Wolf Hall

By: Hilary Mantel

Narrated by: Simon Slater

Length: 24 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

In the ruthless arena of King Henry VIII's court, only one man dares to gamble his life to win the king's favor and ascend to the heights of political powerEngland in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the king dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years, and marry Anne Boleyn. The pope and most of Europe opposes him. The quest for the king's freedom destroys his adviser, the brilliant Cardinal Wolsey, and leaves a power vacuum. Into this impasse steps Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell is a wholly original man, a charmer and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people and a demon of energy: he is also a consummate politician, hardened by his personal losses, implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of his triumph? In inimitable style, Hilary Mantel presents a picture of a half-made society on the cusp of change, where individuals fight or embrace their fate with passion and courage.

With a vast array of characters, overflowing with incident, the novel re-creates an era when the personal and political are separated by a hairbreadth, where success brings unlimited power but a single failure means death.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2009 Hilary Mantel (P)2009 Macmillan Audio

Overwhelming

It took me a couple of tries to get adjusted to the reader's voice manner.
At times the book was overwhelming with more thoughts than deeds - but, that was the point of the story, so it was me, I guess.
I don't see how PBS is going to put the 1st 2 books in just 6 shows. So I guess they are going to focus on the deeds.

too detailed and long, but enthralling

the first read I was bored. this was the second time, and I couldn't put it down.

Excellent

I have listened to this audio book at least 10 times! I love everything Tudor and this is a gorgeous retelling of the life of Thomas Cromwell, KH8 and all the surrounding events in the kingdom during the lives of his first two wives. Hillary Mantel does an excellent job bringing these people and events to life. And, Simone Slater is just an incredibly narrator ( the reason I can listen to this over and over! )
I will continue to listen to this novel for years to come.

Brilliant

The best blending of fiction and history I have ever read or listened to. I think it should set the standard for modern English literature.

Brilliant!

Remarkable story, wonderfully written. The voice actor was clear and made each character distinct and human. It ended too soon, I need more!

A delight in word and performance!

16th century England and the amazing life of Thomas Cromwell during thie period of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Upheaval in religion, intrigue, life and death. Fascinating & so well done. Recommend!

A Complex Masterpiece

Ms. Mantel is a master weaver, incorporating diverse, fully-fleshed characters into a rich, intricate tapestry. The story’s structure has an intricate structure but it’s worth the effort. Yes, you have to pay attention. Yes, it’s not always immediately clear where the story is going. But the characters come alive, the dialogue is superb, and this “re-imagined” history is one of the best stories I’ve encountered. There’s only one Shakespeare, one Patrick O’Brien, and now one Hillary Mantel.

Dynamic Duo: Mantel & Slater

I'm an audible junkie, and heretofore the most entertaining narrative performances that I've enjoyed were found in Bernard Cornwell's "Last Kingdom" series.

Until now.

All I'll say is that Simon Slater takes a masterpiece of historical fiction and force-multiplies its greatness into a whole new level of listening bliss.

Outstanding on every level.

Well written and narrator is great but…

I did not realize when I bought this audiobook that the author is a bitter former Catholic, whose mission was to destroy Moore’s image. I also think that the way that some characters talk about the Catholic mass is not historically accurate. I know this is a dramatization, but I find it hard to believe that anyone in England would’ve said many of these things. The narrator is incredible with his ability to have specific voices for each character that kept my interest the whole way.

Divorced, beheaded, died...

I don’t typically review a book until I have completely finished it, but the flurry of fairly negative reviews prompts me to jump in early. This book is a masterpiece, and the performance (it’s not fair to call it a mere narration) is similarly spectacular. I’m a Brit by birth so was brought up on the mystique of Henry and his infamous six wives. The rhyme of the ends of their lives; divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived is beaten into us at a young age. So maybe I’m not tripping over the historical context as much as other readers. I’d really recommend taking a couple of minutes to review a few Wikipedia articles on the king and his times before diving in if this period is a mystery to you. That sounds like work…but it’s worth it. If you can get past the basic Tudor names and events you will greatly enjoy this immersive hypnotic story and its telling. The period was so formative of our modern world, the break from Rome and the reformation all had roots in years covered by this story. The characters are fascinating, well drawn and beautifully performed. Before this story Cromwell and Cranmer were drab outlines, this telling breathes life into them making the tumultuous period live and vibrant. If you enjoyed Game of Thrones on HBO or pretty much any historic fiction you will love this book. Even if you aren’t a fan of Brit history and royal dictators your will find this beautifully told tale will take the head off your shoulders….