wolf hall - hilary mantel

This Booker Prize winning story is truly one of the   most exciting novels on Henry the VIII. Like most people I 've been fascinated by the life and times of Henry VIII, this book offers a ring side view of the people who made those times remarkable.

The story revolves around Thomas Cromwell - the most influential man between 1530-40. He is shown to be very astute, able to work under the Cardinal Wolsely and Henry VIII. Cromwell manages the transition of England from Catholicism to Protestantism, arranging the marraige of his King to Anne Boleyn and also to come out on top of all the intrigues of court in those tumultous times. In the book, Cromwell tries unsuccessfully to ensure that Thomas More shows support for the decision of Henry VIII to break away from the Papacy in Rome and accept Anne Boleyn as Queen. 

On the personal front he is a warm and caring man with the interests of his dependents always on his mind. Such a rich and full life so captivatingly described!