Bodies, the second book in a trilogy that is shaping up to be this young century’s first masterpiece of historical fiction, the interstices are filled in by Thomas Cromwell, a highly engaging and well-wrought literary character.It struck me, as I greedily devoured Bring Up the Bodies, that much of the genius of these novels comes to us through Cromwell’s backstory. Mantel’s protagonist is compelling not only because he’s a bold man of action; it’s because he’s a thinker, a dreamer who spends many a late night running over his colorful past. Mantel gives us access to Cromwell’s rich inner life, which contributes greatly to the sense we get of full immersion in the historical period – and gives us insight, more broadly, into what it means to be human. This is exactly the kind of thing literature can do better than any other medium. In a sense, Cromwell’s backstory in these novels is his character, and Cromwell’s character is what makes these novels great. For a writer, that seems like something worth studying.

[baswood · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For me this book defines the elements that are essential to write an award winning historical novel, which is also an absorbing read and a page turner to boot. It won the Man Booker prize in 2012 and was the Costa book of the same year. Critically acclaimed and a popular success story, but how did it achieve all this when it's subject matter was a period of English history awash with historical novels. The story of Anne Boleyn's fall from power, her execution and Henry VIII's subsequent marriage to Jane Seymour is well known to most casual observers of English History; they may even be aware of the role of Thomas Cromwell and Thomas Cranmer and so how does Hilary Mantel succeed in bringing new life to this story without meddling with historical accuracy? The trick she pulls off so magnificently is to let her characters talk their way through the history. We know many of the facts, but what we do not know is what they said to each other, she fills in these spaces between the facts. Like it's predecessor [Wolf Hall] this her latest novel is brim full of dialogue. This can be treacherous ground for a novelist who concerns herself with historical accuracy and so she needs to make the reader believe that her characters might have said what she says they said. Here is an example; Thomas Cromwell was trained as a lawyer, he became a consummate statesman and took a leading role in steering Henry VIII towards making Anne Boleyn his queen, but now Henry wants rid of her and so it falls on Cromwell to find a means to this end. Cromwell hears rumours about Anne and when he finds that there has been an accidental fire in her bed chamber he calls in Jane Rochford, one of her ladies in waiting and their conversation goes like this: Jane Rochford is on her high horse: she thinks he is attempting to blame her. "Look, Master Secretary (Cromwell). Shall I be plain with you?""I wish you would.""First this is a household matter. It is not within your remit. Second, she was in no danger. Third, I do not know who lit the candle. Four, if I did I would not tell you."He waits."Five, no one else will tell you eitherHe waits."If as it may happen, some person visits the queen after the lights are out, then it is an event over which we should draw a veil""Some person" He digests this "Some person for the purpose of arson, or for purposes of something else?""For the usual purposes of bed chambers" she says. "Not that I say there is such a person. I would not have any knowledge of it. The queen knows how to keep her secrets.""Jane" he says "if the time comes when you wish to disburden your conscience, do not go to a priest, come to me. The priest will give you a penance, but I will give you a reward." Clearly this dialogue is not how they would have spoken to each other; for example Tudor English would need to be translated for the modern reader and I am not sure that Master Secretary would address a lady in waiting to the queen on such familiar terms, but Mantel cleverly uses the dialogue to flesh out her characters and there is no modern usage of words that screams out to the reader as being so out of place. We are left with the idea conversations like this could well have taken place.Thomas Cromwell is centre stage and the reader sees the world largely through his eyes. Little is known about his origins apart from his claim that he was a ruffian and so Mantel can invent his background to fit her story. She places him as a son of a Blacksmith who was abused by his father. She say he made his own way in the world first as a soldier of fortune then as lawyer. His rise to power started with his service to Cardinal Wolsey, working his way to become his secretary. When Wolsey was jailed for treason Cromwell managed to distance himself far enough to become a useful tool for Henry VIII. He owed his position to Henry VIII and knew that he stood or fell according to the whim of the king. Cromwell is an infighter but he is an outsider in Henry's court, because he cannot claim noble birth and so Mantel can use the background she has invented to give additional reasons for his action. He wants revenge for the overthrow of Wolsey and he wants to curb the power of the courtiers. He obviously elicits sympathy from the reader, but I think Mantel overdoes this a little when she claims that he was also a reformer who wanted to help the under privileged. Mantel does not enter into the controversy of the reformation to any great degree, but as it must it keeps pace with her story. Anne was a protestant and claimed she was working to further her cause with the king. Cromwell remains a catholic but his position is never really clear. Henry's daughter Mary a devout catholic is ostracised and in mortal danger from Anne and looms in the background. The intrigue, the violence, the dangers of being in service to Henry VIII are well portrayed. The courtiers, the statesmen, those in waiting are continually looking over their shoulder. It is a dog eat dog world and Mantel does not shy away from her depiction of it as such. Mantel writes in such a way that actions taken are believable and even forgivable. Henry VIII was not a perfect king nor even a very good one, but he knew what he had to do to keep the Tudors in power. He needed men like Cromwell around him but they were expendable and he was not.I think Mantel has captured the politics, the atmosphere, of life in and around Henry VIII 's court. Her portrayal of Tudor England (those parts that her characters see) feels right. Her characterisations are wonderfully well drawn and interact in ways that move her story on to it's inevitable conclusion. We all know what happened, but Mantel convincingly tells us, some of how and why it might have happened. The dangers are that her story telling is so compulsive that we will believe everything she writes. Is this how History is re-written I ask myself, I don't care because I enjoyed the book so much and so 4.5 stars

