I got this softcover from the Book Cellar during its {sob} store-closing sale, for another release copy. It's the second in Mantel's excellent series of historical fiction based on the life of Thomas Cromwell, and as the third book, The Mirror and the Light, is due out in March, I wanted release copies of the first two to go with it. (I was introduced to the series via 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.]

Guidelines for safely visiting and stocking Little Free Libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the LFL site here.

I left this book in the handsome Little Free Library outside the funeral parlor while on a road trip on this beautiful day. Hope someone enjoys the book!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2020 Movie challenge. ***