If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to navigate the Tudor court without losing your head—literally—Hilary Mantel’s Bring Up the Bodies is your perfect companion. Mantel’s historical fiction masterpiece plunges you deep into the political whirlpool of Henry VIII’s reign, where everyone’s fate hangs by a thread, and loyalty changes faster than the king’s marital status.
This sequel to Mantel’s award-winning Wolf Hall brings us back to the life of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s most trusted advisor, who’s now tasked with a job so delicate and dangerous it’d make most of us break out in a cold sweat: dismantling the queen, Anne Boleyn. Let’s dive into why this novel is a masterpiece of historical fiction, full of wit, intrigue, and plenty of historical drama that even the best Netflix series couldn’t match.
Meet Thomas Cromwell: The Man Who Makes Things Happen
At the center of Bring Up the Bodies is Thomas Cromwell, one of the sharpest minds (and tongues) in Tudor England. Mantel portrays Cromwell not as a flat historical figure but as a layered, complex man—a political genius who can charm, manipulate, and, if necessary, destroy. Cromwell is more than just a lawyer or a king’s fixer; he’s a man with a past haunted by loss and a future defined by danger.
What makes Cromwell such a fascinating protagonist is that you’re never quite sure whether to root for him or keep an eye on him. He’s a master chess player in a world where every move could cost you your life. And with Anne Boleyn’s power crumbling, Cromwell steps in to “manage” the situation, knowing full well that mismanaging it could end with his head on the chopping block.
The Fall of Anne Boleyn: Queen No More
Speaking of Anne Boleyn, she’s one of the central figures in Bring Up the Bodies, and her fall from grace is as swift as it is brutal. Once Henry VIII’s dazzling, ambitious wife, Anne is now losing her grip on both the king’s affections and the throne. Mantel’s portrayal of Anne is nuanced—she’s clever and sharp, but you can feel her growing desperation as Henry’s eyes begin to wander towards Jane Seymour.
Cromwell, tasked with finding a way to rid the king of his troublesome queen, quietly begins gathering dirt on Anne. Accusations of adultery, treason, and incest start swirling, and Cromwell is more than happy to fan the flames. But this isn’t just a straightforward case of palace gossip; it’s a web of ambition, personal vendettas, and shifting alliances.
One of the most striking things about Mantel’s writing is how she shows Cromwell’s calculating nature while never letting him slip into villain territory. He’s just doing what he does best: surviving. And, unfortunately for Anne, survival in the Tudor court often means someone else has to fall.
The Writing: Modern Wit Meets Historical Precision
Hilary Mantel’s prose is nothing short of extraordinary. Her writing style—sharp, vivid, and occasionally biting—makes the historical setting feel alive and immediate. While many historical novels can feel dusty or overly formal, Mantel breathes fresh life into the 16th century with modern wit and precision. You don’t feel like you’re reading about history; you feel like you’re right there in the court, navigating the dangerous waters of power alongside Cromwell.
The dialogue is a particular highlight—every word seems to carry weight, especially in the world of courtly politics where a wrong turn of phrase can get you executed. Mantel also gives us glimpses into Cromwell’s internal world, where his sharp intellect is constantly sizing up opponents, calculating risks, and remembering old wounds.
The novel’s pacing is a marvel, too. While the plot revolves around a single historical event (the fall of Anne Boleyn), Mantel manages to build tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat—even though you already know how things end. The genius of Bring Up the Bodies lies in how it captures not just the what, but the how and why behind these momentous events.
Political Intrigue, Tudor-Style
At its heart, Bring Up the Bodies is about power—how to gain it, how to hold onto it, and how quickly it can slip through your fingers. The stakes couldn’t be higher, but the political maneuvering in this novel feels so personal, it’s almost like watching a chess match with human lives on the line.
One of the most interesting dynamics in the novel is the relationship between Cromwell and Henry VIII. Henry, who starts off as a confident, powerful monarch, gradually becomes more dependent on Cromwell as his personal and political struggles escalate. The king is torn between his desire for a male heir and his personal whims, and Cromwell is the man behind the scenes pulling the strings, all while making it look like Henry is still in charge. It’s a delicate balance, and Mantel captures it perfectly.
Meanwhile, the rest of the court is buzzing with gossip, backstabbing, and shifting allegiances. Characters like Thomas More (whose execution is still fresh in Cromwell’s mind) and Jane Seymour (waiting quietly in the wings to replace Anne) add to the novel’s complexity. Everyone’s playing a game of survival, but not everyone is playing it well.
Why Bring Up the Bodies Is a Masterpiece
So, why is Bring Up the Bodies considered one of the greatest works of historical fiction? For starters, it brings history to life in a way that feels both intimate and grand. Mantel doesn’t just give us dates and facts—she gives us people, with all their flaws, ambitions, and fears. And while we know the broad strokes of what happens, Mantel’s talent lies in showing us the cracks in history, the moments where things could have gone another way but didn’t.
The novel also succeeds because it avoids the trap of turning historical figures into flat archetypes. Anne Boleyn isn’t just a doomed queen; she’s a woman trying to navigate impossible circumstances. Cromwell isn’t just a political mastermind; he’s a man haunted by personal loss and driven by a relentless desire to protect himself and his family. The characters feel fully realized, and their fates, even though we know them, feel suspenseful.
And then there’s the writing itself—beautiful, sharp, and occasionally darkly funny. Mantel’s ability to weave historical detail with modern sensibility makes Bring Up the Bodies not just a novel, but an experience.
The Bottom Line: A Masterpiece That Cuts Deep
In Bring Up the Bodies, Hilary Mantel delivers a historical epic that feels as immediate as today’s headlines. The novel is a masterclass in political intrigue, character development, and the art of making history come alive. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good story about power and betrayal, Mantel’s masterpiece is well worth the read. Just remember: in the Tudor court, trust no one—and definitely keep an eye on the guy sharpening his knife.