Bring Up the Bodies

Starred review from June 25, 2012
In Mandel’s taut sequel to Wolf Hall, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn have been married for more than two years, but unable to produce a male heir. Boleyn’s position becomes tenuous—especially with Thomas Cromwell and young lady-in-waiting Jane Seymour working against her. Narrator Simon Vance shines in his portrayal of the characters, creating a range of distinct voices—including the increasingly tense Anne Boleyn and the earnest Gregory, Cromwell’s mild-mannered young son who is eager to prove himself. Best of all, however, are the measured tones Vance employs for the conniving Cromwell. The narrator captures the soul of this complex character, a man of innate pragmatism and confidence who is also quietly haunted by regrets. Vance also nails the bone-dry wit of the character. In all, this is an exemplary audiobook. A Henry Holt hardcover.

April 2, 2012
When last we saw Thomas Cromwell, hero of Mantel’s 2009 Man Booker Prize–winning Wolf Hall, he’d successfully moved emperors, queens, courtiers, the pope, and Thomas More to secure a divorce and a new, younger queen for his patron, Henry the VIII. Now, in the second book of a planned trilogy, Cromwell, older, tired, with more titles and power, has to get Henry out of another heirless marriage. The historical facts are known: this is not about what happens, but about how. And armed with street smarts, vast experience and connections, a ferociously good memory, and a patient taste for revenge, Mantel’s Cromwell is a master of how. Like its predecessor, the book is written in the present tense, rare for a historical novel. But the choice makes the events unfold before us: one wrong move and all could be lost. Also repeated is Mantel’s idiosyncratic use of “he:” regardless of the rules of grammar, rest assured “he” is always Cromwell. By this second volume, however, Mantel has taught us how to read her, and seeing Cromwell manipulate and outsmart the nobles who look down on him, while moving between his well-managed domestic arrangements and the murky world of accusations and counteraccusations is pure pleasure. Cromwell may, as we learn in the first volume, look “like a murderer,” but he’s mighty good company. Agent: Bill Hamilton, A.M. Heath.

Starred review from July 1, 2012

The second volume of a trilogy and sequel to Mantel's Wolf Hall, this installation brilliantly portrays the events leading to the downfall and beheading of Anne Boleyn. Equally fascinating is Thomas Cromwell and his role in Anne's tragic end. Mantel excels at presenting the fine and fascinating details of this monumental event in English history as seen through Cromwell's eyes. Was Anne guilty or innocent or did the king simply use Cromwell to get what he wanted? The truth will never be known, but it is intriguing to follow the path on its terrifying pace as Anne's death nears. Her last moments are literally heart stopping to hear. Narrator Simon Vance's skillful presentation enhances Mantel's outstanding description and dialogue. His gorgeous sound, tone, and accent add to the beauty and horror of the compelling story. VERDICT Historical fiction lovers and also those who enjoy history and biography will be greatly satisfied. ["Mantel is a consummate setter of scenes: descriptions of stunning poetry are embedded amid savagery and earthiness. The historical novel does not come any better than this," read the review of the John Macrae Bk: Holt hc, LJ Xpress Reviews 4/20/12.--Ed.]--Susan G. Baird, Chicago, IL

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