Such continuity of story, however, is the exception rather than the rule. And, when she chooses to do so, she writes a vivid scene that has power and emotion.
She can paint a picture when describing a character or a setting that is truly wonderful. Even in the few chapters I read, her elegant choice of words often made me reflect and smile. She does this on practically every page and I find it jarring every time it happens.īefore my final negative notes, let me say that Mantel clearly has an exquisite command of the language. What Mantel has done is not to bring us close to Cromwell, but to inject herself, the author, between the reader and the prime character. Then it is clear that everything is seen and felt by the single protagonist, and the reader can share that character's viewpoint, thoughts and feelings. If you want to create intimacy, use the first person. However, many others really liked the book, as do many Goodreads readers, so it must not bother them as it does me.Īnother Goodreads reader suggested that the use of "he" all the time created a closer intimacy with Cromwell. There are actually quite a few readers who found the "he" business as disconcerting as I did, and who expressed their displeasure in rather strong terms, along with many *-star ratings. May I re-think that, based on a comment by another reader. Unless there is some good reason which I can't imagine, this sort of obfuscation is just lazy writing which disrespects the reader. Every once in a while, as if recognizing the problem she has created, Mantel uses the phrase "he, Cromwell." Why not just say Cromwell?
In the first several chapters, there are dozens of instances where it is not clear who is speaking. I just started Wolf Hall, and I find the relentless use of "he" to be extremely irritating.
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