I love Weir's books and I was keen to start this latest book, exploring the life of Thomas Wolsey. I knew a lot about Wolsey's later years but not his early life so it was interesting to learn more about this. I also enjoyed 'learning' about his thoughts - whilst I realise this is Weir's thoughts and interpretations, they are plausible and based on fact where possible.
Weir, as always captures the time superbly and I was transported to this turbulent time. Weir portrays the other people of the time well and it was interesting to see them from another's perspective.
For me this was let down a bit by the length. I feel this is a bit too long and the drama and pace was lost a bit as a result.
Overall 'The Cardinal' is another great read from Weir and I enjoyed reading about a more sympathetic Wolsey.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy.

Who’d have thought I could have been so invested in Cardinal Wolsey’s life?! Alison Weir - you’ve done it again! You never let me down and you bring history to vivid life.

I’m absolutely enamoured by this era of history and the intrigues of Tudor times. She wins me over more and more with each subsequent book and I’ve made it my mission to go back and read everything she’s ever written! I enjoy them so much.

They’re such immersive reads and they have you flung into history and following the lives of who she spotlights. I find myself rapidly reading through, without noticing the numbers of pages I’ve consumed in one sitting. It’s like reliving history itself.

I didn’t know that much of Wolsey prior, aside from the bits included in history textbooks and of his reputation. It was great to read an insight into his life and all that happened within it. He certainly lived a life and one can’t help but be impressed from how high he rose from his humble beginnings (to how high he could fall..!). A butchers son to beloved confident to the eminent king himself!

I’m also making my way through her Tudor Queens series and her books are just my absolute favourite thing. I seriously loved this book. 100/10.

Really had to battle through this one. It was very tell don't show and repetitive.

Instead of showing us the relationship between Tom and Harry it was more 'I felt like a father to him'. Instead of leading us through the work that Tom was performing or involved in, it just said that he went to do paperwork and spent hours thinking about Joan instead.

I kept putting it down and not going back to it for days at a time.

I've read both fiction and non fiction by this author but this is the first that I've really struggled with

Having a great interest in Tudor history I already had some background knowledge on Cardinal Wolsey, both from historical fiction and non-fiction so was keen to read Alison Weir’s new novel. As with her Six Tudor Queens series the author weaves a narrative based on historical fact with enough fictional elements interspersed to make the story flow. The Cardinal immerses you in the dangerous and deadly Tudor court where power and influence can be given and taken away on the whim of one man. It also shows the human side of a historical figure who is known for achieving his high position in the court of Henry VIII from his lowly beginnings. I very much enjoyed The Cardinal and would recommend it without hesitation.

This is a well-researched and accessible account of the career of Thomas Wolsey from his humble beginnings to his dramatic fall. Wolsey reached the highest offices of church and state and became very wealthy but we also learn of his sadness in being unable to be with the love of his life. Alison Weir brings the period to life, resulting in a moving account of one of the great characters of the Tudor age. The timeline at the end of the book provides a useful chonology of events. There is also a Dramatis Personae listing all the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Cardinal referred to in this book is Cardinal Wolsey. Alison weir tells of his history from being a boy until his death. It was a masterpiece of historical research as you would expect from this author. She has also related a good story, which I found moving in parts. Her re creation of the character of Wolsey is excellent.
I enjoyed this book, and found it to be a good read, and would recommend it.