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Wolf Hall

By: Hilary Mantel
Narrated by: Simon Slater
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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.

©2009 Hilary Mantel (P)2009 Macmillan Audio

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What listeners say about Wolf Hall

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Great book & narration, less great editing

The editing on this wasn't great and that was distracting, but the narration made it easier to keep track of a complex group of characters. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.

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Everything I didn't know about the Boleyn story

There's been a great deal in recent media about Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn, and I thought I'd heard and read enough to last me a lifetime. But I heard Hilary Mantel interviewed on Fresh Air and she sounded so intelligent and spoke in such an interesting way about the women in her books, that I thought I'd given them a try. Lucky me! I learned more than I could have imagined about the people who played their large and tragic parts in the drama of Henry and Ann. But this is a book about Thomas Cromwell in particular--only a name to me until now. Fascinating and wonderful read/listen! You won't be disappointed.

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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.

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too detailed and long, but enthralling

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

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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.

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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.

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Brilliant!

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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