The Wolf Hall trilogy by the late Hilary Mantel is historical fiction, books based around what actually happened but with fiction weaved in. As you read you will realize the line between fact and fiction is very blurry, and you would probably have to be an expert on the subject to spot any mistakes.
For the rest of us, it’s really just a very good story. The style takes a little getting used to, but ten pages in and I was so invested it made complete sense. So much so that I have actively thought about trying to write some of my own books this way.
If I could sum these stories up, it would be to say that they are the best historical fiction I’ve ever read. A long time ago I said I would take the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss with me to a desert island. That’s still true, but if I had room in my bag for a second set of books it would be these.
What are the books about?
You know Henry the Eighth (I hate roman numerals). You’ve probably heard of Thomas Cromwell. This is the fiction-based-on-fact story of Thomas Cromwell, who rose from nothing to be Henry’s right hand man, and then fell again. The author has done a great deal of research to get places and dates right, and then built a story around it. If this is not what really happened, if it’s not what Cromwell really thought, it may be as close as we will ever know.
On the other hand, as noted above, the facts may not meet the fiction. Every writer brings their own biases. Everyone will emphasize some parts of a life and de-emphasize others. In some ways I am glad when reading stories like this to not be an expert on the subject. Instead I can simply enjoy it for what it is.
Themes
Power and Ambition
Everything in these books is about power. We follow Thomas as he maneuvers and manipulates his way to the top. He is loyal to his family, but pretty much everyone else has the potential to be pushed aside when they no longer are of any use to him. As a theme it is an excellent illustration of using everything you have to gain power.
Loyalty and Identity
Yes, this was a question hundreds of years ago, too. Who are you loyal to? Who do you identify with? The first half of the sixteenth century had everyone asking that question. Were you loyal to the king or to yourself? Your life may depend on your answer.
Religion and faith
The previous theme is wrapped up in this one, too. As the English church separated from the Roman, the question filled the air. Both sides demanded loyalty, and you had to choose carefully. Hiding one’s true feelings often led to problems, especially as people tried to hold onto or gain power.
A Character of Great Interest
Thomas Cromwell is far and away the most important character in the books. It is from his perspective we see everything, after all. He is ruthless and cunning, but also introspective. He is powerful, but his power all comes from his ability to help the king. None of it is his own, and thus he is vulnerable to the whims of Henry, who as we all know is not only a great protagonist but also one of the great villains of history. Eight wives, you know.
So who to compare? I think the answer I will go for is Bannel. The man craves power, but he is stymied time and again throughout his life. At the time of the Kingsmoot he has a hold over some people, but it may or may not be enough. He still tries to manipulate and bluster his way through life.
Is he as good at it as Thomas Cromwell though? Honestly I don’t think so. Cromwell is one of the great anti-heroes of our history. Would Bannel be regarded that way? Probably not, unless there really is something up his sleeve in the end.
What to read next
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett: I’ve mentioned before how I had the completely wrong impression of this story, based on title alone. I’m looking forward to finding out what it’s all about.
The Plantagenet and Tudor novels by Philippa Gregory: Another series I haven’t read, but having been bit by the bug, I think I should go deeper into the story around these characters.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco: And you can’t go wrong with this, can you? For historical fiction and the exploration of power, there are a number of choices which might all work. May as well go with the best.
In Conclusion
If you have even the slightest interest in the subject, give Wolf Hall a try. If you become captivated like I did with both the story and the style, you might find yourself with some of the best books you’ll ever read. It’s been a few years since I first read them, and I doubt a week has gone by when I haven’t thought of them. I think it’s time I read them again. You should too.