Winner of the 2012 Man Booker Prize, the sequel to Hilary Mantel’s 2009 Man Booker Prize winner and New York Times bestseller, Wolf Hall, delves into the heart of Tudor history with the downfall of Anne Boleyn.
Though he battled for seven years to marry her, Henry is disenchanted with Anne Boleyn. She has failed to give him a son and her sharp intelligence and audacious will alienate his old friends and the noble families of England. When the discarded Katherine dies in exile from the court, Anne stands starkly exposed, the focus of gossip and malice.
At a word from Henry, Thomas Cromwell is ready to bring her down. Over three terrifying weeks, Anne is ensnared in a web of conspiracy, while the demure Jane Seymour stands waiting her turn for the poisoned wedding ring. But Anne and her powerful family will not yield without a ferocious struggle. Hilary Mantel’s Bring Up the Bodies follows the dramatic trial of the queen and her suitors for adultery and treason. To defeat the Boleyns, Cromwell must ally with his natural enemies, the papist aristocracy. What price will he pay for Anne’s head?
Embark on a thrilling journey into the treacherous court of Henry VIII with Hilary Mantel's "Bring Up the Bodies," the electrifying sequel to the Man Booker Prize-winning "Wolf Hall." This meticulously researched and exquisitely written historical novel plunges you into the heart of Tudor England, where power, ambition, and betrayal intertwine with deadly consequences. Following the meteoric rise of Thomas Cromwell, Mantel masterfully crafts a narrative that is both historically accurate and utterly compelling. "Bring Up the Bodies" focuses on the downfall of Anne Boleyn, a queen who once held Henry VIII in her thrall but now faces his growing discontent. Years after their passionate pursuit, Henry's obsession has soured. Anne's failure to produce a male heir, coupled with her sharp intellect and unwavering will, has alienated the King and his inner circle. As the ghost of the discarded Katherine of Aragon looms large, Anne Boleyn finds herself increasingly isolated and vulnerable. Rumors and accusations swirl around her, fueled by the malice of those who seek her demise. Enter Thomas Cromwell, Henry's ever-loyal and ruthlessly efficient advisor. With a mere word from the King, Cromwell is tasked with orchestrating Anne's downfall. The novel unfolds over three intense weeks, a period of relentless scheming and deadly machinations. Anne becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy, while the seemingly demure Jane Seymour patiently awaits her opportunity to take Anne's place. But Anne Boleyn and her powerful family are not willing to surrender without a fierce fight. Mantel's "Bring Up the Bodies" vividly recreates the dramatic trial of the queen and those accused of adultery and treason. Cromwell, in his pursuit of justice (or perhaps self-preservation), must forge alliances with his sworn enemies, the Catholic aristocracy, a dangerous game with potentially fatal repercussions. The novel masterfully explores the moral ambiguities of power, forcing readers to question the true cost of ambition and loyalty. Beyond the political intrigue, Mantel delves into the complex psychological landscape of her characters. Cromwell, the pragmatic and enigmatic protagonist, grapples with his own conscience as he navigates the treacherous currents of the Tudor court. Anne Boleyn is portrayed not as a simple victim but as a woman of intelligence and fierce determination, fighting for her life against overwhelming odds. Henry VIII, a man accustomed to absolute power, reveals his insecurities and vulnerabilities. Critics have lauded "Bring Up the Bodies" for its historical accuracy, its compelling narrative, and its richly drawn characters. Mantel's prose is both elegant and accessible, making the intricacies of Tudor history come alive for the modern reader. The novel won the 2012 Man Booker Prize, solidifying Mantel's reputation as one of the most important historical novelists of our time. This paperback edition, published by FOURTH ESTATE in 2019, brings this captivating story to life with 485 pages of enthralling prose. At 460 grams, this book is a substantial and immersive read, perfect for history buffs, lovers of literary fiction, and anyone who enjoys a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and survival. Prepare to be transported to a world of intrigue, where the fate of a queen hangs in the balance and the price of power is measured in blood. Dive into "Bring Up the Bodies" and experience the brilliance of Hilary Mantel's historical storytelling.
