Bring Up the Bodies

eBook

English language

Published by Fourth Estate.

ISBN:
978-0-00-747735-7
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4 stars (2 reviews)

The greatest literary sensation of recent times – and now the inspiration for a major BBC series, starring Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis and directed by Peter Kosminsky.

Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2012.

Continuing what began in the Man Booker Prize-winning WOLF HALL, we return to the court of Henry VIII.

The volatile Anne Boleyn is now Queen, her career seemingly entwined with that of Cromwell. The split from the Catholic Church has left England dangerously isolated, and Anne has failed to give the king an heir. And when the King begins to fall in love with self-effacing Jane Seymour, the ever-pragmatic Cromwell must negotiate within an increasingly perilous court to satisfy Henry, defend the nation and, above all, to secure his own rise in the world. Neither minister nor king will emerge unscathed from the bloody theatre of Anne’s final days.

An astounding literary accomplishment, BRING UP …

52 editions

Review of 'Bring Up the Bodies' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

After having trouble with Wolf Hall, I was reluctant to continue with the series. I am glad I did! Bring Up the Bodies was much easier to read than its predecessor. Hilary Mantel (or her editors) finally got rid of the "he" problem with the sometimes awkward construction: "He, Cromwell."

I have learned by now that Mantel is telling the story of Cromwell. He (yes, he, Cromwell) is the center of attention; not Henry, not Anne. Cromwell is really stuck in an ugly place; he has no choice but to do the king's bidding. To Mantel's credit, she maintains some suspense even though we know the outcome. Cromwell is portrayed as a subtle, brilliant, vindictive, selfish man, and I mean this in all the best ways.

My favorite quotes from this book:

By Henry: "We cannot help what we do, really. Once you are thundering down at a man, you …