This is the first of Hilary Mantel’s books that I’ve read, and I just *loved* it. The use of language is superb, and the way that Alison’s memories of her appalling childhood build up over time is beautifully dealt with.
I wish that Colette had been a more rounded character – I found her very unidimensional (is that a word?), and her actions at the end were quite unbelievable.
I understand that many people think that this is one of Mantel’s less good books; in that case, I’m very much looking forward to reading some of her others.
It is on my ‘next to read’ pile and I think I may abandon The Historian in its favour as that’s just not grabbing me yet.
I thought it was fab (review, er, somewhere, if you want to compare: http://community.livejournal.com/50bookchallenge/3931814.html) I’ve just read The Giant, O’Brien which I also enjoyed but for very different reasons. Am looking out for more!