I’ll consider the discussion questions when I’m not in work, but I personally loved this book.

It ‘humanises’ (if that is the right word) Cromwell and made me empathise with him – the Cromwell character in the novel is dry, witty, thorough, and generous to his family and friends. I got the feeling, throughout the novel, that there was no limit to what he could achieve, absolutely nothing that could not be done once he turned his hand to it.

I also loved the Wolsey character in the book – he seems a little bit mischievous in his own way – the part about him summoning an evil spirit to follow Norfolk around had me laughing out loud – and Cromwell’s imagined response to it.

It’s interesting I found, that in real life, Cromwell is somewhat disliked while Thomas More is a saint, whereas this novel almost switches them completely – More is really unlikeable here.

The depiction of Anne I thought was interesting. There is plenty of negative description, but our quick-witted, clever Anne is there too.

Cromwell was human after all, and he even had a sense of humor.  I found myself laughing out loud at some of his remarks.  Wolsey, too.  Who knew? 

I found him to be a loving family man.  A man who could take an insult and still persevere.  When Norfolk calls him a “”person,” Cromwell seemed to take it in stride.  Norfolk was totally calling him common and reaching too high above his place.  I found it very insulting.

I found it difficult to like any of the characters.  I didn’t even like Anne.  She was mean and nasty.  When she wasn’t being a complete bitch, she was depressed.  Mary coming on to Cromwell was distasteful.  I was very happy when she finally met Stafford and that whole thing with Cromwell was over.  Was that to prove that she would try to bed everyone at court?  Did not like it.

Dear sweet Jane…Could he want her for himself?  Nothing but praise from him for her. At first he tried to get permission for his son to marry Jane.  Later, he wants her for himself. He was mapping out the Progress at the end and decided to take that detour to Wolf Hall.  It was going to be a pleasant detour for him.  He was going to see Jane.  What a surprise he has coming.  Although I have to say, I think they would have been perfect for each other. 

Cromwell is loyal to his bosses.  He was loyal to Wolsey, and I think he loved him like a Father.  Wolsey taught him the ins and outs of court life. Cromwell was groomed by Wolsey to take his place at the king’s side. 

  Some people turn out to be abusers just like the parent who abused them.  Not Cromwell.  He was a good Father, and family man. He made sure of it.  I liked that about him. 

Once he started working for the King his loyalty was given to Henry, and only to him. Everything he learned about the people at court he filed away for future use. Every little innocuous thing that was said about someone, was remembered by Cromwell.

Cromwell disliked Thomas More a great deal.  However, he did try a few times to get More to sign the paper that would spare his life, but More had already decided he was going to martyr himself. 

I did enjoy the book and I am looking forward to the sequel.

Alyssa, you said you understood why Mantel made Anne the way she was in the book.  Could you explain that a little, because I did not get it?  But I’ll try.

I agree with you about Cromwell’s seeing the woman burned at the stake.  I think it affected and shaped his future choice of the Reformation and his opposition to the Catholic Church.  I do believe he was driven by his convictions of common decency and personal loyalty rather than a specific religious conviction.   

I see your point. I think the Cromwell in this book would have done whatever his King wanted him to do against anyone whether Cromwell liked them or not.  I don't think this Cromwell allowed himself to like too many people at court.  If he had gotten too close, he would have found himself in a difficult position having to be rid of them for his King.  That must be why I couldn't get close to any of the characters other than Cromwell. I was seeing the court through Cromwell's eyes.  I agree with you, I really enjoyed Cromwell in this book.

Hi Anyanka and welcome. Love your signature.

This is a bit off topic, but it is in reference to the north country.  I had no idea what the reference to Yorkshire meant in the book either.   I was listening to an entertainment broadcast yesterday and they were talking about a movie that is being released soon called “Made In Dagenham.”  It is a dramatization of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination. They wanted equal pay. Looks like an excellent movie.The girl who was reviewing the film said the woman who started the strike had two things going against her.  (1) She was female.   (2) She was from northern England. In other words they thought she wasn't very bright.  (the reviewer's words, not mine)

It reminded me of the remarks I'd read in “Wolf Hall.”  So, thank you for the explanation.

I'm a Monkeyhanger. Though DF was a true Cockney.

And I joke that my Brummie born DH is a Southerner.

And here I thought only America had a North vs. South problem!  I guess our West would be your Midlands.  I think though, the way Claire described it, our South would be England's North, and our North would be England's South. 

On a scale of 1-10 I'd say an 8+, almost a 9. (like how I pinned that down?…LOL) I, too, had trouble getting into it.  It was a bit dry.  As I said before, I really did not like any of the characters except him, but I believe that was the point.  It actually changed the rather low opinion of him which I had held before reading the book.  He was a remarkable lawyer, loyal to his king, and a loving family man.