[nivramkoorb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was an excellent follow up to "Wolf Hall". It did seem that the characters of both Henry and Anne Boleyn were less flushed out in this book. It seemed more focused on Cromwell. There was also a matter of factness to the last hundred pages when people were being tried and then executed. However, having seen "The Tudors" and read both of the Mantel books, I do look forward to the next one. Once you get the flow of the narrative which can be confusing as to who is speaking, the book is well written and very descriptive. I thoroughly recommend it.

[whisper1_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just when I thought that the topic of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII was truly exhausted, through many here in our challenge group, I heard about Mantel's latest.Since college days I've been fascinated with Anne Boleyn. She is one of my favorite historical characters and over many years I've enjoy reading about her personality and downfall through various different perspectives. Some books are scholarly written and heavily researched -- E.W. Ives for example. Others written in a historical fiction slant without embellishment and with some fiction but basically adherence to historical "fact", those in my opinion are written by Alison Weir and Carolly Erickson. And, then there is Phillipa Gregory who plays very fast and very inaccurately with this subject.It is a joy to read a book by an author who confesses the book is in the category of historical fiction, yet rarely have I found a book re. Anne Boleyn that weaves so much fact into an obviously well-researched story, while page after page holding the reader captive.Following on the heels of her bestselling and Man Booker Prize winning Wolf Hall, Mantel once again chronicles history through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, schooled by treacherous, cast- aside Cardinal Woolsey, he then became Henry's trusted and ruthless Chief Minister serving him well from 1532-1540.We learn of Anne's downfall through Cromwell's perspective. The cast of slimy characters show the underbelly of human nature. If you want to learn about court/political intrigue, then this is the book for you!If you want to learn about self aggrandizing plots that swirl wherein no one is spared from sudden downfall, this is the book for you.If, at times you believe your family is dysfunctional, read this book to realize you are not alone.In many books I've read, while Ann is portrayed as a shrew, yet also one to be pitied. In Bring Up The Bodies Ann's soul is laid bare. She is a conniving, cunning, intelligent and phony. She is a hypocrite who, while well versed in how to use people, is very naive in thinking she can stab and not be stabbed (hung) right back by those she so willingly threw to the lions of the court while gleefully watching their bodies hang from the Tower of London.As Cromwell plots and schemes Anne's downfall, knowing the tempestuous fickle, sociopathic nature of his boss, the snakes of the court bite and twine their way in ever constricting circles.This is the court of lies and deceit. This is the court of back stabbing snakes who smile in front of relatives, friends and foes while striking at the heel as soon the person is out of sight.These are the group wherein no one is spared from poisonous, violent attacks, either by sly smiles and pretend alliances or from sudden ambush.As the Boleyn faction wanes and the Seymour faction rises, just as when Henry tossed aside Kathryn of Aragon, Cromwell is placed in the role of once again cleaning up Henry's mess while trying to save his own neck.Mantel's writing style can be confusing. Those well versed in Tudor history will like this book. Those who haven't read a lot of Tudor history may be confused by her at-times difficult to follow switching from characters without transitional explanations.Initially I found the book difficult to read, but as I continued was enthralled by her ability to capture an image. Her turn of a phrase is marvelous.My favorite quote of the book occurs on page 239 wherein Edward, brother of Henry VIII's new love Jane, meets with Cromwell to broker a deal for power in the placement of his sister on the throne.Fearing Henry's two-faced nature and also reprisal from the Boleyn's he notes to Cromwell, "The Boleyns if they go down will take us with them. I have heard of serpents that, though they are dying, exude poison through their skins."And, in reading this book, while the setting is 1535-36, human nature is the same then as now.Those who smile while holding hands, will gladly inject venom before the unsuspecting victim realizes the deceit. Those who, through insecurity, jealously, immaturity, prior territorial claim or down right psychopathic motives, will indeed spew venom long after a battle that never should have been fought scorches the earth and leaves the attacked worn and scarred.Highly recommended and destined to be one of my top ten favorites of 2012.

