06 Jul Book Review of Mantel Pieces: Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the …
Review: Mantel Pieces: Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the …
As a longtime admirer of Hilary Mantel’s exquisitely crafted narratives, I found myself irresistibly drawn to Mantel Pieces: Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the …. This collection, rich with her reflections on historical figures and societal constructs, felt like a personal invitation to dive deeper into her world—one brimming with intellectual rigor, clever observations, and a touch of delicious mischief.
Spanning nearly three decades from 1988 to 2017, Mantel’s essays offer a fascinating lens through which we view the historical tapestry she has so adeptly woven in her novels. If you’re familiar with the characters from Wolf Hall or Bring Up the Bodies, you’ll likely feel right at home here. Mantel’s insights on figures like Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre—who also feature prominently in her earlier work, A Place of Greater Safety—draw parallels that give a fresh context to her fictional portrayal of history.
One standout piece, “Royal Bodies,” struck me as an audacious commentary on monarchy itself. With her signature blend of wit and sharp analysis, she casually subverts the reverent tone often surrounding royal discussions. The quip about modern royals being akin to expensive, ill-adapted pandas resonated deeply with me, encapsulating her ability to intertwine humor and critique seamlessly. It’s these moments that make reading Mantel feel like a vibrant conversation, each line peppered with a degree of fierceness that is refreshingly bold.
Mantel’s writing style—punctuated with clever wordplay and unexpectedly candid assessments—is nothing short of intoxicating. She manages to transform what could be droll historical analysis into a vibrant exploration of humanity. Take, for instance, her witty dismissal of John Osborne’s memoirs as “ferociously sulky,” or her sharp critiques of other historical writers’ endeavors. Mantel’s fearlessness in calling out literary missteps is a joy to read and offers a kind of intellectual freedom that sparks the imagination. Toward the end, I even found myself delighting in her digs at Philippa Gregory, channeling the fierce protector of history that Mantel embodies.
For those of us who might suffer from "Tudor withdrawal," her explorations into figures like Jane Boleyn or Charles Brandon serve as a balm, reminding us of the complexities of these lives. Yet, I would caution readers who might be unaccustomed to non-fiction approaches to history; this collection requires a certain willingness to engage with Mantel’s scholarly insights and social critiques. It’s a challenge worth taking, but I can see how it might feel daunting for the uninitiated.
In conclusion, Mantel Pieces is not just for die-hard fans of Hilary Mantel; it beckons anyone interested in seeing history through a lens that marries intellect with razor-sharp wit. For aspiring book reviewers and history buffs alike, it is a treasure trove of wisdom wrapped in engaging prose. Personally, it reminded me of the importance of humor and critique in literary discourse— how these tools can stir not just a sense of understanding, but a deeper curiosity about the past and our present. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of thought-provoking exploration peppered with humor, Mantel Pieces might just be the intellectual adventure you didn’t know you were seeking.
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