Wolf Hall

By: Hilary Mantel

Narrated by: Simon Slater

Length: 24 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

National Book Critics Circle, Fiction, 2010

Man Booker Prize, Fiction, 2009

Tudor England. Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is charged with securing his divorce. Into this atmosphere of distrust comes Thomas Cromwell - a man as ruthlessly ambitious in his wider politics as he is for himself. His reforming agenda is carried out in the grip of a self-interested parliament and a king who fluctuates between romantic passions and murderous rages.

©2009 Hilary Mantell (P)2009 WF Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"If the dance between king and mistress is expertly choreographed, it is Mantel's presentation of the common realm - the seething streets of Putney and Wimbledon, populated by drapers and boatmen - that gives this novel the force of revelation." ( The Guardian)

"...as soon as I opened the book I was gripped. I read it almost non-stop. When I did have to put it down, I was full of regret the story was over, a regret I still feel. This is a wonderful and intelligently imagined retelling of a familiar tale from an unfamiliar angle - one that makes the drama unfolding nearly five centuries ago look new again, and shocking again, too. " ( The Times)

"The reader, Simon Slater, skilfully adopts contrasting voices and the narrative has an immediacy close to a dramatisation... Provocative, rewarding listening." (The Times)

Brilliant!

I have always enjoyed reading about the kings and queens of England but this book so beautifully narrated tells the story from Thomas Cromwell's side. I could not put it down.

Too many people for my ears/brain

Any additional comments?

I have tried to listen to this book, but it was too hard for me (non-native) to tell all the persons apart. What I heard was intriguing, but every distraction (I listen while I walk from home to work) made me feeling lost between the characters.

It's not the fault of Simon Slater. He does an extraordinary job. Maybe I will try later, but for now I think I wille have to read the book first, and even then.....

A stunning work with remarkable narration

What a pleasure this book is to listen to. Wonderful narration. Highly recommended. Draws you in to the period and provides a nuanced view of Cromwell.

Wolf Hall

This is an extraordinary book written by an extraordinary writer. I read first the print version, but found myself at times lost in the story telling - now who is speaking - now whose story is being told. This audible version brings the characters to life wonderfully and adds a depth to the story. I give the narrator, Simon Slater, five stars also.

A Masterpiece

If you could sum up Wolf Hall in three words, what would they be?

Superb, Brilliant, Worth the Man Booker win

What other book might you compare Wolf Hall to and why?

Nothing, it is one of the best historical fictions i have ever come across, Ken Follett came close years ago but this is magic. The characters are alive, every voice is perfect. Even when the narrator draws breath you know which character it is. The historical detail and the tiniest events mentioned are all covered and closed off. I think half the women who read this will fall for Thomas Cromwell.

Which scene was your favorite?

So many but I found the detail about the rituals of Easter and Thomas Cromwell advising on cooking a real hoot. The tortue scenes are fascinating without being gross and the history is detailed without being boring - and for once - interesting

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I could not stop recommending it to people - after 5 years of book club this one stole the show

Any additional comments?

Now onto Bring up the Bodies and I am loving it already.

Great for Audio Book

Amazing book in general, but the experience is enhanced by Slater’s performance because there is quite a lot of dialogue.

Wolf Hall

Hard to imagine a better interpretation. Simon Slater has a huge repertoire of voices and knows how to manipulate silence... masterly

An Immersive Experience !

A great story narrated with finese. Historical fiction at it's best. Hilary Mantel fleshes out the characters in detail and makes you relive the Tudor era.

Excellent

What made the experience of listening to Wolf Hall the most enjoyable?

Historical accuracy of the events - facts around Henry's time as king and the events around this.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wolf Hall?

All good.

Which scene was your favorite?

All good

Who was the most memorable character of Wolf Hall and why?

Cromwell

Not gripping

Would you try another book from Hilary Mantel and/or Simon Slater?

NO

What do you think your next listen will be?

God of small things

How did the narrator detract from the book?

hard to differentiate between the persons thoughts and the various characters actually interacting

Any additional comments?

Please allow me to choose another audio book. Will really appreciate it