Part One, 1500

The beginning hurts. Not just because of Cromwell's (fictitious) suffering in his youth, but because of what I learned later

that Mantel plans to end the series with the same words that started it, "So now get up."

Except he will be...dead...

Anyway.

The prose is so vivid upon reread, I have to admit I missed a lot, or otherwise don't remember a lot.

Cromwell is so pragmatic about everything that sometimes you forget his little moments of humanity, and they are the more poignant for it

like how he wants to lean on his sister after he's been beaten up, but decides against it to not get blood on her apron

There's a part of his portrayal that is too good to be true, almost tall-tale-esque

in how he just manages to impress and talk his way into everything, and learn everything he observes

but then again, it seems natural when it happens

Everything is quotable.

I wish I had a paper edition for times like this

It's also more obvious on reread that these events take place contemporaneously with a lot of what I've written about

the 16th Century, not a peaceful time all around

You make me want to read this series, Sherry, I won't lie.

this is very good to hear 8'D

it is quite a long read (with only 2 out of 3 books done so far) but well worth it

Longs reads is what I do.

Excellent