I got this fair-condition hardcover from a local Goodwill thrift store, and was glad of another release copy. (I enjoyed the 2015 mini-series adaptation of the first book, Wolf Hall.)

I'm familiar with much of the history from the period covered by the novel, though seeing it through Cromwell's eyes is new to me. I find the author's choice of third-person-present a bit awkward at times, especially as Cromwell is usually referred to as "he" or "him", which sometimes makes it hard to tell which character is speaking, the Cromwell "he" or some other male character in the scene. Despite that, there are lots of fascinating details here, with the author's speculations as to motives mixing with items that have historical documentation.

Cromwell is depicted as so well-guarded in his thoughts and deeds that he often seems to melt into the background - usually on purpose. (The TV series reflects this in the understated performance of Mark Rylance.) In this book we see the threads he's pulling more clearly, with some very explicit statements to the effect that, in order to free Henry from Ann Boleyn, "I need guilty men; I will find men who are guilty..." even though the things they're guilty of may not be what they're tried for.

The book opens with an extensive cast-of-characters list, very helpful in working out the relationships and alliances.

[There's a TV Tropes page on the series.]

I left this book in the Little Free Library at around 4. Hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released as part of the 2016 Movie release challenge. ***