The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power by Alison Weir

Title: The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power

Author: Alison Weir
Genre: Historical Fiction

Other books I've read by this author: Innocent Traitor, Queen Isabella

Synopsis: "Cardinal Thomas Wolsey enjoyed one of the most meteoric careers in history. His rise from humble beginnings coincided with young Henry VIII's ascension to the throne in 1509. The two grew to be cherished friends, and by 1515 Wolsey, now a cardinal, had become the controlling figure in all matters of church and state.

Wolsey operated on an international stage and worked hard to broker universal peace. All was going dazzlingly well until Henry fell in love with Anne Boleyn--the woman whom Wolsey would one day call "the night crow"--and sought to end his marriage to his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Swept up in the maelstrom of "the Divorce," Wolsey, who had successfully given his master everything he wanted, found himself in an impossible situation. As he drew the ire of the future queen, the cardinal found his privileged life and his relationship with Henry crumbling around him." - Back Cover

My Thoughts

I've read both fiction and nonfiction works by Alison Weir, and I have to say that this is my favorite so far! I was so excited to receive this novel as a Christmas gift, I knew it had to be the first book I read this year. I've read A LOT of historical fiction featuring the Tudors, many from the perspective of women during the period (see all my reviews of Philippa Gregory's novels). It was refreshing to get a new point of view on Henry VIII and learn more about the personal life of Thomas Wolsey. This novel has ambition, love, loss, corruption, and coming of age all wrapped into one engaging story. It was such an enjoyable read, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh perspective on the Tudors.

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