What starts to make this book a much more compelling read than you expect when you first start is the emergence of the character of Thomas Cromwell. With his master and protector Cardinal Wolsey out of favour and unable to see King Henry it provides a chance for Cromwell to act as a go between and emerge as an independent figure.
That independence is strengthened by the plague-fuelled demise of his wife and two daughters leaving him alone in an emotional way.
What starts to emerge is a political battle that could either help create or destroy Cromwell and that drives you on because you want to see how things develop.
More tomorrow…
