Bring Up the Bodies: An Epic Drama of Tudor Politics

The Thomas Cromwell saga continues in Bring Up The Bodies, picking up where Wolfhall left off. But this Novel is more than just a retelling of Tudor history. When historical records fall short, Mantel uses her imagination to fill in the gaps. Thomas Cromwell had never been pictured like this before; he was one of Henry VIII’s prominent and most influential advisors. Through Mantel’s writing style, readers get a glimpse into what he did, his thought processes and why he did those things.

Overview of Bring Up the Bodies

Plot Summary

Bring up the bodies follows the tumultuous years of 1535-1536 of the Tudor era. Readers see Thomas Cromell’s influence in Henry VIII’s court rise as he orchestrates events to please his king. Cromwell facilitates Henry VIII’s disenchantment with his present wife, Anne Boleyn, and growing affection for Jane Seymour. The readers witness murky Tudor politics full of schemes and upheavals.

Main Characters

Thomas Cromwell remains Hilary Mantel’s hero in this Novel as well. Readers are shown how he works around Henry VIII’s shifting moods. The story shows King Henry as a mercurial king who wants a male heir to carry on the Tudor Dynasty’s rule. So when his wife Anne can’t give him a son, he gets tired of her quickly. Meanwhile, Anne is trying hard to keep her dwindling position in the Tudor court.

Jane Seymour, a quiet lady-in-waiting, becomes Henry’s latest love interest. Henry’s right-hand man, Cromwell, helps set up the divorce from Anne so Henry and Jane can get together. Henry’s first wife, Katherine of Aragon, is shown as a principled lady who handles losing power from grace. Meanwhile, Tomas’s son Gregory learns the ways of the court and Tudor politics.

Key Themes

Bring Up the Bodies explores the fleeting nature of power based on one’s position. This was true for Henry’s first wife, his second wife Anne, and even Cromwell, as readers notice Cromwell had power only because of his proximity to the king.

Another crucial theme is the rivalry between the women in the Tudor era. Women back then couldn’t hold direct power or authority—it was always through their husbands. So Henry’s love interests fought hard for the king’s favour, trying to get Henry’s attention so they could have some power. For similar reasons, Anne fought with Henry’s first wife, Katherine, and daughter, Mary.

Historical Context

Prior to starting this series, I didn’t have any grasp of or understanding of Tudor history. I ended up on this series while working through my booker winners’ book list. While reading the rich details narrated by Mantel, I tried to understand the Novel’s historical accuracy. My curiosity led me to find out that various critics have praised the Novel for its historical accuracy. Mantel gives her own spin to areas that are not accurately covered in history books, and by weaving in the elements of history and fiction, Mantel successfully creates an epic story to the delight of the readers.

Writing Style of Hilary Mantel

My Wolfhall’s review highlights that Mantel’s style feels tough initially, but once you get accustomed to it, you start enjoying the narrative. But with Bring Up the Bodies, since I read it back-to-back, I was already accustomed to her style and enjoyed it from the start. Though I felt it easy to dive into right from the start, then again, my opinion might be coloured as I immediately took up this volume after Wolfhall.

Critical Reception and Awards

Both readers and critics admire Mantel’s narrative style. Her accurate portrayal of history and her ability to find ways to show her creativity make this Novel stand out. Among contemporary historical Novels, Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell Saga stands at the very top.

I feel happy to have found this wonderful book while working through my Booker Prize reading list. Hilary Mantel became the first British woman to win the Booker Prize twice. She won the first Booker for Wolfhall and the second for Bring Up The Bodies.

Final Thoughts

The Thomas Cromwell series highlights some of the most controversial figures in British history. Mantel’s detailed yet accurate tale reveals a different side to Cromwell’s personality, which people have long viewed negatively. Bring Up the Bodies is rewarding for history fans or fans of historical fiction. Mantel’s attention to historical detail makes it tough to get into this Tudor Drama initially, but worthwhile for readers who stick until the end.

If you like to enjoy historical dramas, you can also check out the BBC TV series adaptation of Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, which brings various characters from the Novel to life. After reading the Novel, I was so pumped up to dive further that I watched the BBC show via VPN to satisfy my curiosity. I found it to be a very good screen adaptation of the source material.

If you read and liked Wolfhall, checking out Bring Up the Bodies seems a no-brainer. If you are unsure about starting, take your time before jumping on board. Mantel’s writing requires your full attention and sincerity to appreciate its mastery. Be ready to commit, as the dense and heavy writing takes time to get used to at first. It’s one of Mantel’s best works and stands out in historical fiction. She has built a rich, vivid world full of drama, heartbreak, backstabbing and tricky politics. It sets a new benchmark for the genre that’ll define it for years.

My Rating:- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Goodreads Rating: 4.34

Bring Up the Bodies Book Reviewed On:

• Paperback
• Total pages: 411
• Genre: Fiction/Historical Fiction
• Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel