Don’t go to the movies, turn off the television, and settle in for one of the most arresting listening experiences to be found. Bring Up the Bodies has everything - intrigue, passion, deception, treason, suspense, and it is a magnificent, richly imagined work. A multi prize winner Mantel is a unique author as her words thrust listeners into the midst of drama and, in this case, Simon Vance’s superb voice performance carries us to Henry VIII’s court where Thomas Cromwell struggles to fulfill the King’s every whim.
In this sequel to Mantel’s widely acclaimed Booker Prize winning Wolf Hall we listen to the machinations at court in 1536 when Henry has wearied of the now imperious Anne Boleyn who in addition to boring his majesty has been unable to give him a son. She has alienated many and forgiven few. With the death of Henry’s first wife, the exiled Katherine of Aragon, only Anne stands between the king’s desire for Jane Seymour.
It is up to Cromwell to satisfy Henry. Thus, over what seems to be a short period of time Anne finds herself the center of a plot to find her guilty of adultery and treason. Mantel examines this in vivid detail so well that it is as if one were eavesdropping on the characters, whether it is Cromwell thinking, remembering his youth or the Boleyns fighting to protect their place or the quiet Jane waiting, waiting.
Simon Vance is enormously talented as is noted by his four Audie Awards, 38 Earphone awards, and other honors. Listening to him is both pleasure and privilege. Don’t miss his narration of Bring Up The Bodies!
- Gail Cooke
No comments:
Post a Comment