Bring Up the Bodies

Mantel's fictional retelling of the life of Cromwell continues, using the same conceits as the first book ("he" is always Cromwell). I assume no spoiler warnings are needed for a book describing events that took place 480 years ago: the book concerns the fall of Anne Boleyn, and Cromwell's role in making that happen. As Cromwell circles his prey and closes in, Mantel's writing is riveting and the verbal sparring is absolutely chilling. Reading it was an total pleasure.

Hard to believe this could be better than Wolf Hall, but it really is. Pacy, gripping and enlightening. One of those books that makes you a more complete person simply by reading it. We are at Cromwell's side throughout, and can see how his plans take shape and why he must take the action he does, but that does not mean we are uncritical of his actions. It is a very interesting, and privileged position to be so intimate with another's thoughts. More intimate than if it was written in the first person, oddly enough. I just don't know how Mantel achieves this effect, but it is damned clever.