Alison Weir’s latest novel offers a very humane examination of the life of Thomas Wolsey
Intelligent, powerful and ambitious are just a few words to describe Thomas Wolsey, whose life both public and privately is brought vividly to life in Alison Weir’s latest novel set in the Tudor period.
Starting in his childhood, where he is picked from obscurity to his dazzling rise to the courts of both Henry VII and Henry VIII, Weir offers an intriguing and engaging look at this complex man whose ambitions and the workings of his enemies brought about his downfall.
The first half of the book really offers an intimate look at Wolsey’s private life – particularly at his relationship with Joan, a woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with but due to the nature of his profession he can never marry her. As his ambitions grow and his closeness to the king begins to take up more of his time, the reader sees how his heartbreak at the breakdown of his relationship with Joan conflicts with his need for more power and influence. The reader is given a real sense of the complexities of his emotions and the way in which he handles situations as well as how his intelligence is his greatest asset but also in many ways helps to lead to his downfall.
During his dazzling rise to power, it isn’t surprising that he begins to get a collection of enemies and it fascinating to see the way in which he uses his powers of both intelligence and actual power to bring some of them down while remaining close to the king. It is also interesting to see how the relationship between King Henry VIII and Wolsey ebbs and flows, eventually becoming dangerous as Anne Boleyn’s influence grows.
Meanwhile, the second half of the book sees a shift in tone and focus as Wolsey’s attention turns to the king’s Great Matter – seeking a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. The joy of Weir’s writing in this section of the book is the way in which she is able to delve into the politics of it all without it ever coming across heavy handed. All the situations that unfold in the later half of the book are intelligently written and build up in great drama and tension as Wolsey’s sense of panic as his enemies make a move against him.
The only thing that I would say is it would have added a bit more to proceedings if the reader could get a bigger sense of the animosity between Anne Boleyn and Wolsey as time goes on, the battle for the king’s attention and being close to him just needs to be slightly sharper.
As a whole, The Cardinal is a thoughtful and detailed portrayal of Thomas Wolsey, offering a new perspective on a man who has been praised for his intelligence and villainised for his ambitions and increasing pride. Weir has written a brilliant and immersive book that has clearly (as always with her work) and very thoroughly researched.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The Cardinal is available to buy now.