fantastic

I love this book more than I can say. The narration for me is perfect

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3 people found this helpful

Simply and Totally Magnetic

Do try to make the time and read and/or listen to ‘Wolf Hall’. My paper copy of ‘Wolf Hall’ has sat on my shelves since 2009. I reasoned it was an important book and needed to be read. The size of the public and critics’ acclaim for the novel, however, tended to put me off reading it long back then. I also bought the Simon SIater voiced audio-book and that did not hit the spot for me, so the book remained unread and un-heard. Only in 2021 did I choose to read and listen and it felt so right, and deeply enjoyed it. I say ‘enjoyed’ which is odd to say given the plot and the history that most all know. What I found was rare for me in a book; I felt that I was being dragged as if by a powerful magnet through it. Almost against my will. The performance of the later audiobook with Ben Miles contributed to the experience massively. He fits the book (and dramatisations) so well. Cromwell if nothing if not an enigma. I kept asking myself, why with your brain can’t you see it best to flee and get far away? Cromwell’s care for his own and his care for some others was a helpful take on things for me. Having been steeped since the 1970s on an image of Thomas More of the Robert Bolt interpretation, Mantel’s More was a helpful adjustment. Mantel’s narrative is rich and involving her words given to others so well placed in their mouths. If I have any quibble it is managing to keep the characters and their relationships (blood and other) in my head. This is my weakness. I appreciated that Mantel ensures that Cromwell fails to see some things close to him, and loved the last few paragraphs of the book. They answered the question I had been asking throughout. Some readers/listeners may not like the way the Cromwell is referenced as ‘he’ in the narrative. It does makes full sense and rings true. Now read, I am still puzzling over the book. It deserves it.

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Wonderful!!

I couldn’t wait to listen to this book, and it did not disappoint. I’d highly recommend it.
The swallowing noises mentioned by many didn’t affect my enjoyment at all. I only noticed because I was aware of them through other reviews.
I’d watched the BBC’s Wolf Hall and thought I couldn’t bear to hear someone else playing Thomas Cromwell, but no! This edition was perfect for me and his (Ben Miles) voice is the voice of Cromwell for me also. I can’t wait to start pushing up the bodies straight away, with no pauses!
Many thanks Ms Hilary Mantel, for a superb book!

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Incredible narration

The narration is next level amazing and the only thing getting me through this, frankly, boring book. Narration is A++++++ though

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An amazing book

This is a fascinating book and as always Hilary Mantel's writing is a joy to listel to. The narration is excellent. I am looking forward to the sequels.

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Great

You feel as though you are there.superb reading too. I have read the book and this recording has been a welcome revisiting.

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A masterpiece of storytelling

I really do not understand why some people consider 'Wolf Hall' to be a difficult read. Ignore them! This is no 'Ulysses'. It is a conventional and gripping narrative, and far easier to follow than, say, 'Game of Thrones' yet it shares with that classic of fantasy all the excitement, brutality and intrigue. There is the same shifting undertow of dread and danger. The lack of dragons is more than compensated for by the detailed character development and forensic examination of the political, constitutional and religious crises which shaped our nation.

In my school history lessons I never liked Thomas Cromwell, but now in my 70s and after reading Mantel I think I might have fallen deeply in love with him. Roll on the next instalment!

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Historical details and scenes well written and read

Extremely well read bringing story to life. Absolutely amazing piece of historical drama so beautifully written, feel like you are there.

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Atmospheric

Excellent dramatisation of book. Well written. Makes you believe that you are in that time period. Atmospheric and dark.

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brilliant

I really love ben miles narration he really brings the story to life ,I can't see why others find him of putting

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