Read Hilary Mantel Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

Hilary Mantel, a towering figure in contemporary British literature, has captivated readers with her intricately woven narratives, profound psychological depth, and bold, unapologetic exploration of history. Widely regarded as one of the greatest living authors, Mantel’s books have not only won numerous prestigious literary awards but also revolutionized historical fiction. While she is perhaps best known for her Thomas Cromwell trilogy, her literary corpus extends well beyond that, with works covering an impressive range of themes, periods, and characters. With her deft command of language and insight into the human condition, Mantel’s books offer a tapestry of experiences, ranging from the brutal realities of 16th-century England to the quiet, reflective moments of personal introspection.

This guide will explore the significance of Mantel’s works, providing an overview of her most notable books, and address the question of whether they should be read in a particular order. In doing so, it aims to shed light on the magic of her storytelling, the layered complexity of her characters, and the broader historical narratives she brings to life, inviting readers to immerse themselves fully in her world.

List Of Hilary Mantel Books In Order

More On Hilary Mantel Books In Chronological Order

1. Every Day is Mother’s Day (1985)

So, this is Hilary Mantel’s debut novel, and it’s a quirky one. It’s dark, weird, and just a little off-kilter in the best way. The story follows a woman named Mrs. Veal, who lives with her daughter, the book’s narrator. Mrs. Veal is pretty… well, strange, and her relationship with her daughter is even stranger. There’s a chilling undercurrent to the entire plot, where things slowly unravel as you read, leading to a rather disturbing climax. It’s definitely not your average debut novel, and you can already see the early signs of Mantel’s sharp writing and interest in complex, sometimes grotesque characters.

2. Fludd (1989)

Now this one is something special! ’Fludd’ is like a gothic tale wrapped up in a quirky, small-town setting. It’s about a priest named Father Fludd, who is sent to a run-down parish in the English countryside. But Fludd is no ordinary priest-he’s more of a mysterious figure, and the novel itself carries an almost magical realist vibe. You get a deep dive into themes of faith, redemption, and the clash between modernity and tradition. It’s dark, witty, and packed with a layer of eerie atmosphere, kind of like a medieval mystery novel, if that makes sense. If you’re into odd, offbeat narratives, this one’s for you.

3. A Place of Greater Safety (1992)

Alright, buckle up for this one because it’s a beast-historical fiction at its finest. Set during the French Revolution, Mantel brings to life the tumultuous period with a focus on three key figures: Robespierre, Danton, and Desmoulins. It’s this fascinating blend of historical accuracy and personal drama, and Mantel gives these figures such depth that they become real people with real flaws. You can feel the chaos of revolutionary Paris as tensions rise, alliances shift, and people get swept up in the storm. It’s dense, but definitely rewarding for anyone who loves detailed, immersive historical fiction.

4. The Giant, O’Brien (1998)

This one is…unique. It’s about a giant-literally. The story revolves around Charles O’Brien, a giant of the 18th century who is both a marvel and a tragedy. He’s a real person from history, but Mantel gives him a fictionalized, rich backstory. The novel is about his life, his relationship with his manager, and his struggle with the idea of his own mortality. It’s a story of fame, loss, and human connection, and like much of Mantel’s work, it’s philosophical yet deeply human. It’s an odd, beautifully written exploration of the body and soul, and honestly, not many authors could make a giant so relatable.

5. Beyond Black (2005)

Here’s a strange one. ’Beyond Black’ is about a woman named Alison, who works as a medium, helping people connect with the dead. But she’s not your typical, calm, serene spiritual guide. Alison is a mess-unpredictable, troubled, and often downright terrifying in her own right. The novel explores her past, her interactions with the dead, and the dark world of the paranormal. It’s creepy, yes, but also deeply poignant as it looks at grief, trauma, and the way people try to cope with their inner demons. If you like your fiction dark with a touch of the supernatural, this is a must-read.

6. Wolf Hall (2009)

Ah, now we get to the big one-the book that really made Hilary Mantel a household name. ’Wolf Hall’ is the first in her Thomas Cromwell trilogy, and it’s a masterpiece. Mantel takes you deep into the heart of Tudor England, focusing on Cromwell’s rise to power under Henry VIII. It’s incredibly detailed and lush in historical accuracy, but what makes it so compelling is the way Mantel makes Cromwell feel like a living, breathing character. His ambition, cunning, and deep sense of loyalty to his king are all brought to life in this beautifully written narrative. It’s sharp, political, and absolutely gripping from start to finish. Oh, and it won the Booker Prize, so you know it’s top-tier.

7. Bring Up the Bodies (2012)

This is the second book in the Thomas Cromwell trilogy, and it’s just as brilliant as its predecessor. If you thought ’Wolf Hall’ was intense, ’Bring Up the Bodies’ takes the tension to a whole new level. Set against the backdrop of Anne Boleyn’s downfall, this book shows just how far Cromwell will go to secure his place in history. The politics are cutthroat, and Mantel really dives into the emotional and psychological toll this all takes on Cromwell. It’s another richly textured, brilliant novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, even if you think you know the history. Mantel’s writing just makes the entire period feel so alive.

8. The Mirror and the Light (2020)

And here’s the grand finale of the Cromwell trilogy. ’The Mirror and the Light’ picks up after Anne Boleyn’s execution and takes Cromwell to the height of his power, but we all know what comes after that, right? He’s not going to stay on top forever. This final book takes us through his downfall, his struggles, and the very personal cost of his ambition. It’s an epic, heartbreaking conclusion to the trilogy, and it’s a fitting end to one of the most fascinating characters in history. Mantel’s writing is as sharp as ever, and this book solidifies her as one of the finest historical fiction writers of our time.

