Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Thomas Cromwell Trilogy
Page Count: WH 532, BUtB 412
Publication Year: WH 2009, BUtB 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Special Notes: I listened to the audiobooks: WH narrated by Simon Slater, BUtB narrated by Simon Vance.
Summary:
“Hello, my name is Thomas Cromwell and I’m the son of a blacksmith. But why would anyone care about that when I’m so good at my job?
“What is my job? Why I’m Henry VIII’s right-hand man. I helped get rid of his first and second wives. I also helped him get his second, third and fourth wife. I stuck my fingers in every pie ever made and for some reason Henry’s close friends envied my power.
“I, Cromwell, was so clever, people said they learned things by being in the same room with me. Can you imagine having such an aura? Of course you can’t; you’re not me.
“I still have so much to do before my enemies prepare the chopping block.”
I don't know about you, but these books made me love Cromwell. I’d compare him to Machiavelli. In other words, if you think people should only be kind and generous you might not appreciate Cromwell’s genius.
A lot of people said the writing makes it hard to keep track of who’s talking when. That would’ve been true for me had I not employed the obvious solution and listened to the audiobooks. Both narrators do a good job of distinguishing voices.
If you know nothing about Henry VIII or his court I suggest you look for an easier book, even though it provides a list of characters and family trees. Wouldn’t want you giving low marks because you failed to separate the numerous Thomases.
Some people didn’t like the writing style but I thought it suited the world and characters perfectly.
If you’re familiar with the Tudors I’d heartily recommend the audiobooks.
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