Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Quote of the Week: Wolf Hall

Bawling, strong, one hour old, plucked from the cradle:  he kissed the infant's fluffy skull and said, I shall be as tender to you as my father was not to me.  For what's the point of breeding children, if each generation does not improve on what went before?   (pages 35-36)


"But what do they get by the change?" Cavendish persists. "One dog sated with meat is replaced by a hungrier dog who bites nearer the bone. Out goes the man grown fat with honor, and in comes a hungry and a lean man."   (page 45)

Wolf Hall
by Hilary Mantel

Why don't I read more historical fiction? Wolf Hall is a fascinating novel about Tudor England, but definitely not a quick read. These 532 pages may keep me occupied for the rest of the month.

17 comments:

  1. I must read this. I have had it since last Christmas. I think it is the size that puts me off.

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  2. Viv - I got it for Christmas 2 years ago and kept putting it off because of the size, too. Glad I've finally started!

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  3. I had to have this book so I bought it soon after it was published. But have I read it? Sadly, no.

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  4. Wolf Hall is a fascinating book, I'm glad you're enjoying it.

    Those are great quotes you chose.

    Have you seen "A Man for All Seasons"? The 1966 movie about Sir Thomas More with Paul Scoffield? It's a fantastic movie and a different story with many of the same characters.

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  5. Wolf Hall was one of my best reads last year. Enjoy!

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  6. I read this one last year and was very neutral about it. To be honest, it was hard work finishing it. For me personally that is, I know lots of other people loved it.

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  7. Did anyone not melt at that first quote?

    A colleague spied Wolf Hall in the discard bin at work the other day and put it in my locker. I'm awfully glad she did!

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  8. Great quotes, JoAnn! I'm hoping to read this one; it contains lots of stuff that interests me(i.e., Tudor England) although I've mixed feelings about the Cromwell bits...

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  9. Someday I'm actually going to finish this book!

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  10. Lee - Sounds like me ...this book has been on my shelf since late 2009!

    Amy - I'm really enjoying Wolf Hall a lot. I know I've been in the room while my husband watched A Man for All Seasons (think we even own it), but didn't actually watch it. I will now :-)

    Kinnareads - I'm enjoying this book more with every page I turn. Can see how it could be a favorite!

    Sam - It's definitely not a quick read, but I really am enjoying it so far. Still have 400 pages to go, so we'll see how I feel at the end.

    Darlene - Well I sure melted! So glad you got a copy... I really love reading about the Tudors.

    DS - I enjoy learning about Tudor England... definitely no expert and don't know a lot about Cromwell either, but this is a good read.

    Softdrink - If you can get through Ulysses, you can certainly finish this ;-)

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  11. I may read this one sometime in my life...not sure if I'm up for 500+ pages right now but it does sound good.

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  12. Staci - It's long and slow for sure... definitely one of those books you need to find just the right time for.

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  13. I've had this on my Kindle for over a year UNREAD. Think I am intimidated by it:(

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  14. I'm so glad you are enjoying it! I've had the book for a while but have held off because I've heard mixed reviews on it. I might need to change that now! :)

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  15. Diane - I'm not sure why, but it had been intimidating me, too. Our recent visit to Hampton Court Palace that finally put me in the mood to read it.

    Coffee and a Book Chick - I am enjoying Wolf Hall, but it certainly isn't a fast read...need to concentrate for this one.

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  16. I find this book very difficult, and intimidating! Glad you made the first step to read it. I'll keep an eye on your progress. :)

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  17. Matt - I'm about 200 pages in and although it's slow going, it is enjoyable. Can see where it wouldn't be for everyone though.

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