[elsyd_19 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent. Not an easy read, and perhaps not quite as good as Wolf Hall, but still, a great book!

[thewasp_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book follows on from Wolf Hall.Thomas Cromwell continues to maintain Henry VIII's favour while making the legal arguments for the annulment of his marriage to Katherine of Aragon, and, to enable Jane Seymour to become Henry's third wife, obtains confessions of adultery and treason agains Anne Boyelyn and ultimately her permanent removal.This book is well written and well researched, and I again enjoyed spending time with Mr Cromwell.

[breakerfallen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting novel that approaches how Cromwell, the main character, goes about his day-to-day life that happens to be at a turning point in history. I didn't read the first book, and my knowledge of that point in early-Tudor history is limited, so I had trouble tracking the action. This did not interfere with my enjoyment of the book, though, as the prose is enjoyable in its own right.

[bookmagic_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved Wolf Hall and have been waiting for the sequel and was thrilled to be able to get this early from the Vine program. I immediately devoured it and was not disappointed. Although I did not realize this was going to be a trilogy so now I have another long wait ahead of me.In this book, Anne Boleyn is starting to lose favor with Henry. Cromwell continues to be a confidante to the King but worries about his future. Should something happen to Henry, he would be lost,as he has made enemies in helping Henry obtain his goals. The Boleyns don't trust him and those that favored Katherine hate him. Cromwell is dedicated to cleaning up the religious mess made by the Catholic Church, while being at Henry's beck and call.I love that these books are told through Cromwell's and we see what a complex character he is.Some people were confused when reading Wolf Hall because so many were named Thomas and that many were referred to as "he" and you could not always tell who was speaking. In this book, Mantel refers to Cromwell as "he, Cromwell" to make things less confusing for those people. The writing was brilliant as always and I look forward to the final book in this trilogy. And maybe I will finally get around to reading A Place of Greater Safety, another well reviewed book by Hilary Mantel.

[effrenata_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’m not usually book-series reader, I like something new each time, but I do have favourite authors and after reading Wolf Hall last month I was keen to read more on Thomas Cromwell. I have done a history paper on ‘The Tudors and the English Reformation’ so I was familiar with the cast of characters and their outcomes. Instead of Cromwell as the one-dimensional, sly, evil henchman of Henry VIII and the machinations and intrigues of court, Mantel makes him human – with family and friends that he loves and a sense of humour. You come to admire the man, his extraordinary rise to power, his administrative skills, his astuteness and loyalty – I would describe both books as the Restoration of Thomas Cromwell.It is the wonderful writing that brings him alive – I didn’t mind the ‘he, Cromwell’, an archaic flavour that felt like you were seeing things from behind his eyes with his sense of detachment and wariness. Beautiful musical sentences abound: ‘His petitioners send him malmsey and muscatel, geldings, game and gold, gifts and grants and warrants, lucky charms and spells.’ or this, ‘Do not forget us. As the year turns, we are here: a whisper, a touch, a feather’s breath from you.’I loved the tender humour when Cromwell is ‘ironical’ about Chapuys’ Christmas hat and the crenellated jellies his cook prepares, but later George Boleyn ‘will feel his head on his shoulders wobbling as soft as jelly.’After the recapping of the beginning, the tension builds with the death of Katherine, and the absolute panic when Henry falls from his horse, and the scheming with the Seymours. There are hints of Cromwell’s vulnerability towards the end, with an unguarded moment seen reflected in the window, so I am looking forward to the next book ‘The Mirror and the Light.’

[niquetteb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book moves very slowly and could have been a hundred pages less and arrived at the point just as effectively.

[olivermagnus · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The second book of Hilary Mantel's trilogy of Henry VIII's Tudor court as chronicled by Thomas Cromwell is even better than Wolf Hall. This volume takes place over the nine month period when Henry first decides to rid himself of Anne Boleyn and her beheading in May 1536. It's brilliantly written, intriguing, and horrifying at the same time.

Bring Up the Bodies starts off slowly but quickly picks up steam. This is where we see Cromwell approaching his height of power. He's been given the task of ridding Henry of Anne so he can marry the modest and obedient Jane Seymour. Told in third person from Cromwell's perspective, Hilary Mantel takes Cromwell from the villain he has always been portrayed to a multi-layered, complex, and charismatic man. She continues to make the reader see Cromwell as realistic, sympathetic, witty and sardonic. In Bring Up the Bodies we learn more about Cromwell's past and how he's turned into the man he has become. The memories of his dead wife and daughters continue to haunt him.

Mantel makes the last half of the book incredibly exciting. Her writing brilliantly captures the vulnerability of Anne’s last moments. The sections describing her walk to the gallows are very powerfully written and even though you know how it's going to end you are still captivated.

The way we see Cromwell entrap those accused of being the queen's lovers is masterful. He's especially subtle in getting secrets against Anne from her unhappy ladies-in-waiting. Cromwell can be coldly ruthless, especially in the interrogations of the men accused of multiple counts of adultery with Anne. Cromwell makes it clear that eliminating Anne was necessary because that's what Henry wanted. I never got the impression Cromwell knew or cared whether or not she was guilty. It was a two fold mission: make Henry happy and get some revenge on behalf of Cardinal Wolsey.

Mantel did correct the pronoun problem she had in Wolf Hall where it was sometimes unclear which “he” she was referring to. In this book she has “he, Cromwell” or “he, Henry”. I'm not sure why she didn't just say “Cromwell” or “Henry” but I didn't find it to be a problem with the flow of the narrative.

Wolf Hall ends with the execution of Thomas More. Bring Up the Bodies ends with Anne's beheading. I can't wait for the final book even though I know it will end with the execution of a man Machiavelli could admire.

[lesleynicol · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This sequel to the writer"s previous Booker Prize winner "Wolf Hall" continues the story of Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII's wives. It is a very interesting historical novel and so well researched giving a wonderful insight into those times. This books main character is mainly about Thomas Cromwell and all his devious ways and as I didn't like him at all, the book didn't please me as much as the first book which seemed to have more interesting characters.However, it was a very good sequel and a worthy winner of the 2012 Booker.

[tututhefirst_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed Wolf Hall, the first of Hilary Mantel's trilogy about Oliver Cromwell, but this one is even better. I can't possibly say anything in a review that hasn't been said by the hundreds of reviews posted. Continuing the technique she employed in Wolf Hall, Mantel has the story told from the point of view of Cromwell, as he threads his way through the intrigues of Henry VIII's court, the maneuverings of rival families to maintain control through the women closest to Henry, and the ultimate downfall of Anne Boleyn.The historical detail and the dialogue ring so true to the period. Mantel shows us Cromwell as he manipulates people and opportunities to advance Henry and himself. She does not spare the sensitivities of her readers, giving us an unvarnished glimpse of the brutal, bloody, and traitorous mores of the Tudor Court. It is historical fiction at its best.

[carltonc_5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A masterly and extremely readable sequel to Wolf Hall, continuing the story of Thomas Cromwell, his involvement in bringing Anne Boleyn to the executioner, whilst introducing Henry VIII to Jane Seymour. The writing is, as ever with Mantel, a pleasure and the ease of recreation of a historical period now long gone appears effortless, so that you read without realising how much you learn.A joy to read.

[librarianbryan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

More of the same, but oh how I missed Thomas Cromwell. I’m sure this and Wolf Hall will be published as one volume someday. The ending was great and now I understand why the first had the title it did.

I was sorely disappointed that Simon Slater did not read this one though.

[mojomomma_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I had to read this when there were no distractions, but it was worth it. lots of characters and old fashioned language to wade through, but this went much more smoothly for me than Wolf Hall...maybe because not every character is named Thomas?

[joeydag · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The last few weeks of Anne Boleyn's life from Richard Cromwell's point of view. I found this historical fiction very entertaining.

[marsap_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The sequel to Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies explores the marriage and downfall of Anne Boleyn, and the role that Thomas Cromwell played in it. No love is lost between Anne and Cromwell. Each has an agenda to please the King. They become pitted against each other, as Cromwell seeks to find a legitimate excuse to expel her from the King's court. Cromwell, always the master politician, uses Anne's fall from grace as a chance to settle scores with old enemies. In addition, there is the quiet and demure Jane Seymour, who has now caught the King’s eye. The politics of the English court come vividly to life in this sequel. I found that the first part of the book was a bit slow (similar to my reaction to Wolf Hall), and it was difficult to keep all the characters straight, but in the end I found it a fascinating look at a chaotic time in history. One other difficulty I had was the almost stream-of-consciousness style the Mantel uses for the portions of the Cromwell narration. She does puts us inside Cromwell's legal mind, always strategizing, always remembering his butcher's son status among the gentry—but at times I found it difficult to always tell who and what was being discussed. All in all a good read. 4 out of 5 stars.