Background On Hilary Mantel Books

Hilary Mantel’s writing is characterized by its vivid portrayal of historical periods, psychological nuance, and an unflinching exploration of power dynamics. Born in 1952 in England, Mantel’s career spans several decades and includes a variety of genres, but it is her work in historical fiction that has garnered the most acclaim. Her first major success came in 2009 with Wolf Hall, a novel that delves into the tumultuous world of Thomas Cromwell, a key advisor to King Henry VIII. The novel, which won the Booker Prize, was followed by its sequel Bring Up the Bodies in 2012, which earned her a second Booker Prize. The final volume in the Thomas Cromwell trilogy, The Mirror and the Light (2020), concluded the epic narrative, cementing Mantel’s status as one of the premier literary voices of her generation.

However, her bibliography is far from limited to these celebrated works. Mantel’s earlier books, such as A Place of Greater Safety (1992), Fludd (1989), and Beyond Black (2005), showcase her diverse interests in both historical and contemporary subjects. These novels reveal her ability to cross genres with ease-melding elements of gothic horror, political intrigue, and psychological drama. Mantel’s historical fiction, in particular, is marked by its focus on marginalized characters, often exploring figures who, like Cromwell, are at the edges of power but wield immense influence in shaping history.

What makes Mantel’s books so distinctive is her treatment of history not as a mere backdrop for drama but as a living, breathing force that shapes the psyche and actions of her characters. Her prose is deeply evocative, lush in its descriptions, yet precise in its portrayal of internal conflicts, turning seemingly dry historical facts into compelling, often unsettling, personal stories.

Reading Order Explained

Though Hilary Mantel’s novels are rich enough to be enjoyed independently, the recommended reading order largely depends on which aspect of her work you wish to explore first. For many readers, it’s easiest to start with the Thomas Cromwell trilogy, which is both the pinnacle of her historical fiction and a natural entry point into her style and thematic preoccupations. The trilogy is made up of the following novels:

1. Wolf Hall (2009)
2. Bring Up the Bodies (2012)
3. The Mirror and the Light (2020)

These three books form a continuous narrative arc, exploring Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power, his manipulations, and his eventual downfall during the reign of Henry VIII. The trilogy is one of the most celebrated literary achievements of the 21st century, with each novel building upon the last in terms of depth, complexity, and emotional resonance. If you’re specifically interested in historical fiction set during the Tudor period, these three books should be your starting point.

However, it’s important to note that Mantel’s earlier works are not directly connected to the Cromwell trilogy, and you can read them in any order. A Place of Greater Safety, for example, takes place during the French Revolution and follows three historical figures-Maximilien Robespierre, Georges Danton, and Camille Desmoulins-offering a powerful meditation on revolutionary fervor and moral compromise. Fludd is a gothic novel set in a small English town, dealing with themes of religion, identity, and personal transformation. Beyond Black, on the other hand, is a contemporary novel that blends elements of dark humor and supernatural horror, dealing with a psychic medium’s attempts to navigate the world of the living and the dead.

Although not linked in terms of plot, these earlier books reflect many of Mantel’s recurring themes: the conflict between personal morality and political ambition, the struggles of marginalized figures, and the dissection of the nature of power and its impact on individual lives.

If you’re interested in reading more than just the Cromwell trilogy, you might start with one of these earlier novels to see the full breadth of Mantel’s style and storytelling prowess. They will allow you to appreciate the evolution of her writing from a more experimental, genre-blending approach to the masterful historical narrative of the Cromwell trilogy.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most compelling aspects of Hilary Mantel’s work, particularly in her Thomas Cromwell trilogy, is her ability to bring historical figures to life in a way that makes them feel incredibly human. Thomas Cromwell is not just the cold, calculating adviser often depicted in history books; Mantel paints him as a complex, multidimensional character, capable of both great ambition and surprising tenderness. This nuanced portrayal allows the reader to engage with a figure who, despite his often ruthless methods, becomes empathetic-if not entirely likable-by the end of the trilogy.

Mantel’s prose is another aspect of the books that stands out. Her writing is both lush and economical, capturing the psychological interiority of her characters while immersing the reader in the sensory experiences of 16th-century England. From the cold stone halls of the royal court to the intimacy of personal, inner conflict, Mantel’s descriptive passages make every moment feel rich and vivid. The atmosphere she creates is thick with tension, both political and personal, as the narrative weaves through moments of high drama and quiet reflection.

The deep psychological insight she offers into her characters is perhaps the most powerful element of her writing. She explores their fears, desires, and insecurities in such depth that they become, in a sense, timeless. Reading Mantel’s work feels less like encountering a historical figure and more like having a window into the mind of someone who lived, loved, and struggled-someone real.

Should You Read Hilary Mantel Books In Order?

While it’s not strictly necessary to read Hilary Mantel’s books in order, doing so can enhance your experience. For readers who are new to Mantel, starting with the Thomas Cromwell trilogy is the most accessible and cohesive introduction to her work. The books work well as a complete narrative arc, with each installment building on the previous one. The intricacy and density of the storytelling is best appreciated when you read them in order, as you’ll witness the gradual development of Cromwell as both a historical figure and a literary character.

For those already familiar with the Cromwell books, reading Mantel’s earlier works can offer a broader perspective on her creative evolution. Her style and thematic preoccupations remain consistent, though her narrative techniques vary from book to book. If you’re drawn to a more fantastical or contemporary narrative, starting with Fludd or Beyond Black might offer a refreshing departure before diving back into the world of 16th-century politics.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, depending on your preference for either a deep dive into a single historical period or a broader exploration of Mantel’s literary range.