A king's voracious appetite for women. An underdog's attempt at survival. It is ironic to call Thomas Cromwell an underdog. He has robbed the monasteries, noble families pay him to stay in the royal good books, he helped the king get rid of one wife and then another. And yet he IS an underdog. He doesn't belong amongst the upper echelons of society- a fact he is reminded of often. Cromwell does what he does, first to save his master, then to satisfy the whims of his king and by then he is too far gone to turn back. Just like all paths of good or evil. "His speech is low and rapid, his manner assured; he is at home in courtroom or waterfront, bishop's palace or inn yard. He can draft a contract, train a falcon, draw a map, stop a street fight, furnish a house and fix a jury.He will quote you a nice point in the old authors, from Plato to Plautus and back again." We meet him in this book amongst turmoil. Anne hasn't birthed a son & Henry is impatient for another queen-third time lucky, who knows? Cromwell spins a web of deceit, lies and mirages, taking to task all those who were instrumental in the downfall of his master- the Cardinal. The man is at war, slaying those who crossed him, letting them dig their graves so all he has to do is nudge them into it. He will run out of luck, because we do know the end of such men. They fall prey to the same whims they cater to. So I cannot help but feel awful because Mantel has shown it so remarkably well that we are too good, or too bad in others' stories about us. It just depends on who is writing that bit of history. I admire this fictitious Cromwell's control. Every word is weighed and spoken. Every thought thought and concealed. Every hurt remembered, every kindness repaid. He is loyal. Even to a dead master. He is loving. To his children- sired and adopted. He is loved- by his kids and his servants. Isn't that saying something? I am in awe of Mantel's skill, nay magic. A story we know so well and she can tell it again and hold us by the throats- historical fiction, fiction too has never been as bewitching. #thomascromwell #hilarymantelbooks #hilarymantel #wolfhall #wolfhalltrilogy #bringupthebodies (at Delhi, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/CggnIpiLmW3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
