The Cardinal by Alison Weir

 


Everyone has heard about Henry VIII's reign and all of the drama that surrounded it but few know about one of his closest advisers, Thomas Wolsey. This story transports the reader to the late Middle Ages as we learn about an intelligent and ambitious man who had the ear of some of the most powerful men in England.  


I really enjoyed the first part of this novel and learning about Thomas's childhood.  It was interesting to see that social mobility was possible in the Middle Ages.  His adult life was much more complicated and filled with many highs and lows.  I think many readers will enjoy seeing this story from Thomas's perspective.  Henry the VIII's story is so well known as well as what we think about each of his wives.  To read it from Thomas's point of view was really a fresh take on the entire story.  I found myself actually disliking Anne and wanting things to work out for Thomas.  It takes an amazing author to be able to pull that off.  


For anyone who has ever read about the Tudors, this is a great perspective that will bring the story to life in a whole new way. 

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