Book group tonight

It was book group night tonight. Think I've blipped this book cover before, but it was a mammoth read and so ... here it is again.

I was having real difficulty getting 'into' this book. Found the writing style a distraction from the story and had stalled around page 250. Then had a chat with another bookish friend who said she'd loved it and it was worth persevering. Also my cousin said he'd immersed himself in the story on a long flight.

So, took some time to just read read read on Saturday, and it began to make more sense and I was enjoying it. Still didn't finish in time for the book group meeting, but only about 100 pages off so was able to contribute to the discussions.

The book group member who was hosting the group has given me permission to quote her summary (thanks Carol, and for providing a lovely Burns Supper Menu for our meal).

We were discussing Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel:

* Very positive reaction by those who had read it (those of us who listened to it on audio book were effusive!) Most people eagerly awaiting the sequel on which Mantel is said to be working.
* That said quite a few people had struggled to stay engaged through the whole book - most had hit a sticky patch about half way through.
* Mantel has succeeded in bringing the period and the history to life and imparting much of the complexity in a really engaging way (contrasted favourably with Byatt's "The Children's Book").
* Cromwell portrayed favourably, esp compared to the generally held version of his character. Most warmed to him as written: a wry, witty, intelligent, resourceful, humanist; and admired the strength of character required to rise from his beginnings to the height of his power. There were incidents tho' (i.e. not returning to the Cardinal at the end of his life) which coloured that impression.
* For those who had little prior knowledge of the period she has shaped our view of the characters. Anne Boleyn doesn't emerge well (formidable but far from admirable) and Thomas More's portrayal is brutal. For those who are already interested in that period the characterisation of More (and his relationship with his wife) is at odds with other reading. Alison in particular found this jarred when compared with the portrayal of More in "A Daughter's Love" which she put forward when last she hosted and would recommend.
* Although apparently well researched its not clear how much artistic licence is used i.e. did Cromwell really take a boy into his home following a beating from More? Overall, his attitude to his children and wards seemed very enlightened, and appealing from a 21st century view.
* It feels very much a 21st century take on that period of history. For example, is it really possible (or credible?) that he and Wolsey would openly discuss and discount the punishments of a vengful God as a viable explanation for child mortality in favour of an explanation based on poor public health practices and biological factors.
* The difficulties of being a woman, even of nobility, at that time (powerless, oppressed, entirely dependent on one's husband and male relatives, defined by the ability - or lack of - to produce healthy heirs) were thoroughly exposed and uncomfortable to read.
* Overall, very well received and generated a great discussion - thanks to MM for putting it forward.